Our Sangha
A community united by the Dhamma, cultivating compassion and wisdom from Cuba to the world.
Home Our Sangha
The Sangha of Bhava Nirodha Nilaya is a diverse and growing community of monastics, aspirants and lay practitioners dedicated to the practice of Theravada Dhamma. United under the guidance of Venerable Ayya Marajina, we share the path of the Buddha from our hermitage in Florida to homes in Cuba, Colombia and beyond.
Our community is grounded in the authentic teachings of the Tipitaka and in the living practice of the Brahmaviharas: Metta (absence of ill-will), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) and Upekkha (Equanimity).
Absence of ill-will and hatred toward all beings, without distinction or borders.
Active compassion that moves us to serve and accompany others on the path.
Sympathetic joy in the well-being and spiritual achievements of others.
Serene equanimity that keeps us centered amid the vicissitudes of life.
"Sangham saranam gacchami"
I go to the Sangha for refuge — Formula of the Three Refuges
From ordained monastics to committed lay practitioners, each member of our Sangha brings their dedication to the flourishing of the Dhamma in Latin America.
A Cuban-American bhikkhuni ordained in 2012 at Aranya Bodhi Hermitage, California. With over 15 years of meditative practice, she leads Bhava Nirodha Nilaya from Fort White, Florida. She has dedicated her life to establishing the first Theravada temple in Cuba, training the next generation of monastics in Latin America, and sharing the authentic teachings of the Buddha through weekly live streams, retreats and Spanish translations.
A committed Cuban practitioner dedicated to Theravada monastic training, ordained as a Samanera in 2026. His name, meaning "the one who possesses nothing," reflects the spirit of renunciation and simplicity that guides his practice of the Noble Path. He helps lead the community's daily meditations.
She has taken up the life of nekkhamma within Theravada monastic training. She lives in Colombia and accompanies the community in Cuba for extended training periods throughout the year. She helps lead the community's daily meditations, and her presence in the Sangha is a testament to how the teachings of the Buddha transcend borders.
A fundamental pillar of the community in Cuba, Maricela leads the organization and coordination of Dhamma activities on the island. As lay director of the Theravada Cuba Community, she facilitates gatherings, supports local practitioners and ensures that the Dhamma continues to flourish in Havana and beyond.
Committed to the path of renunciation as an anagarika, Karunika (who received her Dhamma name at Vesak 2026) also serves as co-director of Theravada Cuba. Her dual role reflects the deep connection between monastic practice and community service, bridging the contemplative life with the work of spreading the Dhamma on the island.
A practitioner for over fifteen years, he attends retreats regularly. From Colombia he coordinates the donations that sustain Theravada Cuba and its monastics, and he is the point of contact for those wishing to offer their generosity to the community.
Wherever you are, there is a place for you in our Sangha. Participate in person or virtually through our diverse channels of connection.
Our hermitage on 7.2 acres of ecological land in Fort White, Florida. The heart of the Sangha, where retreats, meditations and in-person monastic training take place.
Learn moreThe first Theravada community established in Cuba, with active practitioners in Havana and other cities. Led by Maricela and Karunika, it is a beacon of the Dhamma in the Caribbean.
See Cuba ProjectOur most active virtual group, connecting practitioners from around the world. Share daily reflections, live stream schedules and spiritual friendship with Dhamma brothers and sisters.
Join the groupNo matter where you are or what your experience with Buddhism is. Our Sangha welcomes with metta all who sincerely seek the path of the Dhamma.
Join our WhatsApp group to start getting to know the community.
Participate in the weekly live streams of meditation and Dhamma. Cultivate your practice with the guidance of Venerable Ayya Marajina.
If you feel the calling, explore the monastic path as an aspirant, or support the Sangha through dana and selfless service.
English — Tuesdays 6:00 PM ET
Spanish — Sundays 11:00 AM ET
Copyright 2025, Bhava Nirodha Nilaya. May all beings be happy and free from suffering.
