In January, the Community of Abhayagiri Lay Ministers (CALM) group will be led by Ajahns Pasanno and Amaro on a pilgrimage to visit various Thai forest monasteries and senior monastics in Thailand. The purpose of the trip is to allow this group of Abhayagiri lay leaders to connect with the roots of the Thai forest tradition and to serve as emissaries for Abhayagiri. Their itinerary will take them to the monasteries of Maichee Sansanee, Ajahns Dtun, Piak, Jundee, Thun, and Gavesako, among others. They will attend a Buddharupa pouring ceremony on the outskirts of Bangkok before heading to Northeast Thailand, where they will visit Wat Pah Nanachat, the International forest monastery; Wat Poo Jom Gom, founded by Ajahn Pasanno near the Lao border; and Wat Pah Pong, Ajahn Chah’s main monastery.

As representatives of the Abhayagiri lay community, they will spend several days as part of the annual memorial activities for Ajahn Chah at Wat Pah Pong from January 13–16. Abhayagiri annually sponsors an outdoor kitchen during this days-long event to help feed the thousands of pilgrims who take part. The CALM group will join in the effort, helping to cook and serve the many visitors and serve as a symbol of Abhayagiri’s place in the larger community of monasteries in Ajahn Chah’s lineage. They hope that their physical presence will help to strengthen ties with Abhayagiri’s many friends and supporters in Thailand.

Anyone travelling in Thailand during January is encouraged to attend the memorial events at Wat Pah Pong and to stop by the Abhayagiri “kitchen” there. And for those unable to attend, your support of the annual Abhayagiri kitchen is most welcome. For more information on the event, please visit http://www.abhayagiri.org or contact the monastery.