Bhante Vimalaramsi
Evening Dhamma Talk
August 2007

Dhamma Hall alter

Friendly curiosity as neighbors join with students for a Dhamma Talk

A question

on a Dhamma subject.

Outdoor sitting tent

New Library/Office building under construction

Also will be temporary quarters for Bhante until the trailer can be replaced.

New Entrance drive improves the view on arrival. A small landscaped garden is being constructed in front of the house and library/office.

Thai monks in Chicago Temple

offered advice and support for

Forest Dwelling. Lay people sent a truckload of supplies to help over the summer.

Coming in for the Noonday meal

The old road had been very hard on sandaled feet for the monk sand generally poor for any walking meditation.

The new road has many flat areas where walking meditation is easier because the new gravel is much smaller.

Setting up a group exercise tent for

long-term residents was a pleasure for Barbara Wall to work on.

New Kuti #1 awaits

a new wood ceiling and walls, new insulation, and a floor covering.

New Kuti #2 awaits next resident

New Kuti #3 awaits interior finishing work.

Chosen outdoor dining for monastics

is a screened house. There is an indoor area if needed in case of rain.

 In late 2006, bird boxes were put up in the Nature Preserve area. This fall, Bat boxes will be built and added to the area. There are almost no mosquitos on our land because of this.

On tour this Spring 2007. Venerable Vimalaramsi spoke by invitation at a Thai Conference in Tampa Bay, FL.

Many young monks attending, appreciated that He directly addressed some of the obvious challenges facing American Buddhist families and temples in this 21st Century.

Many Thai monks in Chicago Temple offered support and advice for Dhamma Sukha Center. Venerable "Bhante" Vimalaramsi gave a Dhamma talk during the opening of their new Dhamma Hall! Several monks set up a visit

for the end of October 2007 to visit

 the Dhamma Sukha Center.

Sister Khema and Ven. Vimalaramsi had a chance to visit and discuss Dhamma with Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi and Ven Ji Xing of the Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY.
Ven. Vimalaramsi has been invited to give a 10 day retreat November 21-28, 2007 at this monastery. Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi looks forward to joining in the retreat.

New Sri Lankan Friends were made
In Tampa Bay, FL area.

Ven. Wipola of the Florida Buddhist Vihara invited Ven. Vimalaramsi for Vesak Day ceremonies and assisted him in every way possible while he was in Florida visiting the nearby Thai Conference.

Ven Vimalaramsi was able to give several Dhamma talks to lay meditators while in the area. The hospitality of this temple was very gracious and helpful. This temple gave Dhamma Sukha their first Buddhist Flag for our temple.

The visit to Florida was especially nice as all of our hosts were very gracious and supportive for all our needs while going to a Vesak Day Ceremony, the Thai Conference and the Dedication of the new Thai Temple.
There were many open-minded young Thai monks who were interested in talking more about teaching Buddhist meditation in English to Americans in addition to Thai supporters. It was encouraging that the Thai community is so supportive of spreading Buddhist teachings to the next generation and taking note of the coming Challenges that face Buddhism in this Century.

In Spring 2007

Ven. Vimalaramsi  attended the

dedication of a new Burmese Pagoda in NJ. The ceremony was officiated by U Indika who presided over nearly 100 Burmese monks for the ceremony.

Venerable Vimalaramsi was welcomed and gave a short talk about  smiling to lightening the mind to find joy in your life again! Many people smiled in appreciation and paid their respects to him afterwards.

Sister Khema was the only American nun there and met one other nun while at the Pagoda Dedication.