A new samaneri enters the world

A very beautiful thing ~

A new samaneri entered the world on Sunday 2 September, together at our Aranya Bodhi Forest Hermitag.

Tranquil Progress

Meritorious work 

Another meritorious work 

To all friends of Aranya Bodhi Hermitage,

During the past few weeks, our Aranya Bodhi Hermitage has been blessed with the brief visits of several women who are exploring how to go deeper into the full practice of Dhamma, whether through bhikkhuni training or as upasikas, close friends of the monastic community.  We have felt inspired and uplifted by Wink, Joan, Maheshi, Kitty, Nancy, Geri, and Teresa.  Each one is glad to be here in the forest, appreciative of our Dhamma teaching, content to follow the daily rhythms of silence and courteous conversation, manual work and the internal work of meditation, accomplishment and doing nothing at all.

And at the very same time, Ayya Tathaaloka and the Dhammadharini Board of Directors, assisted by our Vassatime resident Sayalay Santacari, have been looking for Dhammadharini's next in-town monastery, envisioned as the place where we can more easily be in contact with our local lay friends, and provide a suitable dwelling for those bhikkhunis who are not physically well to spend the whole year in a primitive camp-style abode.  

The in-town monastery and the forest hermitage will then complement each other. Actually, the existence of a strong in-town monastery makes it possible for the hermitage to fulfill its role.  In town, there may be the chance to serve and assist the frail or elderly monastics. In the forest, the chance to be alone among the elements. In town, the chance to offer teaching and ministry for many people and families. In the forest, the chance to teach one or two students at a time. In town, the chance for close, loving supervision of novices and new bhikkhunis.  In the forest, the space for those who can practice on their own. In town, the chance to network with the world on high-speed internet. In the forest, the chance for a more ancient life-style.  

What a gift it is, and what an accomplishment that Dhammadharini is able to pursue this important new project  without losing the momentum of our community life.  We particularly appreciate that Ayya Tathaaloka and Sy. Santacari are subjecting themselves to many hours of computer work, driving around the Bay Area, and talking to many people, while we at Aranya Bodhi Hermitage have the pleasant chores of constructing a toolshed with our own hands, re-tapping the spring and building a natural filtration system.  

Recently the number of women coming to us as well qualified monastic life aspirants has increased from a trickle to a steady stream. Ayya Tathaaloka and our sangha have been considering, how can Dhammadharini welcome this next generation. What is best for sustainable growth of our sangha? 

• Job one is to develop a mature monastic sangha, with numbers of well trained and well practicing bhikkhunis who see eye-to-eye on the way to practice our Dhamma and Discipline.  This work takes time, but it is well underway.  
• Then we need the ongoing sustained relationship with our lay community. For various reasons, during the past two years while the Aranya Bodhi Hermitage was getting established, Dhammadharini has had less presence than before in Fremont and East Bay Area.  There was not the constant 24-7 availability to our lay supporters, as had been developing in the previous years. When we get into our new in-town center, this lack will be corrected.
• And finally, there is a need for a proportionate match between our practical needs and the available support. As it is now, a few large gifts have made it possible for Dhammadharini to carry on, with its town center at Bodhi House and forest hermitage at Aranya Bodhi.  The construction of a simple infrastructure for the Hermitage and medical insurance for a growing sangha have been the major items, as our community grew from 2 to an average of 6 residents. To the extent that enough support is forthcoming, both for the purchase of the new center and for our ongoing expenses, we can open more opportunities for those women at our gate who wish to go forth as bhikkhunis.

Then, when well-practicing monastic women and lay practioners are in constant contact, the inspiration is mutual.  We all benefit.  We fulfill the Buddha's plan for his Dhamma and Discipline to thrive for a long time.

With Metta, 

Ayya Sobhana 

Bhikkhuni Ordination - May 6, 2012

Dhammadharini Support Foundation 

and our Bhikkhuni Sangha, 

together with the Bhikkhu Sangha of the American Buddhist Seminary, 

are pleased to announce the upcoming 

full bhikkhuni ordination 

of our Dhamma Sisters 

Samaneri Marajina and Samaneri Nibbida, 

on this next full moon, 

Vesak, 

May 6, 2012.

This year's ordination is meant to be simple and quiet, a normal event in the cycle of Buddhist monastic life. The first part of the ordination will be a sunrise ceremony at our Aranya Bodhi Hermitage. In accord with the ancient procedure, the candidates will first be questioned, accepted and ordained within the Bhikkhuni Sangha. The ceremony at Aranya Bodhi will begin at 5:00 a.m. with pre-dawn meditation, concluding at 7:30 a.m.

