Letter on the 10th Anniversary of Samanadipa by Hiriko
Dear friends, supporters, and fellow travelers on the path,
Today marks ten years since the doors of Samanadipa were first opened.
On the 15th of April, a simple, worn house was entered with a key, a vision, and a willingness to begin without certainty. It was not a grand beginning. The conditions were modest, basic, even harsh. The building was fragile, the work constant, and the future unclear. Yet something essential was already present: a determination to create a place dedicated to Dhamma, simplicity, and inner work.
Samanadipa did not arise out of convenience or institutional support. It emerged from a long inner process—years of searching, questioning, and at times, profound disillusionment. There were moments of inspiration and deep faith, but also experiences of misunderstanding, isolation, and the tension between inner conviction and external systems. Out of this, a clearer direction gradually formed: the need for a place grounded in honesty, independence, and direct practice.
From the beginning, the intention was simple: to create a space where the Dhamma could be lived, not merely discussed. A place where one could step out of noise and expectation, and encounter oneself more directly. A place that would not impose uniformity, but allow for sincerity, inquiry, and responsibility.
Over the past ten years, Samanadipa has grown—not only physically, but in depth and meaning. What began as a solitary effort slowly became a shared field of practice. Many people contributed in visible and invisible ways: through work, support, presence, trust, and patience. Without this, Samanadipa would not exist.
At the same time, the essence of the place has remained unchanged. It is still, at its core, a hermitage—a place that points away from accumulation and toward letting go. A place that invites reflection rather than distraction. A place where the question of how to live becomes immediate and personal.
Looking back, there is no sense of completion. Ten years is not an endpoint, but a continuation. The same questions remain alive: What is truly worth dedicating one’s life to? What does it mean to live honestly? What is freedom, beyond ideas?
Samanadipa stands as an open invitation to explore these questions—not through belief, but through direct experience.
I would also like to express my deep gratitude to Ajahn Nyanamoli, who has taken on the role of General Guardian and Dhamma teacher, carrying forward the responsibility of guiding this place with clarity and integrity. His presence and commitment have been essential in shaping the direction of Samanadipa. At the same time, I extend my sincere appreciation to all past and present monks, anagarikas and lay supprters who have contributed to this sanctuary. Each of them, in their own way, has helped to co-create the conditions for practice, bringing their effort, discipline, and sincerity into what Samanadipa has become today.
With gratitude and respect,
Hiriko (Primož Korelc)
Founder and Representative of Samanadipa