Serving Sydney's Buddhist community since 2002
Bodhikusuma Buddhist and Meditation Centre is a non-profit organisation located in the heart of Sydney. It aims to make Buddhist teachings accessible to the broader Sydney community by conducting regular meditation workshops, Dhamma classes, and inviting senior monastics from all over the world to teach. By providing a place to gather and practice together, the centre works to foster friendship and goodwill among Australian Buddhists.
Bodhikusuma maintains the original Buddhist principle of offering Dhamma teachings free of charge, asking only that those who feel they've benefited consider lending their support insofar as they're able. We welcome anyone hoping to enhance their spiritual understanding through meditation and the Buddhist way of life, regardless of nationality or religious background.
In 2002, Mrs Nina Yee — witnessing the fast-growing number of Australians interested in Buddhism — set out to establish a functioning Theravāda centre in Sydney, offering classes, meditation sessions, workshops and talks. That year, Dr Robert Tan and Mrs Laurine Tan generously offered a location at Chippendale, and the centre opened under the name Bodhikusuma, "Flower of Enlightenment."
As interest grew, the need for a larger space became clear, and in 2007 John Yee offered the whole top level of his newly renovated building in Haymarket. The fit-out — a Dhamma hall, two classrooms, three monks' rooms, a library, gift shop, kitchen, studio and public area — was completed in around two months, visited throughout by prominent monks including Luang Por Plien, Ajahn Abhijai, Ajahn Nyānadhammo and Ajahn Pasanno. A 54-year-old Buddha statue with relics already enshrined inside arrived as a donation just in time, and the new centre opened on 17 June 2007 with nine monks and many distinguished guests in attendance.
Bodhikusuma gratefully acknowledges the support of Venerable Chaokhun Phra Vibunsilaporn, abbot of Wat Pah Buddharangsee, Australia; Venerable Chaokhun Phra Pannyavarabon, abbot of Mendut Vihara, Indonesia; Venerable Bhante Mahinda, abbot of Aloka Monastery, Australia; Venerable Dr Sugandha of Thailand; and founding supporters Mr John Yee, Dr Robert Tan and Mrs Laurine Tan.