We will then take the new bhikkhunis, "ordained on one side," to the Bhikkhu Sangha at the American Buddhist Seminary Temple in West Sacramento. At 11:00 a.m. we will join the ABS Temple's Vesak Dana and Celebration honoring the Buddha's birth, awakening, and parinirvana. In the early afternoon, the new bhikkhunis will present themselves for acceptance by the Bhikkhu Sangha. This ceremony completes the ordination. Our sisters Marajina and Nibbida will then be established as full and complete members of the Dual Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni Sangha.

All are welcome to attend.

The ABS Temple's Vesak Celebration and Bhikkhuni Ordination will begin with precept ceremony and meditation at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, at the ABS Temple, 423 Glide Avenue, West Sacramento, CA 95691. You are welcome to bring a cooked dish for the 11:00 a.m. Dana. For information about the ABS Temple, visit http://www.middleway.net. If you will attend the ceremonies at ABS Temple, please rsvp to Eunice "Samvaree" Cerezo, ozerece@msn.com.

If you will attend the early morning ceremony at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, at Aranya Bodhi Hermitage, please rsvp to awakeningforest@gmail.com. We will email the driving directions. Those wishing to sleep overnight in our meditation hall (yurt) may bring their own sleeping bags and arrive after 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 5. The hermitage is located within a gated community, so you must have the gate code to reach us.

Look who's coming for Vassa

A full Bhikkhuni Sangha will again come together for Vassa 2012 at Aranya Bodhi Hermitage, practicing close to nature, living very simply, and carrying out the ancient monastic forms set forth by the Buddha. 

 ~ 

Vassa is a traditional yearly retreat period when Buddhist monastics give up wandering and practice in one place for three months. In order to synchronize the lunar calendar and the solar calendar, 2012 has been determined as a Buddhist “leap year” by Thai astrologers, which means that our Vassa will be later than usual, from August 3^rd to October 30^th.   

~

Most of our Bhikkhuni Sangha will also be on the land before Vassa, for the long, pleasant days of May, June and July. We hope to make these months a special time to share with our lay supporters and friends. We will be welcoming visitors at the Aranya Bodhi Hermitage on the Sonoma Coast; maintaining a presence at our in-town center, the Bodhi House in Fremont; and teaching in both places.  

~

Ayya Tathaaloka Theri (left), will be dividing her time between Aranya Bodhi Hermitage and the Bodhi House in Fremont. Ayya Sobhana Bhikkhuni (right), will be on the land at our hermitage.

 Ayya Sudinna Theri, who participated in our first Bhikkhuni Sangha Camping Retreat four years ago and led at Dhammadharini Vihara while Ayya Tathaaloka was in India 5 years ago, will join the Hermitage at the beginning of May and plans to stay through Vassa. What a blessing it will be to have two theris with us!  

 ~    

Ven. Suvijjana, member of the Dhammadharini women's monastic community since 2006, will be continuing on at the Hermitage.

 Ayya Anandabodhi Bhikkhuni (right) and Ayya Santacitta Bhikkhuni (left), will be staying at the Aloka Vihara in San Francisco, and frequently visiting the hermitage on Uposatha full moon and new moon days.

 Ven. Munissara Bhikkhuni (left) and Ven. Pasada Bhikkhuni (right) recently ordained at Dhammasara Monastery in Australia under Ayya Tathaaloka's auspices. Ven. Pasada hopes to be at the hermitage this Vassa and Ven Munissara for the 2013 Vassa.

  Samaneri Marajina, trained here on the land, plans to receive full bhikkhuni ordination on May 6, and hopes to divide her time between the hermitage and outside training. She will be at the hermitage for Vassa.

 Samaneri Nibbida plans to receive full bhikkhuni ordination on May 6 returning on June 12 to Australia on June 12 to continue her training at Sanghamittarama.

Sayalay Santacari (from Australia), trained with Ven. Ariya Ñani in Myanmar, and is now with Ayya Upekkha Bhikkhuni at Sanghamitttarama, Australia. She will be joining the Hermitage in June and staying through Vassa. She aspires to going forth as a samaneri.

Our lay residents will include Upasika-to-be Margaret Darby, who served at the Dhammadharini Vihara in 2010, along with Geri Feldman and Sherene Smith.  There is still room for another lay resident, particularly during May-June and September-October.

Our friends around the world

The renascent Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha is still young, and we are developing our communities, building traditions, and supporting younger monastic women to establish themselves and grow in the Dhamma.

