Santikaram Forest Temple is a Theravada Buddhist meditation retreat centre in the Heart of Europe, set in the natural beauty of the Žilina region in northern Slovakia, near the thermal spa town of Rajecké Teplice. Created by Santikaram Association Slovakia, it was established in October 2022 and officially opened on 1 January 2023.
A place to practice the Dhamma
In their own words, the temple’s retreats are based on Theravada Buddhist meditation, such as vipassanā bhāvanā, insight meditation. They simply share the Dhamma, the Buddha’s Teaching, and help people find their true nature. The temple is an open meditation retreat centre for members of the association as well as guests and visitors, and it also hosts Buddhist monks and meditation teachers.
Bhante Sati Santikaro Thera
The temple is supervised by Venerable Bhante Sati Santikaro Thera, a Slovakian Theravada Buddhist monk and founder of the association, ordained in the Burmese and Thai monastic traditions. After 15 years of training in the monastic order and travelling around Southeast Asia, he returned to his native Central Europe and established Santikaram. His monastic name can be translated as Mindful Peacemaker, and peace and mindfulness are the two qualities he develops and teaches.
Life at the temple
Guests observe the Eight Precepts and follow a simple daily rhythm of morning and evening chanting and meditation in the hall, shared work, the preparation and offering of the daily meal, and individual practice. During retreats, Noble Silence is kept and the internet is set aside, so guests can make the most of the quiet and live simply for a while.
Ways to join
- Group meditation retreats. Retreats of several nights for beginners and advanced meditators, guided by Bhante Sati Santikaro Thera with a small group of up to ten people. A November retreat begins on 12 November 2026.
- Individual retreats. Personal retreats with regular interviews with the resident monk, booked in advance.
- Festivals and gatherings. Celebrations such as the Kathina Festival, the robes offering at the end of the rains retreat, with an alms round, a Dhamma talk and a shared lunch.
- Visiting and volunteering. Day visits, membership in the association and volunteer projects.
Visit Santikaram Forest Temple
Santikaram Forest Temple is at Stránske 290, 013 13 Stránske, Slovakia. See retreats and events at santikaram.com, or email santikaram.slovakia@gmail.com to reserve a stay.
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With love, Infused Lights. This spotlight is part of the Infused Lights Light Network, a free directory of friends doing light filled work. Photos courtesy of Santikaram Association Slovakia (santikaram.com), used with credit and a link back to their site.
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