Tilorien Monastery

Tilorien Monastery is a monastic community based on Early Buddhist teachings. Our values are inspired by kindness, equality, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. We provide a place of practice for Bhikkhunis while also supporting other female monastics, LGBTIQ+ people, and other underrepresented groups to develop in the Dhamma. 🙂

In April 2017, the humble beginnings of Tilorien Monastery were formed in the Belgian Ardennes. The Sangha still lived in very basic conditions, in a tree house and a tent in a kind supporter’s garden. In 2018 the building of the Monastery in Engreux commenced and it was finished in 2019.

Supporting the Sangha

‘When a gift is given, it makes the mind serene.
Gratification & joy arise,’
one gives a gift with the thought,
‘This is an ornament for the mind, a support for the mind.’

— AN 7.52

Giving (Dāna) is a fundamental practice in Buddhism to develop the mind for both monastics and lay practitioners. Monastics freely give the Dhamma. They devote their life to fully develop the Buddhist path to be able to share their insight with others and to inspire them. This Dhamma is invaluable to the world. All dhamma talks and stays at the monastery are therefore made available free of charge. Lay practitioners however have the opportunity to give donations according to their means and inspiration.

In the Theravada tradition, monastics don’t use money. They depend on the lay community to provide their material needs. They have renounced the world in order to be able to fully focus on their spiritual development.

By following this practice set up by the Buddha, both the lay community and the Sangha mutually depend on each other. This fosters a sense of community and responsibility for each other.

There are several ways to support Tilorien Buddhist Monastery:

— Donating Food: Some basic foods are always required like nuts and seeds, oats, breakfast cereals, etc. as well as multivitamins (incl. iron) and probiotics. (You can find the address and instructions for sending on our contact page)
— Financial Support

Monastics

Ven. Vimala Bhikkhuni is the founder of Tilorien Monastery and one of the founders of Samita ASBL. They were ordained as Bhikkhuni in 2016 and has been living at Tilorien Monastery since 2018. Ven. Vimala is also one of the main developers of BuddhaNexus.net at the University of Hamburg and was a frontend developer for SuttaCentral.net from 2013-2018.

Ayya Anandabodhi Bhikkhuni and Ayya Santacitta Bhikkhuni are the Spiritual Advisors of Tilorien Monastery.

The Sangha will be in Sabbatical retreat from 1st February 2025. Tilorien Monastery will be closed to visitors at this time.

In the meantime, you are welcome to follow our online iSangha program!