We rejoice in all the new bhikkhunis and samaneris obtaining ordination this year, here at Aranya Bodhi, at the Dhammasara Monastery of Australia,  and at the Dharma Vijaya Temple in Los Angeles. Every year they are more abundant, like the luxurious crop of dandelions on our lower landing.

And we rejoice for those who trained with us over the past two years, now riding the wind like dandelion seeds to far corners of our world.

• Amma Thanasanti Bhikkhuni at Awakening Truth, Colorado. http://awakeningtruth.org/
• Ven. Phalanyani Bhikkhuni at the Ekayana Magga Aranya, Sri Lanka. http://phalanyani.sirimangalo.org/
• Ven. Adhimutta Bhikkhuni, creating a new community under care of the New Zealand Bhikkhuni Trust
• Sister (soon to be Ven.) Nibbida, returning to Sanghamittarama, in Australia, where she will join with Ayya Upekkha Bhikkhuni (of Singapore) and Bhante Jaganatha in creation of a new Dual Sangha monastery. http://bsv.net.au/

A net of friendship and sangha is gradually evolving, as the various centers are established. We are particularly close to these monastic women at other places who were ordained with Ayya Tathaaloka as preceptor.

• At Dhammasara Monastery, Australia ...Ven. Nirodha Bhikkhuni and Ven. Hasapanna Bhikkhuni ... Samaneri Gotami, Samaneri Upekkha, Samaneri Karunika ~ http://www.dhammasara.org.au/
• At Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage, Australia ... Ven. Ajahn Vayama Bhikkhuni and Ven. Seri Bhikkhuni ~ http://patacarabhikkhunihermitage.wordpress.com/
• At Awakening Truth, Colorado ... Amma Thanasanti Bhikkhuni ~ http://awakeningtruth.org/
• At Nirotharam Bhikkhuni Arama, Thailand led by Ajahn Nandayani Bhikkhuni ... where Ayya Tathaaloka gave Samaneri ordination to Ven. Munissara Bhikkhuni and several others ~   http://www.nirotharam.com/
• At Aloka Vihara, California ... Ayya Anandabodhi Bhikkhuni and Ayya Santacitta Bhikkhuni ~ http://www.saranaloka.org/index.html
• At Sati Sariniya Hermitage, Canada ... Ajahn Medhanandi Bhikkhuni and Ven. Nimmala Bhikkhuni ~ http://satisaraniya.ca/

We also share the special ties of friendship with our colleagues who have frequently joined together in the ordaining sangha.

• At Mahapajapati Monastery, California ... Ayya Gunasari Bhikkhuni ~ http://www.mahapajapati.com/index.html
• At Santi Forest Monastery, Australia ... Ayya Sudhamma Bhikkhuni ~ http://santifm.org/santi/about/
• Affiliated with the Minnesota Buddhist Vihara ... Ayya Satima Bhikkhuni ~ http://www.mnbv.org/

Someone LIghts a Fire

seasoned woodfire oak,

exhales into the gray ocean air,

the two entwine in

gray, tinged with space

tinged with salt

tinged with a memory of snow that rests on breathing

here a whale is breathing

here a slug is breathing

baby ant breathing

newt, salamander, frog breathing

sisters and brothers, mothers, all beings

breathing

words crumple in a damp newspaper ball,

damp fir twigs

cardboard toilet paper roll

paper

the oak, a gift from her teacher

someone lights a fire

pīti softens the corners of the room.

Marajina Samaneri

March 26, 2012

Aranya Bodhi Hermitage

What's Cooking

Dear Dhamma Friends,

The kitchen trailer work was completed last week and we were able to resume cooking inside a building. We had been cooking outdoors. Walls to protect from wind and cold, and a roof to protect from rain are very welcome during our winter season. Everyday when we return to our kutis, the monastics reflect on the wise use of shelter. "Wisely reflecting, we use shelter only to protect from heat and cold, merely to ward off the touch of gadflies, mosquites wind, sun and reptiles; for the enjoyment of seclusion." On the Sonoma Coast during winter, our shelters also protect from frost and forest beings seeking warm, dry places. Though buildings require maintenance, they enable us to stay here - the only Theravadin bhikkhuni hermitage in the United States and one of only two hermitages for bhikkhunis on the American continents.

The kitchen now has a dehumidifier that has been collecting up to two gallons of moisture from the air everyday. By reducing humidity and increasing air circulation, two conditions for mold growth, it helps to ensure a healthier environment for all of us. There is also a freezer to keep perishable food for longer periods of time when cold and rain prevents our family of supporters from visiting.

