In the first foundation of mindfulness, we’re looking at the nature of the body as it is: what it’s made up of, and the fact that it dies and goes back to the earth. The elements return to the elements. The Buddha often refers to bodily feeling as related to the body, and the body is impermanent. So we’re trying to hold on to these ephemeral things, these feelings, as though they will give us lasting happiness.
Ayya Anandabodhi
Residential Retreat Teacher, Monastic
Ayya Ānandabodhī was born and raised in Wales, UK. Ayya first encountered the Buddha’s teaching in her early teens while reading about the Four Noble Truths. This was life changing and from that moment she experienced a deep confidence in the Buddha’s insight and had a wish to understand his teachings more deeply. At the age of 24, Ayya began monastic training at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in England under the guidance of Ajahn Sumedho. Years later she moved to the USA with a wish to create more opportunities for women monastics. In 2011 she took full Bhikkhunī Ordination, joining the worldwide revival of the Theravāda Bhikkhunī Order. Ayya Ānandabodhī loves to share the Dhamma. Her practice is guided by early Buddhist scriptures, care for community, an interest in releasing trauma, and through nature’s pure and immediate Dhamma.
Dharma Library
Can't join us live online or on the land? Study and practice at your convenience with Ayya Anandabodhi through our new library of recordings, articles, and self-paced online courses.