The Brahmavihara-Arama is the largest Buddhist temple in Bali, located in the peaceful hills of Banjar, about 10 km from the tourist hub of Lovina in northern Bali.
This relaxing sanctaury, which combines elements of Balinese and Buddhist architecture, was founded in the 1970s by Bhikkhu Girirakkhito Mahathera. The temple is adorned with beautiful lush gardens, meditation chambers, and a miniature replica of Borobudur, the famous ninth-century Buddhist temple in Central Java.
The temple practices Theravada Buddhism, one of the oldest schools of Buddhism, which is also widespread in Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Laos. According to Theravada teachings, life is suffering (‘dukkha’), caused by craving (‘tanhā’), and the end of suffering is brought about following by the ‘noble eightfold path’, or “Ariya Aṭṭhaṅgika Magga”, according to
Ariya = noble
Aṭṭhaṅgika = eightfold and
Magga = path
which are represented by
1. Right view (Sammā diṭṭhi)
The awareness that life involves suffering, and that there is a way to end it.
2. Right intention (Sammā saṅkappa)
The willingness to renounce and align one’s thoughts with compassion and detachment.
3. Right speech (Sammā vāca)
Speaking the truth, kindly. Avoiding lying, gossip, and harsh words.
4. Right action (Sammā kammanta)
Behaving ethically – not killing, stealing, or participating in anything that causes harm.
5. Right livelihood (Sammā ājīva)
Choosing a profession that benefits, rather than harms others (e.g., avoiding professions involving weapons, trading meat or poisonous substances)
6. Right effort (Sammā vāyāma)
Making a conscious effort to cultivate good qualities, and letting go of bad ones (such as anger, jealousy, or laziness)
7. Right Mindfulness (Sammā sati)
Being fully aware of one’s body, feelings, thoughts, and surroundings.
Living in the present moment, being present.
8. Right Concentration (Sammā samādhi)
Practising meditation, deep focus and mental clarity, especially through a state of absorption (jhana).
VISITING THE TEMPLE
The temple is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Modest and decent clothing should be worn in the temple (e.g., no short skirts or tank tops).
You can wander around the temple freely, enjoying the scenery, wood carvings and statues, or joining daily mantra chanting sessions.
If you want to deepen your spiritual experience, join one of the programs in the immediate vicinity of the temple, such as the Santhika Dream Hill Retreat, a yoga clinic that offers detox and spiritual retreat programs, among else.
Also near the temple is Brahma Vihara Guesthouse, where guests can join in on temple activities and meditation sessions.
Below the temple, downhill, is Indo Rumah Zengarden, a popular accommodation among long-term visitors and spiritual practitioners, and an additional option closer to the coast is Bagus Home Stay, owned by a German, 2.8 km from the temple.
Looking for cheap accommodation in Lovina?
Check out our post on THE BEST BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS IN LOVINA here.
BHIKKHU GIRIAKKHITO MAHATHERA
The monastery is the realization of the vision of Bhikkhu Girirakkhito Mahathera (born Ida Bagus Giri). After being ordained on November 15, 1966 in Bangkok, Thailand, he made it his lifelong mission to promote Buddhism in Indonesia. His legacy, celebrated at the monastery, which also features a statue of him on its grounds, includes writing Buddhist hymns and taking young monks under his wing.
English 
Hrvatski 