Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda embodies the heart and vision of Sangha House NOLA, rooted in deep meditation and fearless insight. She inspires our community with the clarity of the Dharma and invites all to embrace the transformative presence of the here and now, where the timeless wisdom of the Buddha meets the immediacy of lived experience. Her unwavering commitment to bringing the transformative power of the Dharma to all beings is a testament to her mission.

A Buddhist monk, Venerable Dayananda received novice ordination in 2018 as Sister True Moon of Clear Grace in the Plum Village Vietnamese Zen tradition under Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh. In 2020, she received higher Bhikkhuni ordination (upasampadā) from the Embracing Simplicity Contemplative Order, carrying both the Theravada and Mahayana lineages while honoring the teachings of her esteemed preceptors, Ashin U Pannadipa Thero and Venerable Maha Theri Dr. Pannavati Karuna.

Her transformative 'Great Aspiration' pilgrimage across the U.S., where she brought compassion directly into communities through her unique 'barefoot Buddhism' approach, earned her the 2024 Outstanding Women of Buddhism award. This endeavor demonstrated the profound power of embodying the Dharma through service and inclusive practices that extend beyond traditional monastic settings. The insights gained from this journey continue to inform the work of Sangha House NOLA, guiding efforts to create a truly inclusive and accessible community.

The Dharma has been Venerable Dayananda’s greatest source of insight and transformation, enabling her to heal from injustice and suffering. She shares these learned truths to help others unlearn deeply embedded beliefs that keep them from liberation. Nurtured by her teachers and the wisdom of multiple lineages, her refined understanding allows her to serve as a guide for others on their paths of awakening.

Venerable Dayananda’s unique calling addresses the need for creative, tangible, accessible connections with the liberating teachings of the Buddha. As the founder of Traveling Nunk and Sangha House NOLA, she bridges diverse communities, forging direct connections and acting as a conduit for the profound power of the Dharma. Through a unique blend of teachings, practices, and community building, she guides individuals on an introspective journey of unlearning limiting beliefs, cultivating compassionate understanding, and fostering fierce reconciliation. She inspires others to embrace the wisdom of the Dharma in their daily lives, transcending complexities and contradictions.