Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project

Anukampa Bhikkhuni Project is a Buddhist charity based in Oxford, UK, spreading the Dhamma and developing a residence where women can live and practise as bhikkhunis. "Anukampa" means the wise compassion that alleviates suffering and its cause, the quality that motivated the Buddha to teach.

Venerable Candā founded the project in 2016 at the request of her teacher Ajahn Brahm, who serves as its Chair and Spiritual Adviser. It was registered as a charity in April 2017. Its main objective is to promote the teachings and practices of Early Buddhism leading to full awakening. Venerable Candā's own monastic life began in Myanmar and Australia, where she spent eight years as a samaneri before taking bhikkhuni ordination.

The project has organised retreats and talks in the UK and elsewhere, in places such as retreat centres, Quaker meeting houses and community halls. Teachers have included Ajahn Brahm, Ajahn Brahmali and Ayya Anandabodhi. Guided meditations, talks and discussions of the suttas are also shared online, and many recordings are on its YouTube channel.

In 2024 the project established Anukampa Grove, a monastic residence in the woodland hamlet of Boars Hill near Oxford. It describes it as the first bhikkhuni residence in the UK, a step towards restoring gender equity in the Theravada tradition. Up to four bhikkhunis live and practise there, and a couple of rooms are open by arrangement to lay guests who wish to share the simple monastic routine.

The community is committed to inclusivity. It welcomes everyone, including LGBTQIA+ people and people of every ethnicity, race and background, both to its events and as guests at Anukampa Grove.