We are very grateful for your loving attention and generosity. Without you, there would be one less place for Buddhist women to find refuge in, one less place in the world for the benefit of all sentient beings. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Rejoicing in your merit

and with Metta,

the Aranya Bodhi Monastics

The Challenges of Winter

Dear Friends,

I hope the holidays brought you and your families joy and the happiness of being together. Thank you for the lovely support you've provided to our monastics during these winter months at Aranya Bodhi. It is because of your generous gifts of such things as heaters, electricity, shelter, food and clothing that they are able to live the Holy Life, a rare and priceless opportunity.

This winter has brought a few unforeseen challenges. The wonderful kitchen trailer, recently purchased has been found to have structural deterioration which allowed mold to grow inside a couple of walls and possibly the ceiling. Minor renovation must be undertaken to eliminate the mold and replace the deteriorating wood. To provide the proper conditions after the repair, a dehumidifier, which provides air circulation and moisture removal from the air is very important. In addition, we were unable to repair our hermitage chest refrigerator and it has become necessary to purchase a small freezer for food storage in our remote forest. The freezer would be very helpful when friends make the long trip and bring larger quantities of grocery dana.

These essential repairs will cost about $2500. Your generous support of this emerging bhikkhuni hermitage is essential and gratefully appreciated by all of us.

Much gratitude for your friendship and support,

Shari Gent, President
Dhammadharini Board of Directors

Silent Light

This is our first post to the Aranya Bodhi blog that is not made possible by a gasoline generator. I am writing from the Sangha Hall on the electricity provided by our newly connected solar electrical system. Though the sun has yet to shine upon the completely wired array, the batteries arrived fully charged and are providing the power right now. Eric, Mike and Rody from Pure Power Solutions made a lot of progress today. Eric (top photo) installed our inverter and charge controller in the battery room. Mike installed the rails for an additional four solar panels on top of the laundry shed. This will add 450 watts more to our hermitage solar electrical system, for a peak potential of 1920 watts of electricity. The batteries are strung together in six groups of four batteries each. The generator was filled with diesel fuel, tested and connected to the inverter. Tomorrow morning as the sun comes over the hillside, the battery bank will begin its cycle of charging on the sun's power.

Rody gave us the gift of an ac outlet directly on the inverter so we could have electricity right away. The Sangha Hall and kitchen trailer now have household ac electricity by way of extension cords until our ac electrician can install the proper wiring in January. For now, our cook can can make use of a rice cooker and the microwave oven.

Because the sun will not be able to provide all the electricity year round and we are presently experiencing the shortest days of the year, the diesel generator will be keeping the batteries charged. This means that we will be using diesel fuel instead of gasoline but rather than using the generator directly, we will be using it indirectly and far less often. Rody told us that red diesel is less expensive because it has no highway tax -the generator is strictly for off road use :) so we are asking our friends to help us look in our nearby cities of Santa Rosa and Petaluma for a red diesel provider.

Stack, our ac electrician is tentatively scheduled to help us on January 5^th and 6^th. With her help, we will have electrical outlets for each of our main buildings. So a lot has already happened to get us to this point from the very first thoughts of how to bring electricity to our remote forest wilderness. And still there is a little more left to do. A little more to plan on and wait on but for now we have silent light. There is no generator running. A little more on the horizon.

with Metta

Marajina Samaneri

On the Horizon

A few additions came into focus on our horizon today.

This is Rody. He's been great to work with us, designing our solar electrical system. He is familiar with micro hydro as well - that's how we met him - and is installing these components with our future in mind. Rody is beside the 7kw diesel generator which will be used to charge the batteries on our shorter wintry days.

Six strings of four 6 volt comercial batteries line the floor of the grass hut in the lower landing. The grass hut may now be called the battery hut. These commercial batteries are sealed, eliminating the need to open battery cells, or use sulphuric acid. They can last up to 15 years with proper care. The inverter and generator will work together to keep them charged and equanimous (aka equalized) to the specifications of the manufacturer.

This is Joel, at the top, and Mike, at the bottom, installing the sixth panel.

This beautiful 1470 watt array peers into the horizon from the lower landing.

Rody, Mike and Joel will be returning next week with the inverter, and will wire everything together then.

