Ayya Santacitta
Santacitta Bhikkhuni was born in Austria and did her graduate studies in Cultural Anthropology, focusing on dance, theatre, and ritual. She also worked in avant-garde dance theatre as a performer and costume designer. In 1988 she met Ajahn Buddhadasa in southern Thailand, who sparked her interest in Buddhist monastic life. She trained as a nun in England and Asia from 1993 until 2009, primarily in the lineage of Ajahn Chah, and has also received teachings in the Shechen lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Santacitta Bhikkhuni co-founded Aloka Vihara in 2009 and received Bhikkhuni Ordination in 2011. She is committed to Gaia as a living being and resides at Aloka Earth Room, currently located in San Rafael, CA.
Upcoming Programs by Ayya Santacitta
Devotion for the Earth & Engaged Surrender (AA1G25)
Registration will close at 5:00pm (US Pacific Time) prior to the fourth class on Tuesday, August 26. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available within 48 hours following each class. Description: With Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as guides, this series explores re-cognizing ourselves as part of […]
Earth Awareness Dharma: Nurturing Interdependence and Stewardship (AA1Z25)
Also Carol Cano, MA
Register for On-Land Please only register for one of the two formats: On-Land or Online. Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on September 14, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program. Description: This day invites us to pause from the fast-paced rhythm […]
Earth Awareness Dharma: Nurturing Interdependence and Stewardship (AA1D25)
Also Carol Cano, MA
Register for Online Please only register for one of the two formats: On-Land or Online. Registration closes at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on September 14, 2025. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program. Description: This day invites us to pause from the fast-paced rhythm […]
Silence Behind the Noise - A Monastic Retreat (322R26) - On Land
Also Ayya Anandabodhi and Ayya Santussika
Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on July 15, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on May 17, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early. Interested in Commuting to the retreat? - learn more below. Description The sound of silence is an ever present quality that we can learn […]
The Family Retreat - Application 2026
Also Diana Winston, Ofosu Jones-Quartey and Ayya Cittananda
Applications open at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on February 18, 2026, and close at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on April 18, 2026. Admission for this retreat is by application and a lottery-style selection in order to maintain a diverse community of practitioners - see Selection Details below for more information. Open to: Families with children ages 7-15 […]