Under the First Winter Winds: November at Arañña Saṅghārāma

Winter’s quiet arrival at Arañya Saṅghārāma.

As November settled in, winter arrived with its tenderness in this remote part of Haryana — cold mornings, clear skies, and a slower pace that naturally supported reflection. Within this seasonal stillness, the month was shaped by learning, observances, travel, and steady improvements across the land.

Thai Language Classes — Deepening Connection With the Lineage

Learning together to connect with the Thai Forest lineage.

Aranya Saṅghārāma, inspired by the Thai Theravāda Forest Tradition, regularly hosts esteemed teachers from Thailand. As the local lay community grows closer to these teachers, a natural aspiration has emerged: to understand their teachings directly, in their own language.

Since many of the visiting elders speak primarily Thai, an initiative was started this month. Online Thai language classes, led by Bhante Anavajjo, an Israeli Monk with 5 years of Vassa, have begun for both monastics and lay supporters. This initiative honours the lineage and strengthens our connection with the Thai Forest tradition.

Those interested in learning may join the monastery’s WhatsApp group for class information.

📩 To join the Thai language classes:
👉 <https://chat.whatsapp.com/CsLN40v0o5v1GhUNSMJ2E8?mode=hqrt1>

Ven. Sāriputta Parinibbāna Day — Remembering the Great Disciples

Honouring the wisdom of the Buddha’s great disciples.

On 5th November, the monastery observed Ven. Sāriputta’s Parinibbāna Day, which coincided with the birthday of venerable Luang Por Liem. A special programme included a Q&A session with Ajahn Nyaniko, Abbot of Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in California, who joined from his ongoing pilgrimage in India and offered reflections that grounded the day’s observance. The gathering also included readings from the suttas recounting the life and qualities of Ven. Sāriputta, allowing the community to reflect on his exemplary wisdom, humility, and service to the Buddha.

The commemoration recalled the Buddha’s chief disciples—whose exceptional wisdom and diligence ensured the Dhamma was carefully learned, recorded, and transmitted for future generations. Honouring their example not only recognises this historic service but also inspires continued fidelity in study and practice, keeping the teachings living and accessible.

In addition, Ajahn Gunakaro shared stories from his years with Luang Por Liem—whose birthday also fell on this day—offering recollections that gently wove present-day monastic experience into the remembrance.

Himachal Visit by the Sangha

With warm hospitality along the Himalayan foothills.

This month, four members of the Saṅgha travelled to Himachal Pradesh at the invitation of a group of lay supporters. Their journey took them through the Dharamshala–Dharamkot belt, where they stayed with different supporters who generously opened their homes and extended warm hospitality. The visit included time at the residence monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, the monastery of Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo in Palampur, and several other places that reflect the region’s strong Buddhist presence.

Simple joys and scenic moments along the journey.

Amid the learning and encounters, the Saṅgha also enjoyed the natural beauty of the mountains and the simple, light-hearted moments that come with travel—such as a briefly stalled pickup truck along the way. Together, these experiences made the journey enriching and memorable.

Improvements Around the Monastery

Small upgrades with utmost care.

Work around the monastery has continued steadily through the month. At the Kalyāṇa Mitra Bhawan, sliding screen doors have now been installed in all rooms. This small but useful improvement allows airflow to remain natural while keeping insects out.

Nurturing the land and the future of monastic practice.

The reforestation activity has also moved into its next phase. With the monsoon season over, new water lines are being laid to ensure regular irrigation for the many young trees planted over the past year. This infrastructure will help the saplings establish strong roots as the landscape gradually regenerates.

Further within the forested area, early planning has begun for the secluded dwellings that will eventually support the monks in deepening their meditation practice. These future kutis mark another step in shaping an environment that quietly supports the inner work of the Saṅgha.

Looking Ahead

Preparing for a sacred pilgrimage — together on the path.

Preparations are underway for the upcoming pilgrimage to Bodhgaya, where the Saṅgha will meet Ajahn Kevali, Bhante Uttano, and Bhante Visarado from Thailand, along with a group of Thai lay supporters and members of the AVT community. The group will participate in the Tipiṭaka Chanting Ceremony in Bodhgaya and then continue onward to Vaishali, the city frequently visited by the Buddha where he announced his Mahaparinirvana.

The month closes with a sense of contentment. The initiatives begun, the observances held, and the developments underway all point toward a growing and steadily maturing community. As winter deepens, the monastery continues to nurture a place where the teachings can be studied, practised, and lived.

For more details on Supporting and Visiting Arañya Sangharāma

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🖼️ More Moments from Himachal Visit