A Chance to Help

Dear Friends,

Having stayed with us for seven months, our lay steward Gwyn, who had been helping us with errands, recently departed. Due to the remote nature of Aranya Bodhi we are not visited daily and nuns rely on help for certain errands. There is an ongoing and regular opportunity for help to be offered regarding driving, and filling our propane and gasoline tanks. If you can help please contact awakening forest@gmail.com

Thank you,

Nibbida, Samaneri

Meditation Retreat Time Nov 17 to 28

~ non-abiding ~

Dear Friends of the Hermitage,


The Bhikkhunis and Samaneris of our Aranya Bodhi Hermitage will be away for a Special Thanksgiving Meditation Retreat with Sayadaw U Jagara and Shaila Catherine from November 17th thru 28th.  Ven Suvijjana  has kindly remained at the hermitage as caretaker, together with our beloved land steward Jill. 


Contact awakeningforest@gmail.com if you would like to come to offer dana or visit during this time.


Come November 28th, we will once again have 3 bhikkhunis and 2 samaneris resident at the hermitage.


With loving kindness from the quiet and peaceful forest,
Hermitage Dwellers and Non-dwellers 

October Events

Dear Dhamma Friends,

As I write from the lower landing, the redwoods are drinking in a cool morning mist. Our 2011 Vassa is just about over, in time for the true seasonal rains of northern California. It has been a quiet time these three months. With the blessing of a month long time of seclusion for each monastic and lay resident, one can see how the community is maturing and progressing both collectively and individually. The first year laid much of the foundation for the current state of energy here. As we see the gifts of so many faithful supporters and the work of those who have devoted their time coming to fruition in the form of a practicing bhikkhuni sangha in the United States, a sense of awe arises. A 2600 year-old tradition preserved in the pages of the Pali Canon, having held its breath for centuries, is now breathing anew for women.

The month of October will bring us many opportunities to welcome you to our hermitage as well as to our activities in the neighboring areas. We are sharing our calendar below and inviting your presence on many very special occasions. Share with us the joy of the blossoming efforts of years of preparation and dedication as our second Vassa at Aranya Bodhi concludes.

Presently, thanks to your loving-kindness and generosity, our food store is filled to capacity. You are most welcome to visit and offer meal dana throughout the month of October and especially on these days indicated below. View our Calender

View our Calender

12 Oct: Full Moon Uposatha - End of Three Month Vassa-time Retreat - Aranya Bodhi Pavarana (End of Vassa Monastic Community Meeting). Meal dana welcome.

13 Oct: 2 bhikkhunis go for Pavarana to Wat Buddhanusorn, Fremont

14 Oct: Visit of Ven Bhikkhuni Metteya with Alfred and Metta to Aranya Bodhi (Meal dana welcome).

15 Oct: Visit of Ven Bhikkhu Khemaratana and Ven Bhikkhu Jaganatha (Meal dana welcome)

16 Oct: Ven Bhikkhu Analayo's teaching at Spirit Rock (2-4 pm), Ordination Rehearsal at Spirit Rock (5-7 pm)."Mindfulness According to Early Buddhist Sources"  Bhikkhus and bhikkhunis stay at Spirit Rock and with nearby hosts.

17 Oct: Bhikkhuni Ordinations at Spirit Rock (9:30 am to 5 pm), Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering begins at City of the Dharma Realm in Sacramento (7:30 pm)

Oct 18: Ven Bhikkhu Analayo's teaching at Sati Center in Redwood City "Dynamics of Insight Meditation" and "Protecting Oneself and Others Through Mindfulness" Ven Ayya Medhanandi and Bhikkhuni Nimmala's visit to Aranya Bodhi

Oct 17-21: Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering, Sacramento

Oct 22-23: ABS Kathina, Sacramento

Oct 27: New Moon Uposatha Lunar Observance at Hermitage (Meal dana welcome)

Oct 29: Aranya Bodhi Hermitage Kathina (end of Vassa - awarding the Robe of Merit) Celebration

With Metta,

the Community at Aranya Bodhi Hermitage

a river of trees ripples downward from the mountain

the forest disapears into a current of onenesses

bird voices and human voices all the same

inside and outside,

all the same

marajina samaneri

aranya bodhi hermitage

9 august 2011

Kitchen trailer is now fully supported ... and next priorities

Pictures from informal talk after dana - July 20, 2011

Thanks to the help of many friends, our new kitchen trailer is fully paid for. A generous pledge from Ming Cassim of Australia has put us over the top.

This trailer is comfortable and convenient, clean and safe, a great match for our rustic, off-the-grid hermitage. It was purchased last April, after storms and water damage had ruined the previous trailer.

In addition to Ming, donors of the trailer include (alphabetically) Alliance for Bhikkhunis, Awakening Truth (Colorado Springs), Eunice Cerezo, Martha Craft, Pamela Kirby, Sumana Meissner, Ruth Turner, Brenda Walsh, Wat Buddhanusorn, Gwyn Waterfield, and Brian White.




