Beneath the fluttering colours of celebration, a quiet stillness remains.
The pond reflects the flags above — just as the outer festivities mirror an inner journey unfolding over the past year.
One year ago, a seed of faith was planted. Today, that seed stands visible — in the land, in the gatherings, and in the hearts that return again and again. What began as quiet ground now carries the footsteps of practice, service, and shared devotion.
Inner stillness meets outer celebration. The path continues.
The Seed — Last Year
On 9 February 2025, what began as open ground became sacred ground. A name was inscribed into stone. The Saṅgha gathered. The community stood witness. It was a single day of celebration —yet within that day, a seed was planted.
Over the months that followed, that seed began to unfold through sacred observances, retreats and teachings, service to the surrounding villages, and moments of stillness at dawn. Journeys were undertaken, new faces arrived, and familiar hearts returned — not through noise, but through steady practice.
What was once an inauguration has become a living, breathing Arañya Saṅghārāma.
First Anniversary Celebration
As Araṇya Saṅghārāma completed one year since its inauguration, the Saṅgha gathered in strength and harmony. While five monks reside at the monastery, this anniversary brought together a larger gathering of the Saṅgha. On the day of the main observance, a total of nineteen monks were present, including two monks from the monastery in Chandigarh — the largest monastic gathering the monastery had witnessed so far.
7–9 February celebration overview
The visiting Saṅgha remained at the monastery until 14 February, allowing participants to return in a quieter and more relaxed setting after the main programme.
During this extended period, lay devotees offered service through the cooking facility, preparing meals for the Saṅgha in devoted teams from 7–14 February (except during the main three programme days).
This became a meaningful expression of generosity and shared responsibility.
The celebration extended further with a two-day programme in Chandigarh on 14–15 February, before the Saṅgha departed for Thailand on 16 February — marking not only the completion of an anniversary, but the continued journey of the Dhamma.
When the Valley Began to Change
Days before the anniversary, the valley began to change. Flags stretched across the open sky, red carpets rolled out over bare earth, and tents rose gently against the hills. What is usually a simple, serene landscape slowly took on the colours of welcome.
Schedules were pinned thoughtfully in visible corners. Pathways were lined with petals. Volunteers moved quietly through the grounds — preparing not just a venue, but an atmosphere.
For the first time, residential tents were arranged within and around the monastery, allowing participants to stay close to the rhythm of practice. Many chose to remain on the grounds, rising before dawn to join the morning meditation, while others found nearby accommodation and returned each day.
Even before the Saṅgha arrived, the spirit of offering had already begun.
The Saṅgha Arrives
Before reaching the monastery grounds, the Saṅgha paused briefly for Nampāna.Trustees of Aranya Vihara Trust received them with respect, joined by devoted lay disciples who had travelled from Thailand.
It was a gentle beginning — simple, warm, and filled with quiet anticipation.
As evening settled over Arañya Saṅghārāma, devotees gathered silently beneath rows of fluttering flags. Petals lined the pathway. Lamps glowed softly. Word spread — the Saṅgha had arrived. What began as preparation now became presence.
7 February — Entering the Rhythm
The first morning began in stillness. Before the gathering, before the voices, before the movement — there was meditation.
After the bustle of the previous day’s preparations, monks and lay disciples gathered in the sālā, allowing the anniversary to begin with practice and stillness.
Piṇḍapāta
As the morning unfolded, the Saṅgha stepped out for piṇḍapāta — the ancient rhythm of alms round continuing amidst anniversary preparations.
Even in celebration, the foundations remained unchanged.
From Stillness to Movement and Community Harmony
Walking meditation unfolded gently across the monastery grounds — each step taken in awareness, the morning light carrying silence across the valley.
Under the warmth of the tent, the community gathered to take precepts and listen to Dhamma reflections. Sanghadāna was offered with gratitude and devotion, followed by the midday meal — the morning flowing gently from practice into offering, from stillness to collective participation.
As the first day of the three-day anniversary programme unfolded, the emphasis remained on practice. What had begun in stillness at dawn had now become a shared field of devotion — Saṅgha and laity seated together in harmony. The day unfolded not in grandeur, but in grounded practice.
Returning to Ancient Footsteps
In the afternoon, the Saṅgha and lay disciples journeyed to the ancient monastery site at Ādi Badri. Seated among the stone remains, the Saṅgha chanted while devotees bowed in gratitude, allowing the visit to become more than a historical stop — it was a moment of recollection.
