Meditation is the cultivation of the mind. Through systematic and sequential training, we can develop the inner strength to clearly see the true nature of life and the universe. This allows us to move from a place of belief to directly verifying the Buddha’s teachings, ultimately leading to the complete cessation of suffering and the attainment of unshakable peace and happiness.
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The meditation practice here is based on the Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification) from the Pāli Canon, which outlines 40 types of meditation methods.
Generally, beginners start with mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati). However, meditation masters may adjust the method according to the individual’s progress and condition.
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DE KL and DE Kuching are open year-round and welcome local and international practitioners to learn meditation at any time.
If you wish to come for practice, please submit a meditation application form HERE at least one week in advance. Wait for confirmation from the Dhamma office before arriving at the center.

For more information, you may call:
+6019-858 2666 (Kuching)
+6017-977 9100 (Kuala Lumpur) during office hours.

In addition, DE KL and DE Kuching also organize one-day, three-day or ten-day meditation retreats from time to time. Beginners and experienced practitioners alike may register according to their own level of practice.
Please follow updates on our official website, or our Dhamma Earth Facebook pages.
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Everything is free of charge. The center provides free accommodation, meals and teachings.  ALL DE MONASTERIES RUN ON DONATIONS.
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT

Please register online through the provided link below. After filling in the form and selecting your preferred center, submit the application. Our volunteers will process it and respond as soon as possible. Please only make travel and visa arrangements after receiving the official approval notice.
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Currently, the center does not allow self-practice. All residents must follow the teacher’s instructions. If you wish to self-practice, you may first come and discuss with the teacher. The teacher will assess your practice to determine whether further guidance and development are possible. If the teacher sees potential for further progress and you are open to continuing under guidance, you may be allowed to stay and continue your practice.

As long as the individual is not a Muslim, and is willing to follow the monastery’s behavioral guidelines, daily routine, and is humble and open to learning, they are generally welcome.
They must meet daily with the meditation teacher, attend all Dhamma talks (unless otherwise exempted by the teacher), and join morning chanting.
They must also observe the basic Five Precepts of Brahma conduct:
1. Abstaining from killing,
2. Abstaining from stealing,
3. Abstaining from sexual activity,
4. Abstaining from false speech,
5. Abstaining from alcohol, intoxicating substances, or drugs.
Other observances, like bowing to Buddha images, teachers, chanting the Three Refuges, or joining palms, are optional and can be done based on personal choice.

DE Kuching is located on 22 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Kuching City, surrounded by a few scattered farmhouses. The environment is peaceful, lush with trees and grass, accessible by paved roads, and relatively flat and convenient in terms of transportation. Basic infrastructure is well-developed, with stable electricity and water supply.
Kuching is near the equator (latitude 1.56000), so the climate is hot and rainy year-round, with temperatures between 25°C and 33°C. The rainy season typically lasts from November to March, which is a good time for meditation. However, those with arthritis should be aware of the damp and cool conditions. Daily temperature variation is small, so generally, healthy individuals do not need sleeping bags or thick clothing. A regular blanket is usually sufficient for sleeping at night.

If you are a layperson, please click the link to find our designated taxi driver and contact them to make arrangements.
If you are a monastic, please inform us of your travel details to Kuching, and our transport team will make separate arrangements for your pickup.
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DE KL is located at the greenbelt border between the Klang Valley and the southern end of the central range, at coordinates 3.027722°N, 101.882972°E. The equatorial climate is humid and rainy throughout the year, with no distinct wet or dry season. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C, with a daily variation of about 10°C.

The northeastern side of the center is surrounded by forest reserves, with misty mountain ridges in the morning and occasional fog after rain. The local climate is a mix of forest and mountainous characteristics: cool and crisp in the early morning, hot in the afternoon, and cooler again during evening showers. It is advisable for meditators to bring sleeping bags or jackets. Elderly individuals should especially take precautions against the chilly post-rain mornings in the forest area by keeping warm with extra blankets.

