Goljek Forest Hermitage, Slovenia

Goljek Forest Hermitage – also called Samaṇadīpa – is a small monastic (samaṇa) sanctuary (dīpa) for small number of monks from the contemplative and conservative forest tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. It is the first of the kind in this part of Europe that follows the original teachings of the Buddha, as found in the early texts and has an unbroken linage from around 2600 years ago.

The monks follow the high standard of the monastic code (vinaya) and the teaching (dhamma), which can still be found in some places in Theravādin countries (Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, Cambodia). Samaṇadīpa honour association with all forest monks, but especially with the lineage of the teacher Ajahn Chah.

Samaṇadīpa welcomes visits from anyone who is interested in the Buddha's Teaching, meditation or seeking the answers to their existential problems. It is a small and modest meditation place, not a spiritual hostel or a retreat centre, a seminar centre or a temple serving a particular cultural purpose.
The Hermitage is located in a serene, natural environment amid forested land, on Goljek Hill, 40mins drive from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Because of its simplicity, has a potential to provide us with the ideal conditions to follow the Buddha’s advice.

At this stage Samaṇadīpa cannot accommodate overnight guests. However you are welcome to visit Samaṇadīpa for the day, keeping in mind the purpose and tranquil atmosphere of a meditation place. The best time to arrive is between 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. any day of the week. You can also make an appointment to meet the monk on arranged time. If you wish to bring a food offering and join in with the meal, please contact Samaṇadīpa in advance to ensure that monks are staying in the Hermitage.

There are many beautiful paths for walks and peaceful spots for meditation, and you are welcome to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the forest and the countryside. More information for longer walks you can find on tourist web-page.

If you wish to stay nearby overnight, there is a bed and breakfast Obolnar in Dolenja vas, 10 minutes driving from the Hermitage.

Monks of the Hermitage strictly follow the monastic code (vinaya) as has been laid down by the Buddha. The laypeople who come to the Hermitage are not bound by the rules for monastics. You can interact with them as you would with any friend or acquaintance. However note that:

according to the rules of celibacy, a monk preferably may not sit or talk alone with women in secluded areas. The presence of another man is required – even to discuss Dhamma or to sit in silent meditation in the same room;

the rules for monks and nuns require that they do not touch members of the opposite sex. Therefore, you can greet them by holding your palms together in the praying position instead of shaking their hands;

lay visitors are requested to dress modestly when visiting;

in addressing a monk, it is generally considered impolite to refer to them directly by name without an appropriate form of address. Any monk can be addressed as “Bhante”. Alternatively you can address any monastic who has been ordained for more than ten years as “Ajahn”. Monks who have been ordained for less than ten years may be then addressed as “Venerable,” or as “Tan”. (Thai for “venerable.”) In Slovenian that would be “častiti” or, as the locals might call them, “brat” (“brother”)

For further information about Samaṇadīpa, please visit http://www.slo-theravada.org/samanadipa/259-visit.html