During the month of December, Ajahn Pasanno goes on an annual trip to Thailand to maintain Abhayagiri's connection with the community there. He offers teachings at a variety of venues and visits a number of monasteries and practice centers, including Wat Pah Nanachat, the International Forest Monastery where he was abbot for 16 years. Ajahn Pasanno ordained in Thailand in 1974 and spent many years studying with the renowned meditation master, Ajahn Chah. Here are two links to pictures taken at two different events at the BIA (Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives) center in Bangkok:...

With all the Ajahns away there's a certain sense of it being a little quieter here right now. A third of the community is gone; so, it does free up a little bit of space and room. Without so many interactions with people, it can create a sense of spaciousness. And the weather has been conducive to being indoors and getting back to the cabin to practice. It's been quite nice in those ways. Otherwise, a lot of the knowledge of the community has left, particularly with people who are normally in the kitchen. This is evident even with little things like running out of sugar. Most guests ...

Phase one of the new reception hall is coming to a close. This week the crew built the forms to pour a concrete retaining wall. Hopefully at noon today the concrete pumper will arrive and that pour will take place. This retaining wall is one of three, and the next two are planned to be constructed in phase 2 (hopefully starting in April 2014). Next week the crew hopes to clean up the construction site, and build a fire protective structure over and around the two fire suppression water tanks. Once these jobs are complete, the construction work for the year will be complete.We hope to provide a weekly up-date to the const...