Online Theravāda Buddhism Workshops 2026 with Ayyā Kāruṇikā
We are delighted to invite you to the next edition of our Theravāda Buddhism Workshops — a series of meetings designed to deepen both knowledge and practice, based on authentic teachings offered by monastic and lay teachers.
The September meeting with Ayyā Kāruṇikā will be one of four workshops planned for this year.
It is an opportunity for deeper practice, a fuller understanding of the Dhamma, and direct contact with an experienced Buddhist nun who shares the teachings in a clear, gentle, and highly practical way.
Workshop Topic
Understanding the Hindrances and How to Overcome Them
Why Attend?
The September workshop with Ayyā Kāruṇikā will focus on one of the most practical yet subtle areas of meditation: the Five Hindrances — five mental states that obscure clarity, weaken our energy, and draw us away from present-moment awareness.
Ayyā Kāruṇikā will guide participants in directly recognizing the hindrances, understanding their dynamics, and learning ways of working with them that are based not on struggle, but on wise understanding. Particular emphasis will be placed on sustained intention — a quality that enables practitioners not only to recognize the hindrances, but also to stay on course, even when the mind becomes restless, sluggish, or distracted.
Mental hindrances are a natural part of practice. Understanding how they operate brings relief and clarity, and supports the development of samādhi (concentration) and paññā (wisdom).
This workshop may become an important step on your path towards greater freedom of the heart.
Workshop Teacher
Ayyā Kāruṇikā is currently the abbess of Santi Forest Monastery in New South Wales, Australia, and serves as the Spiritual Director of the New Zealand Bhikkhunī Sangha Trust. She has lived the monastic life for over 14 years and received full bhikkhunī ordination in 2014 at Dhammasara Nuns Monastery in Western Australia, where she lived and trained for over a decade under the guidance of Ajahn Hāsapaññā. She has been a student of Ajahn Brahm and Ajahn Brahmali for over 20 years.
Ayyā Kāruṇikā has a gift for presenting Buddhist teachings in a practical and accessible way to people of all ages. She has experience leading retreats for both adults and young people. She holds a PhD in microbiology and has worked as a scientist. She also served as the project manager for the construction of the main building complex at Dhammasara Nuns Monastery and has worked with many volunteers over the years. Ayyā Kāruṇikā was born in Sri Lanka and has lived and worked in Australia for more than 20 years.
She is dedicated to supporting the development of the Bhikkhunī Sangha worldwide and is currently involved in projects aimed at establishing places for bhikkhunīs in the Theravāda Forest Tradition in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and Sri Lanka.
Workshop Dates
5–6 September and 12–13 September 2026 (2 weekends – 4 days in total)
Scheduled time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Polish time)
A total of 12 hours of practice (3 hours per day).
Format and Language
The workshop will take place online (live).
Language of instruction: English.
How to Register
Registration for the workshop is available via the link below:
With mettā.