Established in June 2016, DE KL is in the secondary development stage. Accommodations include older living quarters, and containers and rooms newly built in 2024 and 2025. The daytime heat and nighttime cold can be slightly uncomfortable for older or physically weaker individuals, though we have a newly built accommodation for the elderly. Limited attached bathrooms also pose inconvenience for those with urinary system conditions. However, with the understanding and tolerance of kind supporters, residents continue to study Dhamma, improve the center, and serve others in this modest environment.

Water is supplied by a combination of underground wells and mountain springs. Electricity and water are sufficient for daily needs, though there may be temporary shortages during large events.

Although the roads leading to DE KL are a bit bumpy, steep slopes are paved with asphalt or lime, and regular vehicles can access the area with careful driving. If unsure about the route, please call the office at +6017-977 9100 for assistance.

Thanks to its geographical advantage, the center is just an hour’s drive from the city and major universities, making it a peaceful retreat for urban dwellers to recharge away from the hustle and bustle.
The nearby forest reserve also provides diverse options for meditation: in the hall, in tree huts, or by a stream just a 10-minute walk away.

Volunteers are very welcome! Please contact the respective centers in advance:
+6019-8582666 – DE Kuching
+6017-9779100 – DE KL
+6016-5548699 – DE Penang
Or click here to see other contact methods

For lay people: You can take a taxi directly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to DE KL (Please refer to the relevant page for more details.)
For monastics: Please inform us of your travel itinerary to Kuala Lumpur, and the transportation team will make arrangements to pick you up.

Currently, the monastic and meditation teachers are unable to respond to Dhamma questions via such means. We recommend visiting our official website to download and listen attentively to Dhamma talks by Bhante Maṅgala, Bhante Buddharakkhita and other teachers, and to practice diligently based on them. Most topics on daily life and meditation are covered in these talks, and the answer you are seeking may already be in them.
If after listening to all the talks you still cannot find a satisfying answer, or if your question is quite unique or specific, you may send your question to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Volunteers will compile the questions and present them to the meditation teacher during regular Dhamma sessions. The recorded answers will then be uploaded to the official website for everyone to download and learn from.
In this way, as you resolve your doubts and grow in wisdom, you also contribute to the wisdom of others—thus, you're participating in the merit of Dhamma propagation, achieving two benefits at once.
As for more private or meditation-related questions, they are often complex and cannot be fully answered through just one or two Dhamma talks. Some meditation situations require face-to-face guidance. Therefore, it’s best to come to the center in person and consult a qualified teacher directly.

Dhamma Earth centers welcome adults who have completed the observation period to experience temporary ordination throughout the year.
Anyone who has previously participated in a temporary ordination program at Dhamma Earth centers maintains a good record, and has a qualified preceptor available to administer the novice precepts (for males) or the ten precepts (for females), can typically come for another temporary ordination of a week or more.
We also occasionally organize temporary ordination retreats for adults or children. Please stay updated on our Events and Activities page and Facebook pages for announcements.

Anyone aged 15 or above who is not physically disabled or impaired, has no severe deformities or chronic illnesses, is not senile or mentally unstable, is not wanted by authorities, is not affiliated with non-Buddhist religions, has a healthy mind, is humble and receptive to learning, and successfully completes a 10-day observation period, is generally eligible for temporary ordination.
The center will provide all necessary requisites for ordination (such as robes and bowl). But you are encouraged to prepare your own razor blades (5-blade would be most recommended) for shaving.

Yes, all temporary monastics at Dhamma Earth must shave their head and facial hair.
Both male and female monastics must observe the basic Ten Precepts, which are:
1. Refrain from killing
2. Refrain from stealing
3. Refrain from sexual activity
4. Refrain from false speech
5. Refrain from intoxicants and drugs
6. Refrain from eating after noon
7. Refrain from entertainment and performances
8. Refrain from using perfumes, cosmetics, and garlands
9. Refrain from using high or luxurious seats/beds
10. Refrain from touching or handling money
There are also other minor rules that can be gradually learned during the ordination period.

