Wandering Forest Monks

Tudong South Island
April 2008
 


At the end of March two Buddhist monks, Ajahn Chandako and Tan Mettiko, American and German by birth, left to wander the South Island of New Zealand for more than a month. Traveling without money, without carrying food and even without fixed plans, their experiences meditating in nature, trusting in the unknown and regularly coming in contact with human goodness touched their hearts and influenced many others along the way. The tales of their adventures will be gradually posted on this website. Click the link at the bottom of this article for the full story.

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View the Tudong photos



 
The Warm Summer of Contentment

Sunil and Cliff building the new kuti
March 2008
 
The summer of 2008 has been witness to many positive developments at Vimutti Buddhist Monastery. We feel fortunate that the development is progressing so well. During this time there have been three excellent monks coming to stay, Ajahn Yatiko, Ajahn Sudanto and Venerable Mettiko. They have given inspiring teachings to the lay community and been supportive to the monastery in many ways. Ajahn Yatiko has now left for Abhayagiri Monastery in California. Ajahn Sudanto will have to leave at the end of March due to difficulties extending his visa. During his time here he has offered a great amount of his expertise and practical experience in building and website design. Venerable Mettiko returned with me from Thailand and plans to stay for a few months before he goes to Germany to assist in establishing a forest monastery there.

For many years our good friend and supporter, Sunil, has wished to offer a kuti in memory of his late father. This summer we were able to begin the project. We began with a land blessing ceremony on a beautiful day in December. The location for the kuti is a serene spot next to our stream, nestled in a patch of thick native NZ bush. Ajahn Sudanto helped me finalize the design, and since New Year Sunil and Cliff have been coming weekly to help us complete the building. It is wonderful to see Sunil involved with the project from the very beginning stages right through to the end. May he experience deep satisfaction with his filial offering. I hope to move in before the next rains retreat (to view pictures of building process, visit the new photogallery).

The Day of Peace Meditation workshops have been very well attended this year. It is great to see our sala full with people who are interested in learning how to transform their hearts in a positive way through learning meditation.

During the summer we had more people wishing to stay at Vimutti than ever before. Usually our accommodation was fully booked, so many people were happy to stay in tents. People combined to create a harmonious and diligent little community. Dennis has just left to follow the summer north of the equator, and Beth has gone to Australia temporarily to join a long retreat. She plans to return the end of July.

Other physical developments at Vimutti included digging two new ponds. Having water features makes such a difference for creating an atmosphere of tranquility. There is now a covered bench by one of the ponds by the entrance. This is already a favorite place to relax and meditate.

The Dhamma School children came for their annual visit, and once again we all had a lot of fun with the Dhamma game show. The two teams were so evenly matched that there was quite a bit of suspense and excitement coming down to the final question. I think the parents learn just as much as the children!

At our New Years Eve celebration we kicked off our fundraising effort to purchase an adjoining piece of property. Since then we have raised over half the money! It is wonderful to see people respond with generosity and to see that people value what we do here.

With metta, Ajahn Chandako

 
Pilgrimage in India

Almsround in Bodh Gaya
February 2008
 
In February I had the opportunity to go on pilgrimage to the Buddhist holy sights in India. It is always an inspirational journey to visit Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha realized Nibbana, Lumbini, where he was born, Sarnath, where he gave his first teaching and Kusinara, where he passed away by entering parinibbana. To think that we were walking on the same ground that the Buddha walked on and sitting under the Bodhi Tree just a few metres from where the Buddha was enlightened was powerful. Many people had tears of gratitude welling up. We also climbed up to the Buddha’s kuti on Vulture’s Peak before dawn and chanted and meditated as the sun rose. We visited Nalanda University, the Bamboo Grove, the cave where the first council was held, the Jetavana, Anathapindika’s park and monastery where the Buddha lived for 19 years, and the Buddha’s bone relics in the museums of Patna and New Delhi.

