Living the Lineage: June’s lessons at Aranya Sangharama

The month of June unfolded as a luminous period of learning, reflection, and inspiration at Aranya Sangharama. As the land began to experience a shift from intense heat to the first showers of rain, the monastery welcomed senior theras whose presence and teachings nourished both the Sangha and lay community. Their visits offered moments of living Dhamma, inviting us to deepen our understanding and recommit to the path.

 

Ajahn Kevali: Leading by Presence

 June 1 to 8 – The month began with a special visit from Ajahn Kevali, Abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat and a guiding teacher for Aranya Sangharama. His visit was marked by rich Dhamma talks based on the three cardinal suttas, as well as morning and evening sessions that brought the community together in chanting followed by shared silence.

Ajahn also reviewed key projects of the monastery—particularly the watershed management efforts—and also encouraged the Sangha to incorporate Pāli and Hindi chanting. His suggestion served as a gentle reminder that the Dhamma is made more accessible when the bridge between tradition and local context is nurtured.

During his stay, Ajahn Jivako—one of the earliest monastics associated with the initial building of Sangharama—visited as well. His return was a moment of joy for many villagers who remembered his early contributions. His presence rekindled a sense of continuity in the community.

Upon his departure, Ajahn Kevali was accompanied by Novice Parakkamo, who returned to Thailand to prepare for his upcoming Bhikkhu ordination.

 

 

Ajahn Dhammasiha: Overcoming the Five Hindrances

 June 19 to 23 – The monastery hosted Ajahn Dhammasiha, Abbot of Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage in Australia, for a weekend retreat themed around ‘Abandoning the five hindrances to develop samādhi and insight’. His teachings unfolded through guided meditations, Q&A sessions, and evening Desanās—offered both at the main hall and the ancient monastery site, which seemed to awaken with renewed energy in his presence.

He encouraged an open-hearted inquiry, inviting the attendees to recognize the obstacles that cloud the mind, and how to release them through patient attention and wise effort. Ajahn also emphasized the importance of Buddhanusati, mettā practice and walking meditation.

 

 

Ajahn Jayasaro: Inspiration on Uposatha

June 24 – Ajahn Jayasaro led a day of Dhamma emphasizing mindfulness in conduct and the cultivation of inner stillness.

 June 25 – In a special gesture, lay supporters were also invited to witness the Pātimokkha chanting on the Uposatha day — a rare opportunity to observe how the Sangha upholds the Vinaya with care and discipline. This act of opening up a monastic observance inspired many to reflect on the role of integrity within the Sangha—not as restriction, but as a profound expression of responsibility. It reminded all present that the preservation of the Dhamma depends not only on the words we hear, but also on the structures of discipline and harmony that allow those teachings to take root and flourish.

 

Alms round: Grace in all weathers

Despite the swaying extremes of June’s weather—intense heat and early monsoon downpours—each of the visiting Ajahns made it a point to go on Pindapāta to the neighbouring village.

Their graceful presence, robes soaked or sun-drenched, walking barefoot along the muddy paths or dusty trails, deeply moved many in the local communities. It served not only as an embodiment of the Buddha’s way but also as a living example to the Sangha and laity alike—that Dāna and Dhamma walk hand in hand, and that humility and resilience are themselves great teachers.

The Passing of Bhante Mahapañño’s Father: Learning Through Loss

In late May, Bhante Mahapañño’s father passed away in Gurgaon after a prolonged illness. While Bhante Tissaro was able to be present during the final days and again for a brief visit during the funeral observance, the rest of the Sangha and lay community supported the family from afar—through chanting, messages, and heartfelt presence in spirit.

This deeply personal event became a moment of collective contemplation. Rather than merely grieving a passing, it became a chance to reflect on impermanence (anicca) and the strength of community. It showed us that the Buddha’s teachings offer solace, dignity, and a sense of meaning in the face of loss. The experience became a deeply moving example of how the Buddha’s teachings transform grief into understanding, and loss into deeper resolve.

 

 

Looking Ahead

As June draws to a close, the monastery prepares to enter its first Vassa (rains retreat or ‘varsha vaas’) with five resident monks. This is a milestone that may culminate in Aranya Sangharama’s first Kathina ceremony at the end of the Vassa, a vision that inspires the entire community.

With roots growing deeper and hearts growing steadier, Aranya Sangharama steps into the rains retreat as a sanctuary of practice and as a living expression of how the Dhamma practice is carried forward.

Content credits: Yashika Pokhriyal

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Timeless moments captured in June