From the ruins, the group continued on foot, walking through forest paths, across the gentle stream, and along the riverbank. The journey itself became part of the practice — simple, steady, and shared.
It was a return not only to an ancient place, but to the living continuity of practice.
A visit to the Museum
From Ādi Badri, the group continued to the nearby museum . As they moved through the galleries, curiosity and conversation flowed naturally. Some leaned in to listen, others pointed out details, and smiles appeared easily — for many, it was a first visit.
It was not a formal tour, but a moment of learning and simple joy. The spirit of togetherness continued.
A Sense of Fullness
As the visit to the museum concluded, the Saṅgha and lay community returned to the monastery. The evening gathering brought the day to a gentle close with chanting and silent meditation, followed by a Dhamma talk by the respected Luang Por Liem. Reflections were shared, and a sense of gratitude settled gently over the grounds.
It had been a full day — rich with movement, learning, and togetherness. With long hours behind them and the larger celebrations ahead, the community retired for the night with gentle smiles, ready for the fuller gatherings of the next day.
8 February — First Anniversary Observance
The day began before sunrise at 5:30 a.m., as the community gathered at the sālā for guided meditation and chanting. It was the first anniversary observance — a day both reflective and celebratory.
Walking Meditation Led by Bhante Anavajjo
After breakfast, the community gathered at the tent. Bhante Anavajjo offered clear and practical guidance on walking meditation — anchoring attention in the body, the breath, and each deliberate step.
Soon, the group moved outdoors. Monks and lay disciples walked side by side across the open grounds, practising together in steady awareness.
There was no rush. Just step after step.
Breath and Movement Together
For the full instructions on walking meditation, you may watch the recording below.
Each Step Returning to the Present
More moments of walking practice may be viewed below:
Ajahn Anavajjo — Walking Meditation
https://youtu.be/dyI_YagTHEE?si=O3T52d-hBSo4BRaE
Lay Disciple — Walking Meditation
https://youtu.be/l3UYUSupAFc?si=f3GhK9qBEoLEDMkr
https://youtu.be/a6BpS2uP-dc?si=9RwMX8mmNRLn0yOq
Piṇḍapāta
With rice prepared and bowls ready, the Saṅgha steps forward for piṇḍapāta.
Along the path, the lay community awaits — gathered in reverence, united in offering.
With bowed heads and steady hands, the community offers rice to the venerable Saṅgha-
a simple yet profound act of generosity.
After the alms round, gratitude continued in simple acts of service.
The Heart of the Celebration
Gathered once more beneath the main tent, the Saṅgha and laity sat together in attentive silence. The Five Precepts were undertaken, reaffirming the foundation of practice.
Dhamma reflections followed, offered with clarity and warmth. Saṅghadāna was then presented with gratitude and devotion, the community united in shared offering.
At the conclusion of the gathering, the respected Luang Por Liem offered his blessings to all assembled — a moment of grace that gently carried the day forward.
Blessing of the New Śālā and Kuti
Luang Por Liem, together with the Saṅgha and lay community, began walking towards the new Śālā site, situated slightly uphill from the tent. The atmosphere shifted from stillness to movement — a collective step towards the future of the growing community.
The significance of chanting the Mahāsamaya Sutta was explained, after which the chanting began, with Saṅgha and lay community reciting together in unison.
Following the chanting, the community circumambulated the new Śālā while reciting the Itipiso. Some carried incense in their hands, others walked with palms joined — each step offered with faith and intention.
While the community circumambulated, Luang Por Liem remained within the new Śālā, continuing his chanting with folded hands — quietly anchoring the moment in blessing.
With hearts uplifted, the Saṅgha and lay community then made their way towards the new Kuti site. There, protective chants were recited and blessings offered, marking the ground with aspiration and goodwill for the monks who will dwell there in the years to come.
Mahāsamaya Sutta Chanting at the New Śālā
Circumambulation with Itipiso Chanting — New Śālā
A Day of Reflection and Gratitude
Later in the afternoon, participants gathered for a question-and-answer session with Luang Por Jundee, where thoughtful questions were raised and answered with clarity and warmth.
As evening approached, the community gathered once more in the main tent for chanting and meditation. The day concluded with blessings, gently bringing the first anniversary observance to a close.
9 February —Visit to the Land & Chaneti Stupa
The final day of the formal three-day programme began at the Śālā with morning chanting, walking meditation, and sitting practice. The steady rhythm of practice continued through the morning with reflections, Saṅghadāna.
In the afternoon, one group visited the surrounding land where future kutis are envisioned, walking the terrain and reflecting on the monastery’s gradual growth.
