Dana Sala Project |
A New Dana Sala
Infrastructure Project (2022)
A New Dana Sala for the Sangha
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Currently at Anandagiri Forest Monastery we have undertaken the rebuilding of an important central building, where the meal is offered to the Sangha members each day, and where Dhamma teachings and discussions occur between the community and our visitors after the meal each day as well. In many respects the ‘Dana-Sala’space is like the physical heart of the monastery. As it is the place where both bodies and minds are nourished, where generosity and loving-kindness are demonstrated, and where our interdependence is acknowledged and celebrated. As we all grow through encouraging and supporting one another.
The previous Dana-Sala was just an 6 x 8 metres structure, which literally wobbled and shook when people walked through it. It was rustic and charming, but had become too small after ten years of community growth. The new 12 x 12 metre, two-storey space will be able to accommodate many more monks, nuns and day guests much more comfortably. It has also been designed to open up the views of the lovely surrounding hills that have been successfully reforested.
Whenever undertaking a significant building project, the committee and I have always tried to have an additional 20% available in the budget, before even commencing, to cover any unanticipated or unseen expenses. But with the costs of building products, deliveries and wages increasing faster than anyone had anticipated over the past sixmonths, unfortunately this was an insufficient amount this time. The good news is that we do have 85% of our required budget. The not so good news is that we currently have a shortfall of 15% of what is needed. Naturally we wish to be able to honour the contracts that have already been signed with our building teams. They are working very fast and very well and it would be best for all concerned if the projects could be completed.
In general I try not to use the Peace Beyond Suffering website to raise any funds. Everything on the website is gladly offered as a gift. I believe that this is only the third time in the nine years since creating the website that I have ever mentioned an opportunity to help. As always there is never any expectation. I am simply mentioning that there is an opportunity to support one of our projects if you would like to. I am mindful that some of you may actually appreciate being welcomed and included in the opportunity to contribute to the construction of one of our buildings.
For the sake of transparency I will mention that the building that was expected to cost around 6 million Thai Baht, is going to cost closer to 9 million upon it’s completion. We had prepared and set aside 7.5 million. If we receive the financial support that is needed, we expect the building to be completed in just two more months.
Please contact one of my helpers if you are interested to support this project at the email address below.
The previous Dana-Sala was just an 6 x 8 metres structure, which literally wobbled and shook when people walked through it. It was rustic and charming, but had become too small after ten years of community growth. The new 12 x 12 metre, two-storey space will be able to accommodate many more monks, nuns and day guests much more comfortably. It has also been designed to open up the views of the lovely surrounding hills that have been successfully reforested.
Whenever undertaking a significant building project, the committee and I have always tried to have an additional 20% available in the budget, before even commencing, to cover any unanticipated or unseen expenses. But with the costs of building products, deliveries and wages increasing faster than anyone had anticipated over the past sixmonths, unfortunately this was an insufficient amount this time. The good news is that we do have 85% of our required budget. The not so good news is that we currently have a shortfall of 15% of what is needed. Naturally we wish to be able to honour the contracts that have already been signed with our building teams. They are working very fast and very well and it would be best for all concerned if the projects could be completed.
In general I try not to use the Peace Beyond Suffering website to raise any funds. Everything on the website is gladly offered as a gift. I believe that this is only the third time in the nine years since creating the website that I have ever mentioned an opportunity to help. As always there is never any expectation. I am simply mentioning that there is an opportunity to support one of our projects if you would like to. I am mindful that some of you may actually appreciate being welcomed and included in the opportunity to contribute to the construction of one of our buildings.
For the sake of transparency I will mention that the building that was expected to cost around 6 million Thai Baht, is going to cost closer to 9 million upon it’s completion. We had prepared and set aside 7.5 million. If we receive the financial support that is needed, we expect the building to be completed in just two more months.
Please contact one of my helpers if you are interested to support this project at the email address below.
Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu
14 June 2022
14 June 2022