In the old days pilgrims from foreign countries had to face a long, difficult and life threatening journey to reach the places that we can so conveniently visit today. The faith and persistence that those early pilgrims needed gave them a great inner strength that supported their spiritual aspirations. Buddhism thrived in India until about 800 years ago. At that point many of the monasteries and their inhabitants came to a sudden and violent end with the Muslim invasions in the 12th and13th centuries. The Buddhist holy sights were then left in ruins to be gradually engulfed by nature and mostly forgotten. By the 19th century knowledge of the location of these special places had been nearly entirely lost. Fortunately a group of dedicated British archeologists in India cared enough to search for these ancient sights. Using detailed information from the travel memoirs of ancient Chinese pilgrims, they were able to rediscover the exact whereabouts of the major events of the Buddha’s life. Uncovering pillars with inscriptions erected by the great king Asoka to mark the spots in the 3rd century BCE left no doubt as to the validity of the locations.

A true pilgrimage is an inner journey that mirrors the outer path. The same obstacles, patient-endurance and rapture that are part of traveling to the holy sights are reflected internally as one traverses the heart’s landscape. A true pilgrimage is as much a journey towards the center of our mind’s purity as it is an exercise of moving the body through time and space. In this way, even while in New Zealand, every one of us can experience the deepest meaning of pilgrimage.

With metta, Ajahn Chandako

 
The Material Attainments

Excavating the new ponds
near the monastery entrance
November 2007
 
Normally when we speak of the material attainments we are referring the first four jhanas, but over the past year there have been other developments in the material realm. Just as the jhanas provide a solid foundation for insight and liberation (Vimutti), the material developments at the monastery provide a foundation for people to practice for their heart’s freedom.

People who come to stay and meditate in the monastery need dwellings. The first couple of years guests stayed mainly in tents. The people were hardy and some stayed right through the winter. Three years ago we built a cedar garden shed as a monk’s hut and got a small caravan. Two years ago we built a small dining hall for the monks which doubles as a dwelling. This past year we built another simple hut, a small room and bought another caravan. Still, we find ourselves short of accommodation for the increasing number of people who wish to come and stay at the monastery, and during the summer we will have to again rely on tents.

Another aspect of the material development is the landscaping. This past year we planted approximately 1000 trees, bringing the total to 4,691. The people staying at Vimutti have done a fantastic job planting and caring for the trees, and there has been quick growth and a high survival rate. Another big improvement to the landscaping has been the creation of two beautiful ponds near the entrance of the monastery. These have turned a weed-ridden soggy depression into a tranquil refuge of contemplation and repose. They were soon adopted by two families of ducks with a bunch of fluffy ducklings playing throughout the day. The ponds also provide a habitat for walking meditators. These creatures are another rare and wild species that flourish if they have the proper environment. The Department of Conservation may be able to tag some of the wild walking meditators to see if their population increases over time.

Over the past two weeks another major development has taken place. We came to an agreement with our neighbor to buy 30 acres of land adjacent to the monastery. For forest monasteries it is important to maintain a sense of seclusion and quietude suitable for meditation and retreat. Although the monastery is in a pleasant location, there has been some concern about the effect that development on adjacent land might have on the atmosphere. It was with this in mind that we decided to purchase the land bordering the west side of Vimutti.

In addition to securing the future of the monastery, the new land provides a stunning setting for a meditation hall that overlooks a lovely valley. There is also a beautiful vista for a hill-top Stupa and a variety of locations for meditation huts. On part of the new property we hope to create an area specifically for women, so that they will have their own space for practice. Furthermore, the purchase of this property provides an opportunity for us to help protect and restore the native ecosystem of New Zealand.

The cost of the new property is $NZ 200,000. To help finance the purchase we have divided the land into small lots for individual donation. There are five options: there are nine plots of land in the area where the Stupa will be built for $2000 each. The area where the meditation hall will go has been divided into plots at $1500 each. The remaining area of the land has been divided into sections with sponsorship prices of $1000, $500 and $250.

