Aranya Sangharama now has a resident monastic community and also has an opportunity for a limited number of people interested in living the daily schedule of a monastery to join the resident monks.
- To confirm your stay: Lay men and women may send an email to the guest monk at [email protected], if you are interested in spending a few days at Sangharama partaking of the daily schedule. Based on availability of space as well as overall conditions in the monastery we will revert back to you about the possible dates and duration of visit.
- Residence: There are separate dormitories for males and females.
- Duration of stay: Initial period of stay is 3 days which is extendable based on the overall adaptability to the monastery routine, culture and so on.
- Information required about you: It is usually helpful for us to know a little bit about possible visitors here particularly: name, gender, age, previous experience in meditation, health issues and as well as your expected arrival and departure date.
- Govt. ID: Please carry some form of government issued identification (AADHAR card, passport etc.) as a copy of this is necessary to be retained in the monastery records for overnight visitors.
- Important: It would be helpful if you could email us ([email protected]) at least 1/2 week before your arrival in order for us to give us time to respond and make the necessary arrangements for your possible stay here.
- Practice: There is not a particular meditation or other practice prescribed or formally taught in the monastery. Lay guests are encouraged, as Ajahn Chah emphasized, to try to develop spiritual qualities such as diligent effort, joy, contentment, patience and faith attitude in all aspects of daily life. There are also opportunities to discuss Dhamma with the resident monks and also undertake independent Dhamma study.
Currently the daily schedule is the following:
- 5:30 am – 7 am : Morning chanting and meditation
- 7 am : Simple breakfast
- 8 am : Pindapatta / alms round
- Work period and self-practice time
- 11 am : Meal
- Clean up, followed by self -practice
- 4 pm : Tea and other allowable drinks
- 7 pm to 8:30 pm : Evening chanting and meditation
Getting there:
Aranya Sangharama (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9sStL4H1GGuvK5pY8) is located in Village Rampur Gainda, Tehsil Bilaspur, Dist. Yamunanagar in the state of Haryana.
The nearest airports are in Delhi and Chandigarh. The monastery is also accessible from the railheads of Yamunanagar (40 kms) and Ambala (60 kms).
The nearest public transport bus stand is in Ranjitpur (4 kms). There are buses from Yamunanagar and Ambala to Ranjitpur.
Dedications and food offerings
Those that would like to offer meals or other requisites for monks remotely may also get in touch with Rahul ( +91 89792 68717 )
You are also welcome to convey requests for dedications and / or chanting to Rahul.