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. This is a preparatory phase before the formal opening of the monastery in February 2025. Lay men and women can contact Rahul (+91 89792 68717 ) if they 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.
Currently the daily schedule is the following:
5:30 am – 7 am : Morning chanting and meditation
7 am : Simple breakfast
8am : Pindapatta / alms round
Work period and self-practice time.
11am : Meal
Clean up, followed by self -practice.
4pm : Tea and other allowable drinks
7 pm to 8:30 pm – Evening chanting and meditation.
There are separate dormitories for males and females.
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.
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.
Initial period of stay is 3 days which is extendable based on the overall adaptability to the monastery routine, culture and so on.
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.