Part of this years work (2017) for Anandagiri Forest Monastery is building an entire section on The Chedi Project within the Peace Beyond Suffering website not only to track it's development and the building process, but also to enable fundraising. It is a rare opportunity in our current times to witness a Chedi actually being built and also to be a part of it.
'Bodhgaya-Ananda-Cetiya'
The Inspiration for and Intentions of the project
What is a Chedi?... and what are some reasons for building one?
Since the time of the Buddha, the remains or relics of Enlightened beings have been housed in often times quite grand in scale structures called Chedis. They frequently appear as a dome like mound with an elaborate spire on top. Later interpretations became more tower-like in design. There are many wonderful Chedis from ancient times still standing today in places such as India, Nepal. Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The devoted laity continuously sponsor the renovation and maintenance of these sacred monuments, for the use of their generation and future generations to come.
Why are we building this Chedi at Anandagiri Forest Monastery?
Although these days the scenery around our lovely little monastery usually looks quite tranquil and serene, just 40 years ago the area was quite literally a war zone! Like much of Southeast Asia at that time, communist and government forces were engaging in bitter and deadly conflicts. Khaokho district, the area where the monastery is situated, was an area where communist forces fled and hunkered down. The extremely hilly terrain and thick jungle made it easy to go undetected here. There was more than a decade of guerrilla style battles in this area, and many simple villagers died in the crossfire as well as thousands of soldiers on both sides. As well as the sad loss of so many lives, once the government forces won the battle against the communists, the rainforest was also deliberately removed, in order to prevent the communists from returning undetected.
The design of our new Chedi
The Chedi design is based upon a fusion of three traditional Chedis from three different countries. It will stand 18 metres tall upon completion. The central spire of the Maha Bodhi Chedi in Bodhgaya has been blended with the central spire of the Ananda Chedi in Pagan, Myanmar. (Which has ascending niches in the wall for enshrining Buddha images) The indented corners that will give the spire a slightly more rounded appearance, are a feature of traditional Chedis from the Sukhothai era, a nod to local traditions of yore. The dome that will sit on top of the Chedi, like a smaller Chedi on top, will be a replica of the one on top of the Maha Bodhi Chedi in Bodhgaya, and will be carved out of a very large solid piece of green marble from India.
"May this Sacred Chedi being built with the most noble intentions, and from beautiful materials, be like a beacon of light in this and other worlds. May it be a source of inspiration that helps beings to deepen their inner refuge through meditation and skilful contemplation. In remembering the inspiring example of the Buddha and his Enlightened disciples, may we all be inspired to deepen our own efforts towards realising deep peace and liberating Insight. And may all who contribute in any way whatsoever, experience good health, safety, abundance and never be separated from the True and Correct teachings of Buddhas!"
With Loving Kindness,
Ajahn Achalo Bhikkhu
(Abbot of Anandagiri Forest Monastery)
(Abbot of Anandagiri Forest Monastery)