Now that we have accomplished and paid for the trailer, along with new kutis and improvements for the 2011 Vassa season, we are turning our attention to other important projects. The following are our highest priorities as funding becomes available:

1. Our land donor has given the use of this magnificent forest along with a bequest of over 250 acres. Implementing her intention will require a legal subdivision, entailing a series of expensive studies and permits. We are now estimating the cost at $60,000.

2. For the past year, we have been working to develop a micro-hydro system, for eco-friendly year-around power from our creek. Electric power is essential for phone and email connection, and to protect our yurt and trailers from mildew during the winter rainy season. This crucial utility will replace the noise, pollution and expense of our gas generator, and reduce our use of propane gas. After consulting with several installers and experts, we are estimating a total cost of $15,000, with $10,000 already donated and $5,000 remaining. Our friends in the Sacramento Buddhist community came together in loving and practical ways to initate this project, and offered the first $10,000 donations.

3. We now have 5 kutis. These are simple shelters for long term meditators. Joyfully, there are now more than 5 women who would like to be here for the coming winter. These are monastic women still in their training years, monastic life aspirants, and dedicated meditation practitioners. If there is support to do so, we would build one or two more kutis for the coming winter, including one accessible kuti for disabled or elder visitors. The cost for a heated kuti is around $8,000. An accessible kuti might be around $10,000.

4. We have already received generous support for the monastic requisites during this 2011 Vassa retreat. Sumana Meissner, Udana Ratnabharathi, Brenda Walsh, an anonymous donor and other friends have contributed for food; the Alliance for Bhikkhunis, an anonymous donor and other friends are helping with bhikkhuni medical premiums. This past June, the Dhammadharini Board of Directors estimated about $12,000 in un-funded general expenses for the following five months … including everything from gas and utilities to potential uncovered medical expenses for our 5 bhikkhunis and 2 samaneris during the Vassa.

We have heard that the financial situation in the world is very unsettled. It is an incredible blessing that our Dhammadharini Sangha and women's monastic hermitage has been able to continue and to grow. Faced with the theme of uncertainty, so affirmed in the Buddha's teaching, we aim to sustain the type of community where women can practice well, perfect their virtue, and realize the fruits of the Buddha's path. We are confident that when the time is ripe, our practical aims will also come to fruition.

With metta and appreciation,

Friends of the Hermitage
Hermitage Stewardship Committee

Big Painting Work Day

Thank you all who participated in the Aranya Bodhi work weekend on June 18 and 19. Fourteen friends and residents took part, and in a single weekend we completed the most difficult half of our kuti painting for this year.

We had fun, and enough time for lunch, Dhamma discussions and tea. Our youngest helper, Venus was especially delightful. At 3 years old, she has clearly mastered the concept of painting.

There is a second mini-work weekend planned for this weekend, June 25-26. The schedule each day:

8:30 ~ Morning devotions
9:00 to 11:00 ~ Visitors arrive, setting up, preparing dana
11:00 to 12:30 ~ Dhamma reflection and lunch
12:30 to 5:00 ~ Painting
5:30 ~ Tea
6:30 ~ Evening devotions

Springtime at the Hermitage

wild douglas irises on the saddle

As the forest gradually dries out and warms up, among a profusion of wildflowers, there is a harmonious and well-practicing community of monastic women, not overburdened with projects, not putting very much burden on our friends, engaged with meditation and study, and working steadily to prepare for our 2011 Vassatime retreat.

Four women are now living on the land: Ayya Sobhana and Samaneri Marajina stayed throughout the rainy winter, and Anagarika Gwyn recently joined our community. Upasika Jackie has done great service as Financial Steward. She arrived first of April and will be departing end of May.

For the 2011 Vassatime Retreat, we expect Ayya Tathaaloka, Ayya Sobhana, Ven. Adhimutta, Ven. Suvijjana, Ven. Phalanyani, Sr. Marajina, Sr. Nibbida, Anagarika Gwyn, and several lay residents. Ajahn Bhikkhuni Thanasanti may be regularly visiting although not resident; and Ajahn Srs. Anandabodhi and Santacitta will be regularly visiting from their residence at Aloka Vihara.


There is room for one more lay woman who is comfortable with tenting and wishes to stay for a month or more, starting any time from June 1.

Kitchen trailer delivered and installed:

Our new used kitchen trailer has been delivered, leveled, and connected to propane, so there is a beautiful, functional kitchen. It is a great comfort to the cooks and all of our residents to have such a clean, tidy and nice looking space.