Creating a monastery in New Zealand is a great opportunity. This is a unique time in the history of Buddhism. Very rarely has the Dhamma ever spread so quickly to non-Buddhist countries as it has been spreading in the West for the last 30 years. We have to think not merely in terms of our immediate needs, but also in terms of what will be necessary to transplant Buddhism to a new land for hundreds of years to come. If you would like to be part of this wonderful blossoming of the Dhamma, please contact us at

vimutti.atba@gmail.com

or see the details on the offerings page of our website.

With metta,
Ajahn Chandako

 
Vimutti Monastery Helping to Reduce Global Warming

The Vimutti Planting Crew
September 2007
 

"To plant a tree is to believe in the possibility of a more beautiful future. Plant a tree for your children to enjoy. Plant a tree to show respect for the environment. Plant a tree for the Dhamma. You are invited to join in the reforestation of Vimutti Buddhist Monastery. Help nature recover while enjoying the happiness of making good kamma."

--Ajahn Chandako

With environmental problems mounting across the globe and New Zealand having been stripped of most of its native bush, there is some good news happening on the horizon. Since the founding of Vimutti Buddhist Monastery in 2004, we have planted nearly 4000 trees! The effort is ongoing and we invite people to participate.

Our 72-acre property was formerly an old paddock with some nice patches of bush and wetlands. A few dedicated people have worked tirelessly for the last three years to clean-up the land, make paths, re-establish the native flora and plant contemplative gardens. Through their hard work they hope to create a serene and beautiful environment suitable for developing peace of mind.

The purpose of our project is to create a monastic community in an environment that supports the development of a deeper understanding of the Dhamma, the truths of nature. The interdependence of all living things is a basic Buddhist tenet. Through being mindful of this interdependence we learn that caring for the environment is an ethical issue. Embodying this ideal requires a simultaneous nurturing of both inner and outer environments. Regenerating the beautiful native New Zealand ecosystem is our response to the global environmental crises.

When I first arrived on this property, cattle-grazing on the steep hills had caused a tremendous amount of soil erosion and environmental degradation. Since the stock were removed, slips along the stream banks have virtually disappeared. Ferns and pongas have made a strong comeback. The trees we have planted will provide increased protection against soil erosion, while attracting birdlife and consuming carbon dioxide—a major contributor to global climate change. Not least of all, the trees inspire visitors to relax and appreciate nature.

We have planted a wide variety of trees and plants, 250 Cabbage trees, 200 Pittosporum varieties, 300 native Flax and dozens of each of the following: Kauri, Totara, Griselinia, Kahikatea, Pohutukawa, Kawaka, Karaka, Hoheria and Rimu. We have mass planted locally sourced Kanuka as a nurse species. Meanwhile hundreds of large Barberry thornbushes have been removed. Invasive willows have been taken out of the stream and wetlands, and there is an ongoing effort to eradicate noxious pest plants and weeds.

Almost every single day we spend hours monitoring and looking after the trees that have already been planted. Trees are cared for with weed matting, protective fencing and loving-kindness. Around the trunks of more than 50 already existing large native trees we have wrapped aluminium sheet metal to prevent possum damage. An electric fence was installed to protect 20 acres of the property from feral goats, and contemplative ponds have been created to attract bird life.

The establishment of a sustainable Buddhist community based on peace and wisdom is our long-term aim. To achieve this we need to be mindfully aware of how we live within and affect our natural surroundings. Currently Vimutti Monastery is self-sufficient in our use of water by relying on collecting rain, and solar panels provide the electricity to heat all the hot water in the main building. All of our food scraps are composted. Plastics, glass and tins are recycled, and we only use biodegradable cleaning products. We are doing what we can to address the imbalance of the current environmental crises.