According to normal conditions, people who ordain short term has to be able to take care of themselves. If you wish to bring your children to ordain, please come to monastery and talk to our teacher. Occasionally, we will specially organize temporary ordination camps for children, usually held during the school year-end holidays.
Please see our Events and Activities page and Facebook for detailed announcements.

If this is your first encounter with Dhamma Earth, we suggest taking a period of mutual exploration and understanding. It’s recommended to first stay and serve at the center either as a yogi or volunteer.
Once you’ve cleared all obstacles to ordination and are mentally and physically ready for deeper learning and training, you may express your sincere intention to ordain directly to the teacher at an appropriate time.
As long as you demonstrate good conduct, sincerity, and willingness to be guided and trained by the Sangha and teacher, they are usually happy and supportive of your aspiration to pursue the noble life.

We have limited facilities and support at our Dhamma Earth monasteries for those who need special care. You are welcome to consult and discuss with the teacher.
Our hope for the future is that DE KL will be able to provide better conditions for special-needs groups such as persons with disabilities, cancer patients, the dying, and the elderly—so that people from all walks of life can come to learn the Dhamma, accumulate merit, and make the most of the twilight years of their lives.  But at our current stage of development, support and conditions are still limited for this part of the ecosystem.

Given the current limitations of our monasteries' infrastructures, this opportunity is currently reserved for the parents of ordained monastics and long-time board members or dedicated volunteers.
In the future, once resources allow, Dhamma Earth monasteries will aim to develop designated areas for end-of-life care and memorial services (including ash repositories).

Currently, the limited basic facilities at Dhamma Earth are prioritized for the parents of ordained monastics, enabling them to fulfill their filial duties at the monastery. Once our facilities are more developed, we will consider welcoming more elderly and disabled individuals to learn the Dhamma and enjoy their later years in a positive and wholesome environment.
If the person is not a monastic’s parent but is still relatively healthy in old age, or is a disabled person with full-time personal care, and if accommodation is available, we warmly welcome them to come and learn the Dhamma.

We recommend bringing

• a few sets of plain, modest clothing,
• loose long pants, a water bottle, thermos,
• blanket,
• towel,
• mosquito repellent,
• sleeping bag,
• yoga mat,
• flashlight,
• personal toiletries,
• alarm clock,
• notebook,
• pen,
• USB drive (to bring back Dhamma talks),
• voice recorder (for important meditation instructions), and
• mp3 player (for additional Dhamma talks).
  Please do not bring jewelry, rings, large amounts of cash, valuables, insecticides, cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
  We do not provide individual lockers. Meditators are strictly prohibited from killing, smoking, using drugs, or drinking alcohol. Violators will be asked to leave the monastery.

Cooking meat is not allowed in the monastery. However, devotees are allowed to bring and offer meat as alms food. Sometimes, monastics receive "three-purity meat" (meat considered pure according to traditional standards) while going on alms rounds.

(39.1) Can I use facial cleanser while observing the Eight Precepts?

Answer: We don’t prohibit it, but we don’t encourage it either. Ask yourself: Is the purpose of using it to clean dirt, or to beautify yourself? The Seventh Precept advises against using perfume and adornments. If it’s not for beautification, it’s generally acceptable.

(39.2) Can I bring a hair dryer to dry my hair?

Answer: Drying your hair is fine, as long as it's not used for hairstyling or beautification.

(39.3) My shampoo and body wash are scented. Can I still use them while observing the Eight Precepts?

Answer: It’s not strictly forbidden but not encouraged. Preferably, use mild, unscented soap and shampoo for a more complete observance.

(39.4) Can meditators wear watches?

Answer: Wearing a watch to tell time is acceptable. However, some watches are designed to be fashionable or to display social status. Monastics typically avoid wearing watches for these reasons. If you must wear one, choose a simple and practical one.

(39.5) I have stomach issues—can I take spirulina capsules in the evening without chewing them?

Answer: The Sixth Precept is to refrain from eating after noon. However, medicine is allowed if taken for illness. Ask yourself: Do you regard spirulina as regular food, or as a supplement/medicine? If it’s for nourishment and not your main meal, it’s permitted.

