The month of May at Aranya Sangharama was shaped by diligence — responding to the needs of the land, the season, and the life of the monastery. It had a rhythm of preparation, both in the physical landscape of Aranya Sangharama and within the community that stewards it.
Preparing the Land: Erosion Control and Watershed Planning
One of the key priorities this month was managing erosion as the monastery prepares for the upcoming rains. A seasonal stream runs through the monastery land, bringing runoff from nearby farms, but cutting into the earth along the way. To begin addressing this, the Sangha, the Trust, and a few workers started lining a stone wall at one major breach point. This is part of a larger watershed management initiative, for which a consulting team has been engaged. They visited the monastery on a few occasions in May and also had multiple meetings with the Sangharama management committee.
A small sampling for the earthworks component was also carried out to be able to come to a realistic cost estimate. Their presence marks the early phase of a project that will take shape more fully over the coming months and years. The landscape within which the monastery is located (the Kandi belt in the Shivalik foothills) is naturally prone to erosion and erratic rainfall. Hence ecological regeneration is likely to be an ongoing priority in the coming years.
Dana and Daily Support: Gifts That Sustain the Sangha
Alongside these efforts, the monastery was the recipient of a generous dana from a devoted Upasika, that has made the hot season a little more manageable with the purchase of a 15 KVA generator.
Other devotees also offered various utility items such as a kitchen mixer and a utensils marker. These simple gestures reflect a steady stream of thoughtfulness and support that sustains daily life here.
Robes and Readiness: A Samanera’s Path to Ordination
Another personal and symbolic moment this month was Samanera Parakkramo beginning the making of his robes for his upcoming ordination. As is practiced is our tradition, prior to ordination, the candidate stitches his own robes based on the guidelines set by the Lord Buddha in the Vinaya Pitaka. With the help of Bhantes Anavajjavo, Nyanavaro, and Gunakaro, measurements were taken and stitching has begun. Soon, the dyeing process will follow. While jackfruit bark is traditionally used for dye in Thailand, alternatives are being explored here based on what’s available. The moment held both practicality and meaning—connecting ancient forms to present practice.
A Welcome Return: Bhante Tissaro
Lastly, the Sangha welcomed Bhante Tissaro back from Thailand, this time with a long term visa — his return a reminder of the continuity and movement that naturally flows within monastic life.
Through all of this—earthwork, robe-making, daily chores, shared meals—there is a sense of things quietly coming together. What holds them is not just planning or effort, but a web of generosity and presence. It is in these steady, ordinary moments that the deeper work at Aranya Sangharama carries on. The monsoon is near, and with it will come change. For now, the ground has been readied, both literally and in spirit.
Content and photo credits: Yashika Pokhriyal