Description

Dhamma Padipa is in operation and holding five courses a year. The facility consists of a rammed earth kitchen/dining building (currently used as a meditation hall and dormitory accommodation) and a rammed earth toilet block. Camping sites are available under shelters or in treed areas.

LPG gas is used for cooking and for instantaneous hot water showers. 240V mains power is backed up with an emergency generator. Rainwater is on tap for drinking, and shower water is provided by an automated pumping scheme using dam water. Telephone and fax connect the centre to the local exchange. An automated outdoor lighting system illuminates the student areas at night.

The course boundaries surround an elevated section within the 80 acre site. Views of the surrounding area are possible from almost every area within the course boundaries. Vegetation ranges from native bush to open fields, with large granite outcrops situated on a gentle slope down to a small valley.

The site is located in West Brookton, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Perth, Western Australia. Dhamma Padipa abuts the Strange Road Nature Reserve, and there are no immediate neighbours within sight or earshot of the centre.

Development

Dhamma Padipa is being designed and constructed almost entirely by volunteer workers. The adjacent photo depicts the centre at various stages of development.

The toilet block and kitchen/dining building are largely complete and the construction of the meditation hall is scheduled to start in early 2005. Teacher’s Residences, Student Residences, and a Pagoda will follow as funding permits.

Old students wishing to become involved in any aspect of Dhamma Padipa are invited to contact the centre. More detailed information on how you can help can be found at the Dhamma Padipa local information page (password required) [PDF 40kb].