***Over the past few weeks, all the foodstuffs and kitchen gear were lovingly cleaned and reorganized into the new space. The mouse-proof pantry shed is moved to a more convenient location, with more shelving installed.

***Brian W. will build a deep cabinet and laminate counter, converting a the trailers living room into expanded work-space.

***There is only one last glitch to solve in order for the trailer's hot water and second refrigerator to work without blowing electric fuses. When that is done, we will have two refrigerators, hot water, hot shower, electric lights, and forced air heat ... all from a combination of propane and electricity. We are seeking a volunteer or inexpensive worker to make a house-call fix on the trailer's electric system. This should be someone familiar with DC electricity such as automotive or RV electric.

*** Over $3,000 in donations have been received, and another $3,000 pledged. This leaves $3,500 still needed to repay the cost of this trailer. Funds were "loaned" by the Dhammadharini Board, from assets that are Board-designated for other purposes.

Progress on Micro-hydro project:

Brian Fullner has done a physical survey of our creek, mapping the latitude, longitude and altitude of several waypoints. He is working on a report for the micro-hydro project. This information is key to getting a realistic expert bid for the project.

Road Work:

We have had gravel laid on several of the muddiest and most eroded parts of our road, and widened an area near the green bridge where a small landslide made it difficult to maneuver the trailers in and out. In addition, the extremely rocky and steep ascent from the green bridge up to the saddle was rocked and graded last fall. It's now in excellent condition. There is still a need for more road work. The construction work at the Hermitage during the rainy months has contributed to wear and tear on the entire road, from Jill's front gate up to the green bridge. If funds are donated we think it proper to take care of a few more rough or muddy patches.

Kutis and Laundry Shed:

Thanks to many generous donors of the 2010 Vassatime retreat, we were able to to put up three new kutis and a laundry shed. The quality, speed and honesty of our contractor Rubisel Ventura have made it possible to accomplish a great deal with a small budget. Now that the weather is dry, we are staining decks, varnishing inside floors, and feel confident that the painting can be done before Vassa (See below about work days). Skilled help needed: a volunteer carpenter to install click panel type flooring in two kutis; and a plumber to set up two utility tubs and a shower.

Meal Dana:

mindfulness at work

Considering the cost of gas and difficulty in driving to our Hermitage, Sr. Marajina and lay visitors have cheerfully prepared our meals from grocery dana and the Hermitage stores. During the winter, the Ratnabharathi and Senanayake families and Dominic Mc. provided meals. More recently June N. has been helping with local grocery shopping. She has been visiting regularly to look over what is needed. Also, we have received a carton of fresh-picked organic veggies from a the Bloomfield Farms in Petaluma. Farmer Michael Collins has been generous, flexible and cooperative to meet our needs. This subscription is now used up. If anyone is interested in helping with the food requisite, but unable to bring dana in person, they may assist with June's project or with the organic farm subscription.

Administration:

Jackie M. is working on a procedures handbook for the Hermitage Financial Steward, so that shopping and money matters will be consistently and properly handled. Jackie was instrumental in shopping for our kitchen trailer and many other logistical matters. Also, kudos to Martha C. who has willingly filled in on several occasions as our temporary Financial Steward. After Jackie departs at the end of May, Anagarika Gwyn Waterfield will be our Financial Steward.

Work Weekend, June 18 and 19:

We would like to organize a work weekend for kuti painting on June 18 and 19. Rain-dates June 25 and 26 Volunteers could come for day visits on Saturday OR Sunday. The primary task is painting Kutis. We already have the tools and supplies on hand, so the organizational work is simple: Just getting the word out to our friends and communities, including some of the area sanghas; and organizing the pot-luck meal. If some of the volunteers want to stay overnight, we suggest they sleep in the yurt or camp out on the lower landing. If you can participate or help us publicize this work weekend with your local sangha, please contact awakeningforest [at] gmail.com

wild azalea

The weather recently has been extremely pleasant, with abundant wild flowers, a walkable creek, and blue skies for days on end. if you would like to visit for a personal retreat or to help with chores, you are welcome. We try to keep Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as very quiet days for seclusion and meditation. Thursday through Sunday, we focus on projects.

With metta and appreciation for your help and good wishes,
Aranya Bodhi Sangha

2011 Vassatime Retreat

We are delighted to announce the 2011 Vassatime retreat at Aranya Bodhi, from July 15 to October 12. Retreatants may arrive up to one month in advance and stay afterwards until October 17th.

