About Us

Ethos

Bodhi, meaning Enlightenment, Peaceful, Awakening

At Bodhi we strive to engage in ethical, non-exploitative and spiritually beneficial business.
We aim to make a difference in the world by:

• Building a sense of community, by building a relationship with our customers
• Providing a comprehensive range of books on the Buddhist teachings, ethical living and a life enriched through meditation, wisdom and compassion
• Sourcing gifts that have been ethically made, Fair Trade, or direct from the artisans, providing valuable income, and are non exploitative
• Sharing our enthusiasm, to make a conscious choice in what they buy, and the impact that has. Supporting us supports others. “Good for you, Good for our World”

Meet the Team

We opened our doors December 2007, after people asking “why don’t you make the books available for everyone to see”. The foundation and experience at Bodhi Books and Gifts comes via Windhorse Books which has distributed books to bookshops, Buddhist groups and individuals since 1994.

Where we've come from:
Working with a team of volunteers we combined resourcefulness, good will and a great deal of energy to create our first shop in Enmore Road.

Where we've been:
After two years we found ourselves looking for a new premises. We felt confident that our customers were growing in number and becoming loyal and supportive of the philosophy of our endeavour.

Where we are now:
Today, our shop in King Street, Newtown continues to provide the tranquil oasis and friendly service upon which we have built our reputation. Our range is always evolving with new titles and gifts coming in weekly. We have made many friends through our street presence and are happy to say that our move from a warehouse in the back streets of Newtown to the main drag has been not just a step but a leap forward in providing customers with a positive and meaningful buying experience.

Ratnajyoti:
Book guru, a fountain of knowledge, who comes out from out the back from time to time. He loves talking to people and is passionate about having quality Dharma books made available. Being one of the original business founders, who an ear for music!

Shubhavyuha:
The one with the big smile and creative flare. She can make the ordinary look extra ordinary. She has a strong interest in the Dharma, and finding you the right book, or gift.

Dhiramani:
Motivated in sharing the stories behind the gifts, so that you can connect with the artisan. She loves the sense of community that has built up with our regular customers. Friendly, and interested in helping you to find the right gift, or book.

Veronica:
Deeply values providing friendly and helpful service to you. Her interest in the Dharma, and strong desire to alleviate the suffering in the world, means she is passionate about working at Bodhi. Oh, in case you didn’t know, she loves Cats!

Testimonials

What our customers say about us

Bodhi Books and Gifts is my all time favourite bookstore. They have fantastic gifts as well, but my thing is books. Whether browsing the many varied titles and teachings on Buddhism, mindfulness, yoga and even poetry, or looking for something specific (which is usually in stock or readily ordered) it's a pleasure to shop here. And if you don't know exactly what you're looking for expert help is always available. All the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful, and I especially enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere they genuinely create. I can't recommend Bodhi Books and Gifts highly enough.
Jazz Eastman

I always enjoy going to Bodhi store on King Street, Newtown. The staff there are very friendly and helpful, they have a huge selection of Buddhism books and Meditation books, I can definitely find something to read, and I'm always amazed by the various gift wares they stock. I find something new and interesting each time I visit the store. I don't necessarily buy something every time, but I still can't miss the opportunity to visit the store, I feel happy just simply by being in the store.
Carole L

Every time I visit Bodhi Books and Gifts, there is an amazingly wonderful air of excitement, mystique, and expectation about it - a veritable artisan's emporium.
This Store is my go to shop for anything and everything to do with Meditation, Buddhism, and Spirituality and I’m rarely disappointed.
The Staff are very kind, courteous, and ultra-experienced in all aspects of Buddhist philosophy, practices, and culture. A definite Newtown treasure! Highly recommended.
Wendy Rose-Williams (Meditation Facilitator)

Bodhi, top of my list when I visit Newtown for gifts as they are Fair Trade, authentic, some peace and books. Just a lovely well stocked store.
Sue W

Awards

We were a Finalist in the 2017 local business Awards for the "Beyond Our Four Walls" category, for engaging with our suppliers in an ethically sustainable way for workers, the environment, the world! Many thanks to our loyal customers for your support, by voting for us.

We were a Finalist in the 2014 local business Awards for Outstanding Specialised Retail Business. Many thanks to our loyal customers for your support, by voting for us.

Out and about

We not only operate from our shop, but through out the year we get out and about, and you may see us at festivals. One of our favourites is the Cruelty Free Festival. We have also attended, Mindfulness conferences, Bondi Yoga Festival. We love the opportunity to interact with the public in this way.

Keep your eyes peeled, as you never know where we might pop up!