Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda (she/her), a Buddhist Monk, received novice ordination in 2018 as Sister True Moon of Clear Grace in the Plum Village Vietnamese Zen tradition under the guidance of Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. In 2020, she received higher ordination with the Embracing Simplicity Contemplative Order, inheriting transmission lineages from both Theravada and Mahayana traditions, along with Vajrayana empowerments from her Master Preceptor Ashin U Pannadipa Thero and her Maha Theri Venerable Dr. Pannavati Karuna, who transmitted to her the Dharma name Dayananda, meaning ‘The One Whose Delight is Mercy’.

Complementing her upbringing in the Church of God, where she immersed herself in the study of verse from a young age, Venerable Dayananda found profound liberation within the teachings of the Dharma.

Responding to her unique calling, Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda now leads Sangha House NOLA, a project situated in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, under the umbrella of Traveling Nunk. This initiative emphasizes the cultivation of innate wisdom and compassionate action, advocating for accessible and relatable connections with the liberating teachings of the Buddha. Her presence and experiences at the intersections of diverse communities inspire direct connections with individuals, serving as conduits for the profound and transformative power of the Dharma and the Interbeing that calls for engaged actions.