Mahāvana Forest Monastery is being established in a remote part of Sri Lanka in the Thai Forest Tradition as taught by Venerable Ajahn Chah. It aims to provide a quiet forest environment for meditation and contemplation in a monastic setting.
Most days begin with morning chanting and meditation, after which the monks go on alms round (pindapāta), followed by the only meal of the day. Some chores are undertaken to maintain the monastery and are practiced in a spirit of cultivating mindfulness in all postures. Most days conclude with evening chanting and meditation, with the occasional Dhamma talk.
The monastery is being built gradually using simple and natural materials, with an emphasis on earth buildings that harmonize with the forest environment. Over time, it is intended to develop into a small community of monks and those aspiring to monastic life.
The monastery is supported entirely through generosity (dāna) from those who wish to help maintain a quiet place for practicing the teachings of the Buddha.