Inauguration of Kalyānamitta Bhavan by Venerable Luang Por Liem

by | Apr 1, 2025

Yamunanagar, Haryana – Sunday, 9 February
Aranya Sangharama, the first Buddhist monastery of the meditation master Luang Por Chah’s Thai Forest tradition, has been set up in village Rampur Gainda by Aranya Vihara Trust, Delhi. Its first multi-purpose building, Kalyanmitta Bhavan, was inaugurated by Venerable Luang Por Liem, the esteemed abbot of Wat Pah Pong Buddhist monastery in Thailand. Luang Por Liem was accompanied by other senior monks from Thailand including Luang Por Jundee, Ajahn Uten and Ajahn Kevali.
Kalyanmitta Bhavan, which translates to “A building where spiritual friends meet”, stands as a testament to the monastery’s commitment to fostering a community centered around the teachings of Lord Buddha. The building’s inauguration marks a significant milestone for Aranya Sangharama, which is within 3 kms from the historic site of the ancient Buddhist monastery of Adi Badri, excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The region around Aranya Sangharama is steeped in Buddhist history, with the Chaneti Buddhist Stupa at Yamunanagar and the ancient Buddhist site at Adi Badri serving as a reminder of the area’s rich heritage in the Buddha’s teachings. The new facility, Kalyanmitta Bhavan, will serve as a hub for practitioners and visitors to engage in the simple and peaceful lifestyle that Lord Buddha advocated over 2600 years ago.
During the inaugural function, the monastery land of 28 acres with the new building and associated assets were formally offered to the Sangha by the trustees of Aranya Vihara Trust. The venerable monks chanted the traditional protection verses and blessings. Then Luang Por Liem unveiled the plaque nestled in a pebbled wall to mark the historic occasion. The Sangha chanted “Jayanto Bodhiya Muule… ” to invoke the supporting energies for the long-lasting benefit of those who visit the monastery. Luang Por and Ajahn Kevali sprinkled water charged with the protection verses on the people around as a symbol of their blessings.
Luang Por Liem was invited to offer a Dhamma talk. He shared his insights and blessings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a spiritual sanctuary for the cultivation of mindfulness, wisdom and compassion. The monastery’s serene environment offers a unique opportunity for individuals to live and practice in accordance with the Dhamma, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth. Thereafter, the people who have amply supported the monastery financially, have been active with AVT activities or supported the monastery locally, were invited to offer basic requisites to the Sangha. This is in line with the practice of the lay people cultivating generosity in making material donations to the Sangha.
About 100 people from various parts of India travelled to participate in thisceremony. They joined in pindapata, an ancient tradition of offering meals to the monks in their bowls. They also made offerings of the requisites to the Sangha, and the Sangha chanted blessings in acceptance. The villagers of the surrounding villages were respectfully invited for meals.
Aranya Sangharama monastery now has a resident Sangha of monks. The monastery welcomes visitors and practitioners from all walks of life to experience the tranquility and wisdom that Kalyanmitta Bhavan has to offer.