Vien Khong Nunnery: Past and Present

Vien Khong Monastery was founded in 1987 by Most Venerable Ven. Viên Minh with the aspiration to establish a sincere meditation environment for both monks and nuns. In 1999, in accordance with the regulations separating the practice of monks and nuns, a separate nunnery was built, located about one kilometer from Vien Khong Monastery.

Vien Khong Nunnery in Its Early Days — The Early Days of Vien Khong Nunnery

Vien Khong Nunnery is located in Hamlet 2, Village 4, Chau Pha Commune, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Toc Tien Commune, Phu My City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province). With its serene and fresh atmosphere, it has become an ideal destination for those wishing to learn and practice the Dhamma, and to live in a peaceful monastic environment.

The nunnery is currently under the guidance of Venerable Nun Lieu Phap. With the aspiration to create a pure environment for practice, it is a place where the bhikkhunīs are nurtured in moral discipline (sīla), develop concentration and wisdom (samādhi and paññā), and cultivate loving-kindness (mettā) in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings. Regular schedules of meditation practice, Dhamma study, Dhamma talks, and recitation of the monastic code are maintained, enabling the nuns to cultivate wholesome qualities and accumulate supreme merits on the path to liberation.

In addition to its daily practice activities, Vien Khong Nunnery also holds many important ceremonies of profound spiritual significance. The main annual festivals of the nunnery include: :

Dhutanga Night on the First Full Moon of the Lunar Year

Anniversary of the Founding of Vien Khong Nunnery and Gratitude to Its Founder – This is an occasion for the monastic community and lay Buddhists to express their deep gratitude to the Most Venerable Thera Vien Minh, the highly revered elder who founded and established Vien Khong Nunnery.

Vassa (Rains Retreat) – This marks the period of intensive practice and monastic residence of the bhikkhunīs during the three months of the rainy season, in accordance with the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.

Memorial Ceremony in Honor of the Arahant Bhikkhunīs – An occasion to express gratitude to the noble arahant nuns. — Memorial Ceremony for the Noble Arahant Bhikkhunīs – An occasion to honor and express gratitude to the enlightened nuns.

Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony – A special occasion held after the Vassa (Rains Retreat), when the bhikkhunīs have completed three months of diligent practice.

Each festival is an opportunity for the Buddhist community to gather, share the joy of the Dhamma, and strengthen their faith in the Triple Gem.

Every year, Vien Khong Nunnery organizes community service retreats such as:

Summer Retreat for Children (ages 12–15).

Temporary Monastic Ordination Retreat for participants aged 18 to 70.

Charity gift giving programs at Vien Khong Nunnery:

The Nunnery organizes gift giving events to support families in difficult circumstances.

The Nunnery gives notebooks, bicycles and school supplies to studious children.

Dharma talks during the Rains Retreat help lay Buddhists better understand the Dharma.

Vien Khong Nunnery is a spiritual home, welcoming those who long to find peace and wisdom in the midst of a turbulent life — together cultivating good dharma, sowing seeds of enlightenment for the present and the future.