Another group of monks and lay devotees visited Chaneti Stupa. There, they sat in quiet recollection, offered homage, and chanted the Itipiso while circumambulating the stupa — linking the present gathering with the ancient roots of the Dhamma.
The day concluded with evening chanting at the Śālā, followed by a question-and-answer session with Ajahn Kevali, gently bringing the three-day anniversary programme to completion.
Though the formal celebration came to an end, the spirit of practice continued in the days that followed.
Saṅghadāna Offerings
Throughout the Saṅgha’s stay, Saṅghadāna was offered daily — an act of generosity and gratitude.
10 February – A Gentle Farewell
Before the offering of Saṅghadāna and the meal, a forgiveness ceremony was held as Luang Por Jundee prepared to depart for Thailand.
With humility and gratitude, the community sought forgiveness for any unintentional shortcomings during his stay — a moment both intimate and sincere.
After the meal blessing, Luang Por Jundee departed, accompanied by Ajahn Guṇakaro and devoted lay supporters. That evening, the Saṅgha stayed at the residence of a lay devotee in Delhi before continuing onward to Thailand.
Though one chapter concluded, the connection forged during the anniversary days remained alive in the hearts of many.
11–13 February – Days of Practice
🔹 Daily Rhythm & Seva
The days unfolded gently and naturally. Mornings began in stillness, and gradually the monastery came alive in simple, meaningful ways. Some joined in cleaning and plantation work, while others stepped into the kitchen.
Various Upāsikās and Upāsakas took turns cooking dishes for the Saṅgha — preparing breakfast and the meal in devoted teams. It became more than cooking; it was an opportunity to cultivate wholesome deeds through shared effort and joyful service.
🔹 11 February – Journey to Adi Badri & Mantra Devi
Later that afternoon, part of the group travelled to Adi Badri and Mantra Devi, while others remained at the monastery.
At Adi Badri, some sat in meditation among the ancient ruins. Others climbed nearly 2,000 feet up to Mantra Devi, embraced by forest and mountain air.
On the way back, fellow monks from Maharashtra were met along the path. Greetings were exchanged warmly, and Bhante Anavajjo extended an invitation to visit the monastery — a simple yet beautiful moment of connection within the wider Saṅgha.
That evening, after meditation in the Śālā, Bhante Nyanavaro responded to questions from the community, clarifying Dhamma points with patience and care.
🔹 12 February – Reflection & Dhamma Quiz
Earlier that day, before the meal ceremony, Luang Por Liem offered a short reflection on the physical nature of the body — the four elements — encouraging contemplation with sati (mindfulness) and paññā (wisdom).
Later, the Dhamma Quiz brought a different energy into the hall. Participants were divided into three groups, leaning toward one another in discussion. The exchanges were lively and thoughtful, touching on themes such as sīla (ethical conduct) and the seven factors of enlightenment.
Some moments were serious, others lighthearted — yet throughout there was a spirit of wholesome engagement. Learning the Dhamma was not confined to listening; it became interactive, lived, and joyful.
🔹 13 February – Adi Badri Evening & Memory Session
Before the meal ceremony, Luang Por Liem reflected on wholesome actions through body, speech, and mind — kāya, vācā, and mano — encouraging careful awareness in how we live, speak, and think.
In the evening, Luang Por Liem, the Saṅgha, and the lay community returned to Adi Badri. Chanting echoed through the ancient stones, followed by meditation under the open sky and a forgiveness ceremony. The landscape seemed to hold both reflection and renewal.
Back at the monastery, the day concluded with a Memory Session led by Bhante Anavajjo — gently guiding participants to observe attention and awareness within experience.
It was a day of integration — where reflection, practice, and shared presence were unified.
Days of Presence
Between the formal gatherings were simple, unplanned moments — walking the grounds, sitting in stillness, exchanging a few words, or visiting nearby devotees and sharing time with the Saṅgha.
These glimpses reflect the days of Luang Por Liem’s stay at the monastery, where practice and presence naturally blended into daily life.
Morning rounds across the monastery grounds.
Moment of stillness at the new Śālā site.
Walking the grounds, reflecting on the space and its future use.
A gentle walk across the land, sharing light-hearted moments
.
Moments of tea, conversation, and blessings.
Candid Moments
14 February – A Farewell and a Welcome
As the sun rose on the 14th, the community gathered to offer respects to Luang Por Liem and the Saṅgha before their departure from the Saṅghārāma. With folded hands and bowed heads, gratitude was expressed in silence — not as a formal farewell, but as appreciation for days of practice and guidance.
