free, open, connected, real

What is Santipala?

Santipala means 'Guardians of Peace'. It is an informal group of lay supporters of Santi Forest Monastery. We organize teachings, fundraising, and various kinds of events in Sydney associated with Santi FM. Each year a small Committee is elected as the core action group.

Santipala Charter

Santipala pledges to work for the happiness and liberation of all through the Buddha’s teachings. We strive to integrate the principles of the Buddha’s teaching in all our activities. As well as applying the Dhamma principles of harmony and kindness, we learn from and apply the principles of consensual decision making and transparent procedures that are part of the Buddhist Code of Conduct (Vinaya). These are summed up in our motto:

FREE: All Santipala activities are entirely free of charge, including Dhamma talks and materials for distribution, such as books, CDs, etc. On events such as retreats, charges may be made for food and accommodation, but not for teachings. With this minor exception, all our activities are supported entirely by donations. The Buddha never charged anyone a fee to listen to his teaching, and neither will we. He is the owner of the Dhamma, we are merely passing it on, and have no right to make money from what is not ours.

OPEN: Santipala practices respect for and dialogue with other Buddhist traditions and religions, so that we can learn from their wisdom and contribute to community harmony. We put on our own interfaith events, and will participate in others’ events as much as possible. We are also open in the sense of supporting truly democratic and accountable procedures.

CONNECTED: Santipala is an integral part of Santi Forest Monastery, and all our activities directly benefit the growth of a local community of ordained Sangha. This also includes the creation of a sense of belonging and friendship among those who are seeking the teachings. But we do not restrict ourselves to our own group. Santipala networks with other Buddhist organizations and will happily advertise and support activities in any other reputable center.

REAL: Santipala teachings are authentic, relevant, and substantial. They are based on a deep and careful study of the Buddha’s original teachings, and show how to bring those teachings to life. There’s no guru trip or platitudes. Your responsibility is to challenge and to question, and to figure out your own answers.

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Santipala Committee

The Santipala Committee for 2008/2009 is:

Barbara Kearns

Roy Gonzales

James Le The

Soojin Kim

Sarah Lappin

Andrea Cooper

Helen Sharwood

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Santipala and Santi Forest Monastery

Santipala is part of a larger organization, so it is worth clarifying the different aspects and their relationships.

Santi Forest Monastery: A 150 acre bush property in Coalmines Road, Bundanoon, which currently has a community of around 20 people. The main purpose of the Monastery is to provide ordination and training for bhikkhunis (nuns) and bhikkhus (monks) in the forest tradition. Lay guests are welcome to stay, and accommodation, food, and teachings are entirely free of charge.

Santi Forest Monastery Inc: A non-profit incorporated charity that owns the monastery property on Coalmines Road and manages the funds for the monastery. It is a democratic body with a small membership base, somewhat over 20 people at the moment. You are invited to apply for membership, which is free and open to all. Members may vote each year for the new committee.

Resident Sangha: The monks and nuns living at Santi FM.

Relationship between Resident Sangha and Santi FM Inc: The monastery is run by the Resident Sangha, and the role of Santi FM Inc. is to support them in this. The Santi FM Inc. constitution allows that the Resident Sangha should elect a Sangha Representative, who is to liase with Santi FM Inc. If there is a community of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis resident, each should elect a Sangha Representative. The Sangha Representative(s) becomes the Spiritual Director(s) of Santi FM Inc., with certain powers under the constitution, unless Santi FM Inc. decides by special resolution to expel them. Currently the Sangha Representative/Spiritual Director is Bhante Sujato.

Santipala: An informal support group for Santi Forest Monastery. It has no legal status and hence cannot do things such as hold a bank account, etc. Everything requiring such a legal basis is done under Santi Forest Monastery, Inc., including the handling of all funds. Each year a small committee is elected as a working group, called the Santipala Committee. It is their responsibility to ensure the smooth running of Bhante Sujato’s teachings, especially at the Woolwich Hall, and any other activities that Santipala agrees to undertake, such as fundraising, interfaith dialogues, etc.