Venerable Pannavati, Maha Theri is a former Christian pastor, uniquely ordained in both Theravada and Mahayana traditions. She is also a Vajrayana teacher. Particularly inspired by her final lineage master, she offers authorized esoteric lineage teachings, empowerments and activities using skillful means. She co-founded Heartwood Refuge, an intentional monastic and lay residential community; Correct Cultivation Learning from Buddha Academy, and Embracing Simplicity Hermitage monastic order. Venerable also served on Buddhist and inter-spiritual leadership boards, internationally, having retired from decades of active work in humanitarian projects advocating and serving women’s advancement, education for Dalits (India’s Untouchables) and full ordination for female monks.
Venerable Pannadipa was Founding Co-Abbot of Embracing Simplicity Hermitage and ordained in the Theravada and Mahayana (Chan) traditions. A former Taoist monk and an initiated yogi, he taught Tien Shen Pai Kung Fu, qigong, Tai Chi and Fitness for more than 26 years. Powerfully present with penetrating awareness, he guided meditators towards jhanic attainment, teaching them how to use this empowerment in all circumstances of practical life. In addition, he had extensive experience assisting in the transition from this life to the next for both humans and animals. Venerable Pannadipa left his body in May 2022.
History of Heartwood Refuge
The monastic order, Embracing Simplicity, was started in 2004. In 2016, Venerable Pannavati and Venerable Pannadipa acquired a 30 room mansion built in 1905 with 60 additional courtyard rooms. The intention was to provide a center that could accommodate Buddhist teachers and retreats in the south. The center functioned until 2022 when the residents relocated to the current location.