Our extended community consists of many hundreds of people from throughout the Auckland area who regularly visit the monastery and benefit from its tranquil atmosphere and natural setting. To the wider community, Buddhist monks and nuns are examples of an alternative way of life based on virtuous living and sustainable environmental practices. They have few possessions, live in simple huts in the forest, and are models of non-violence. By coming to the monastery, guests get an appreciation of both nature and the Sangha’s dedication to Dhamma practice, an impression that they can then carry back into their personal environment.

As a Buddhist monastery we have the opportunity to teach and influence a large and diverse audience. Responsibly caring for the earth and living harmoniously are important principles that we try to instil in our community.

Our monastery is part of a lineage called the Forest Tradition. Living in and learning from nature has always been a key feature of this tradition. As Auckland’s urban sprawl extends further and further into the countryside, Vimutti Buddhist Monastery will remain a green haven dedicated to awareness, education and environmental protection.

--Ajahn Chandako

How You Can help

In order to continue this work we must rely entirely upon the generosity of people like yourself. Because Vimutti relies solely upon donations from individuals who feel they benefit from the monastic community, balancing economic, social and cultural elements to achieve sustainability takes a different form. All teachings, books and facilities are offered free of charge. Whereas other organizations require profit making structures to maintain themselves, we must rely solely on the community’s integrity to attract support.

One way you can help is to calculate the time you spend travelling and then make a corresponding donation to plant trees.
  • For every 4 hours you have spent flying in the past year, make a donation to plant a Native New Zealand tree.
  • For every 2000 kilometres you have spent in a car in the past year, make a donation to plant a Native New Zealand tree.
  • For every 10,000 kilometres you have spent on a train or coach in the past year, make a donation to plant a Native New Zealand tree.
    (Cheques can be mailed to Vimutti Landscaping, PO Box 7, Bombay 2343, NZ or see the offerings section of this website.)

    You can also help with the planting and maintenance. This is done entirely by volunteer labour and is a huge task. This year most of the trees have been planted by Beth, Sunil and Summer. Thank you! If you wish to help with the landscaping, please contact us at

    vimutti.atba@gmail.com.

    In the future, we hope to purchase neighbouring properties to enlarge the scope of the project. If you can assist this in any way, we would be most grateful.

    If you would like to offer a memorial tree with a plaque in honour of someone who has passed away, please contact Benita at 09 520-1392.

    Finally, if you have skills in arranging rock work or building bridges or pavilions, we would be grateful for your involvement.
    •  
    A Buddha is Cast

    Luang Por Sumedho with Aj. Chandako
    January 2006
     
    On January 7, 2549 a large bronze Buddha statue was cast for Vimutti Buddhist Monastery. Considering that fact that our monastery is just a newly born baby, the turnout was truly amazing. Many of Thailand's meditation masters attended as well as most of the abbots from our monasteries in the West. Food was prepared for 1000 people and it seems at least that many attended. Crews from two television stations were filming, radio stations were broadcasting and newspaper reporters were taking notes. Why all this fuss for Vimutti?

    One reasin is that the making of a Buddha for a monastery is a rare event. It is a work of art that will probably last many hundreds of years as a focus of devotion. It was especially significant that a symbol of the Buddha would be sent overseas to help a monastery in a land that is new to the Dhamma. The fact that Luang por Sumedho graciously took time out of his busy schedule to be the senior monk drew much attention. Also many senior western abbots were in town to attend the world abbots’ meeting, held at Wat Pah Nanachat shortly after. Finally, Thais just love to gather together for occasions of spiritual significance. I found the entire process to be very moving.

    The day was filled with Dhamma talks from Luang Por Sumedho and others, chanting, offerings to the Sangha, reunions of old friends and a general festive atmosphere.

    When I told people in New Zealand about the custom of melting gold and silver jewellery into the new Buddha, I didn't expect anyone to be interested enough to hand something over. But by the time I was ready to get on the airplane I had a good sized bag of precious metals to accompany me. I was deeply impressed by some people's renunciation. For example, the morning before I left, Sumana offered the meal, and when it was over she slipped off her wedding ring and offered it for the Buddha. I asked her, "Are you sure Freddie is OK with this?" She assured me that Freddie had given his full consent. Now that the ring has been incorporated into the statue, it means that Freddie is married to the Buddha.