There was no sense of ending — only continuation.
As one community stood in quiet reverence, another prepared to receive with joy.
Later that day in Chandigarh, Luang Por Liem, accompanied by Ajahn Sek, Ajahn Kevali, visiting monks, and the resident Saṅghārāma monastics, was welcomed with devotion — petals scattered along the path, hands folded in respect, and hearts ready to offer dāna. What was released in one place was received in another.
What began as a visit soon unfolded into a deeply joyful gathering for the Chandigarh Dhamma community.
In this way, the Dhamma continues its gentle journey — carried by faith, generosity, and shared aspiration.
14 February – Offering at a Devotee’s Home
Upon arriving in Chandigarh, the Saṅgha was received at the home of a devoted Upāsikā, where supporters had gathered to offer the meal.
The gathering began with the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, undertaken together with sincerity and devotion. Supporters then made their offerings to the Saṅgha, expressing gratitude through acts of generosity.
Luang Por Liem shared brief Dhamma reflections, and Ajahn Kevali continued with thoughtful discussion, allowing the teachings to settle gently through dialogue.
Visit to Sukhna Lake
In the afternoon, the group visited Sukhna Lake, guided by local well-wishers. A brief pause by the water offered space for reflection before the journey continued.
At a Devotee’s Home
From Sukhna Lake, the Saṅgha proceeded to the home of another devoted Upāsikā in Chandigarh. In the evening, she graciously hosted the Saṅgha, offering allowable refreshments while devotees gathered respectfully. Auspicious paritta chants were recited, filling the home with a sense of blessing and gratitude.
As a remembrance of the visit, the Upāsikā also requested Luang Por Liem and the Saṅgha to offer their autographs in her book — a small but meaningful gesture marking a cherished moment.
That evening, the Saṅgha retired to Ashoka Buddha Vihār for the night.
15 February – Practice and Teachings at Ashoka Buddha Vihār
The following day, the community gathered at Ashoka Buddha Vihār for a day of offering and practice. The morning began with a ceremonial rice piṇḍapāta , followed by the meal offering and Saṅghadāna in the main shrine hall.
The gathering was graciously hosted by Venerables Sumanpriya and Panyaloka, with the support of the Ashoka Buddha Vihar Trustees led by Meenal Barua.
Luang Por Liem shared Dhamma reflections, offering guidance to the gathered devotees.
Afternoon Session – Chanting and Walking Meditation Practice
In the afternoon, Ajahn Kevali led teachings on the meaning and practice of chanting, followed by guidance on walking meditation. Participants then practised walking meditation together in mindful silence.
The session concluded with a Dhamma discussion and questions from participants, including reflections on observing the Eight Precepts. Informal conversations continued into the evening, bringing the day of practice to a warm and meaningful close.
As the gathering gradually dispersed, there was a sense of gratitude among those present — for the opportunity to learn, practice, and reflect on the Dhamma together.
16 February – A Respectful Send-off
On the final morning, devotees gathered at the station to see off Luang Por Liem and the Saṅgha as they began their journey from Chandigarh to Delhi and onward to Thailand. Packed meals were offered for the journey, and with folded hands the community expressed their heartfelt gratitude.
After nearly ten days in the presence of Luang Por Liem and the Saṅgha — filled with teachings, guidance, and moments of practice — the farewell carried deep appreciation. With grateful hearts, everyone looked forward to the day the Saṅgha would return again.
Visiting and Supporting
Visitors are welcome to the monastery.
👉 Visitor Guidelines:
https://aranyavihara.in/visiting-aranya-sangharama/
If you would like to help the monastery continue its Dhamma service, please see the ways in which you can support here:
🙏 Offerings:
https://aranyavihara.in/offerings-aranya-sangharama/
📸 Photo Credits:
Anniversary Celebration — Mr. Abhinandan
Chandigarh — Ms. Kalpana
Selected photographs — Arañya Saṅghārāma Collection
Heartfelt gratitude to all the lay disciples who shared photographs, helping make this visual journey possible.
click here for more photos:
videos
More videos from the First Anniversary Celebration can be viewed here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB7IFLhxK9eTpK6Q2mKB_dILRhnwVXyNh&si=NhQQ8wVxjjkK1_tM
🌐 Stay Connected
📘 Facebook: Aranya Vihara Trust
📸 Instagram: @aranyaviharatrust
📩 Email: aranyasangharma@gmail.com
▶️ YouTube: AVT Channel