A Fortnight of Merit: Offering Dāna during Buddha Purnima
Heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion of Vaishakh Purnima (Buddha Purnima), a period of deep significance for us as the followers of Lord Buddha’s teachings.
Wholesome deeds done on such occasions are highly meritorious – offering dāna that supports the Sangha and preserving a place of practice, becomes a powerful cause for puñña—supporting not only present conditions but the continuation of the Dhamma for many. On such occasions, we are reminded how precious the places of practice like Aranya Sangharama are.
A FORTNIGHT OF MERIT (1st to 15th MAY)
As we approach the monsoon season, we invite our faithful supporters to contribute towards critical pre-monsoon priorities for the safety and sustainability of the monastery.
(1) Preventing Soil Erosion (Watershed Management)
Last year, with your generous support, we were able to initiate soil erosion prevention efforts at several locations in the monastery. Several hundred trees were planted and preservation structures were built which reduced erosion to a considerable extent. (See the photo gallery here – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZG0Az2wEAUpKbkSST3yJf1-MBCRy8Rru/view?usp=share_link). ![]()
Building on that success, the soil preservation interventions this year include:
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strengthening the check dam built last year
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improving a water channel constructed last year
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extending gabion walls at select locations
It is crucial to complete these soil preservation efforts before the rains come so that last year’s success does not get washed away and the monastery land is safeguarded.
(2) Boundary Wall Repair
A part of the boundary wall near the Kalyamamitra Bhawan needs urgent repairs to prevent its collapse in the torrential monsoon rain.
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ESTIMATED COST
The estimated cost of these projects with material and execution is as below:
1. Soil erosion prevention (watershed management): Rs. 10,60,000
2. Boundary Wall Repair: Rs. 400,000
—> Total Requirement (Pre-Monsoon): ₹14,60,000
—> Donations received till 8th May: ₹6,97,030 (48% of the required amount)
—> Remaining amount required: ₹7,62,970
Given the urgency of completing this before the monsoon begins, Aranya Vihara Trust has decided to allocate 100% of donations received until 15th May to these projects, without distributing a part of it to general expenses and loan repayment.
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Joining Hands in Generosity
We warmly invite you to contribute during this Buddha-purnima fortnight, supporting this growing island of Dhamma that has already benefited many.
To donate, please click here: https://aranyavihara.in/donations/
For queries: Mr. Kamal Saxena – 9910066624
May this act of generosity deepen your dāna pāramī, support the Buddha’s teachings, and be a cause for the welfare and liberation of many.