    The gold and silver I brought from NZ was just the beginning. At one point in the ceremony it was announced that anyone who wished to offer some for the casting could present it to me. People started approaching offering bracelets, rings, earrings, chains and even small solid gold bricks. The line got longer and longer. I must have sat there for 45 minutes as person after person--mostly people I had never met--came forth to make their offerings. By the end we had more precious jewellery than I had ever seen outside of a store. We then separated the gold and silver into two piles. Silver melts more slowly than gold, so that was added first to the waiting cauldrons of molten bronze.

    Luang Por Sumedho and I then ascended a raised stage. The gathering of approximately 50 monks then began chanting parittas, the ancient chants of well-wishing and protection. Luang Por then added the gold into the first batch of bronze that was to be poured into the mould. It took many fistfuls before all the gold was in the pot. As the monks continued to chant, the bronze cauldrons were poured into the upside-down mould. Molten bronze glows with a beautiful fluorescent radiance, and as it flowed and sparkled in the midday sun with the huge crowd focusing their attention, with the booming voices of so many of my supportive kalyanamitta brethren, with the culmination of months of planning bearing fruit with such perfection and enthusiasm and joy, it was indeed a moving experience.

    The following is a partial list of the Sangha members who attended the ceremony:

    Luang Por Sumedho
    Spiritual Director of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery
    Tan Ajahn Pasanno
    Co-abbot of Abhayagiri, USA
    Tan Ajahn Tiradhammo
    Abbot of Bodhinyanarama, NZ
    Tan Ajahn Jundee
    Abbot of Wat Ampawan, Thailand
    Tan Ajahn Gavesako
    Abbot of Sununtaram, Thailand
    Tan Ajahn Sucitto
    Abbot of Cittaviveka, England
    Tan Ajahn Piek
    Abbot Wat Fah Kram, Thailand
    Tan Ajahn Anan
    Abbot of Wat Mahp Jun, Thailand
    Tan Ajahn Somjai
    Assistant abbot Wat Mahp Jun
    Tan Ajahn Dtun
    Abbot of Wat Boonyawat, Thailand
    Tan Ajahn Amaro
    Co-abbot of Abhayagiri, USA
    Tan Ajahn Vajiro
    Acting Abbot of Amaravati
    Ajahn Suriyo
    Abbot of Devon, England
    Ajahn Jayanto
    Ajahn Punnadhammo
    Abbot of Arrow River, Canada
    Luang Por Monton
    (a well-known forest monk.
    Because he is senior to LP Sumedho, he arrived politely late)
    Mai Chee Sansanee
    Abbess of Satien Tam, Banbkok. (The most famous nun in Thailand)


    Special thanks goes to Khun Kittinan and At Samuthrsindh, who offered the Buddha Image. Khun Plern and Khun Usa worked hard for months to organize the ceremony.

    Sumana Abeysekera did an fantastic job organizing the sheets of bronze on which people wrote special messages. These were all then melted into the new Buddha.

    Much thanks goes to Khun Nuk, who helped to organize the group from New Zealand, who arranged to have 25 sabongs sewn so that I could offer them to the senior monks and who wrote a brochure in Thai for Vimutti.

    Pushpa Jayatillaka flew in from Sri Lanka for the ceremony, and after it was over she invited Tan Ajahn Dtun and two of his monks to teach a retreat in New Zealand. He accepted.

    So you see, it was truly an amazing day.

    May you all be happy and well,
    With metta,
    Ajahn Chandako

    PS The Buddha statue arrived in New Zealand on March 21, 2006.
     
     
     

    © Auckland Theravada Buddhist Association

    © Auckland Theravada Buddhist Association


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