The Malaysia Dhamma Society (MDS), formerly known as Kuching Bhagavan Buddhist Society (KBBS), is a Buddhist organization founded in 1997 by a group of devoted lay practitioners committed to supporting Theravāda Buddhism, spreading the true Dhamma, and promoting meditation practice.

Dhamma Earth – Kuching, Malaysia is owned and managed by the Malaysia Dhamma Society, whose committee members include monks from the Dhamma Earth/Tusita Saṅgha Council (or Senior Sangha of Dhamma Sangha Council of Malaysia). The Dhamma Earth/Tusita Saṅgha Council is responsible for setting general guidelines, giving direction, and overseeing Dhamma-related matters but does not participate in financial operations.

Dhamma Earth – Kuala Lumpur is owned by the Malaysia Dhamma Society (MDS) but is managed by the Dhamma Earth Club of Malaysia (DECOM).
From the leadership structure led by the Dhamma Earth/Tusita Saṅgha Council (or Senior Sangha of Dhamma Sangha Council of Malaysia), Dhamma Earth – Kuala Lumpur is indeed considered a branch of Dhamma Earth – Kuching established in West Malaysia. However, they are managed by different committees.
Dhamma Earth – Kuching, Malaysia is a meditation center located in East Malaysia (Kuching), owned and managed by MDS. Dhamma Earth – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is a Dhamma ecological and meditation center located in Semenyih, West Malaysia, and is managed by DECOM.
The Dhamma Earth/Tusita Saṅgha Council (or Senior Sangha of Dhamma Sangha Council of Malaysia) provides Dhamma guidance, training, and supervision, and collectively leads the overall direction of both organizations.

MDS and DECOM are two separately registered legal entities with different committees, though both are guided by the Dhamma Earth/Tusita Saṅgha Council (or Senior Sangha of Dhamma Sangha Council of Malaysia).
MDS is responsible for managing Dhamma Earth – Kuching, Malaysia.
DECOM was registered in 2016 and is responsible for managing Dhamma Earth – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bhante Maṅgala is not the abbot of Dhamma Earth – Kuching or Dhamma Earth – Kuala Lumpur. Both centers strictly adhere to the traditional monastic system and do not have abbots or heads.
Bhante Maṅgala is simply one of the members of the Dhamma Earth/Tusita Saṅgha Council. The leadership of Dhamma Earth lies in the Dhamma itself and is not fixed to any individual or group.
Whoever upholds the Dhamma most at a given time is considered the leader at that time due to the arising of supportive conditions.
Among the members of the Dhamma Earth/Tusita Saṅgha Council, Bhante Maṅgala is the most senior and has naturally become the spiritual guide of the Saṅgha and the community.

Bhante Maṅgala has currently withdrawn from all teaching responsibilities and is in personal retreat. There are no plans for him to teach in the near future.
You are encouraged to learn meditation from other respected teachers such as Bhante Dhammagavesaka, Bhante Budhharakkhita, or Bhante Paññāsami:

- Bhante Dhammagavesaka primarily guides meditation at Dhamma Earth – Kuching, Malaysia
- Bhante Budhharakkhita is most often at Dhamma Earth – Penang
- Bhante Paññāsami is usually at Dhamma Earth – Kuala Lumpur

In recent years, Bhante Maṅgala has been preparing for long-term personal retreat. After he entered retreat, the meditation teaching at Dhamma Earth monasteries has been continued by meditation teachers or assistant teachers assigned by the Pa-Auk Saṅgha of Myanmar.
Dhamma Earth and its affiliated organizations are now collectively led by the Dhamma Earth Saṅgha Council (or Senior Sangha of Dhamma Sangha Council of Malaysia). The systems and direction of the community have been well-established and are already running smoothly, so the centers can continue to function even in Bhante Maṅgala's absence.
As the spiritual guide of the Dhamma Earth Saṅgha Council (or Senior Sangha of Dhamma Sangha Council of Malaysia) and the community, Bhante Maṅgala will surely continue to care for and refine the system whenever wisdom and conditions arise.