This Vassatime retreat will be a time for individual practice in a wilderness environment. Our intention is to support a settled, quiet community where each woman will have the space to develop and sustain her own practice leading to liberation. Our local supporters would find a monastic sangha largely in seclusion, with the duty of teaching and speaking with lay supporters carried by more experienced Bhikkhunis.

Communal training will be focused around the formal transactions which define the Bhikkhuni sangha: ordination (upasampada), entering the vassa, confession (apatti desana), teachings from respected venerable bhikkhus (ovada), recitation of the monastic code (patimokkha), invitation (pavarana), and for those who can stay on in October, the robes ceremony (kaṭhina). In the past, we have seen how Ayya Tathaaloka's approach to Vinaya is both accountable and compassionate, bringing out the full meaning of the early Vinaya texts without necessarily subscribing to later customs and commentarial traditions.

In addition to Ayya Tathaaloka and Ayya Sobhana, all four of the bhikkhunis who ordained at Aranya Bodhi in August 2010 will be returning this year for further training. That is, Ajahn Thanasanti, Ven. Adhimutta, Ven. Suvijjana, and Ven. Phalanyani. We will have two samanerīs (novices), one or two anagarikās (postulants) and several monastic life aspirants.

Dhamma and meditation instruction will be determined based on the needs of participants.

There is still space for a few lay residents during the Vassa, who enjoy camping in tents and can stay for a month or longer. They would have special duties assisting the community with chores involving money, driving and cooking. Our aim is to have enough lay residents to keep the chores light and allow time for personal practice.

There are many opportunities to support this Vassatime retreat, by helping with buildings, trails, and painting in the weeks before July 15, offering local transportation, meal dana, or other requisites both before and during the retreat. If you wish to participate or support, please contact the Aranya Bodhi Prioress,Ven. Sobhana Bhikkhuni (bhikkhunisobhana [at] gmail [dot] com).

Hermitage Trailer Update & Invitation from Friends of the Hermitage

Wind, rain, leaks, mold, and mildew won.

The old kitchen trailer succumbed.

~

 A new used trailer has been found.

Through the diligent work of many friends, the hermitage now has a new used trailer, complete with all the kitchen fixtures, shower, and a separate bedroom for a resident or guest. Thank you all for that!

The new trailer will allow indoor cooking and shower facilities for the four monastic women and the lay steward now living on the land.  In summer, especially during the Vassa retreat from July to October, up to 12 women will use the new trailer along with an outside camp-kitchen and shower tents.

Out of the $9,500 cost of acquiring and installing this trailer, the Alliance for Bhikkhunis offered $2,000 and would like to invite Dhammadharini donors to join in this offering. Awakening Truth (Ajahn Thanasanti Bhikkhuni's support organization in Colorado) has kindly pledged another $3,000. Thank you to all these friends.

$4,500 in donations are needed

to pay the costs that remain.

The Dhammadharini Board of Directors offered to loan these funds to the hermitage (from Dhammadharini funds designated for other purposes), as the kitchen trailer had become an environmental health hazard. With 5-7 women in retreat at the hermitage, it had to be replaced urgently.

Invitation to Participate

Friends of the Hermitage group invites the participation of all supportive friends who would like to join us.   If you wish to donate, see http://www.aranyabodhi.org/dana ... Be sure to indicate the purpose of your gift, and kindly drop a note to awakeningforest@gmail.com so that we can announce when the goal is met.  We will happily reply to any questions about this project and how you can participate.

Sara Sacksteder
on behalf of
Friends of the Hermitage

First Family Retreat at Aranya Bodhi

We all enjoyed Becca's week-long visit with two young daughters. It's a wonderful exercise to make the Dhamma and Discipline ... what we understand and how we behave ... meaningful for kids. By helping both ourselves and the youngsters, we make the Buddha's path beautiful in the beginning, beautiful in the middle and beautiful at the end. Here is Becca's blog post.

She should have also mentioned helping with Hermitage chores, taking trash to the dump, and picking up propane and gas. Thank you, Becca.

Kataññutā

Kataññutā is gratitude, literally knowing what was done.
Our gratitude to Martha Craft for serving as interim Steward to the Hermitage, from the day of Sr. Marajina's ordination up to Jackie Miller's arrival this week. Martha withstood the rough conditions, cheerfully dealt with propane tanks, gas cans, and hardware needs; chauffered the monastics to and from Fremont and SFO, and braved severe weather on the freeway. Best of all, she took a lively and joyful interest in our Pali and Dhamma studies.
She wrote, "This has been an amazing happy adventure for me. Makes me smile."