About the Project
Why?
The project was conceived by the Kalyana UK group, a small community of Sri Lankan lay Buddhist practitioners to both celebrate their appreciation for the teachings of Ven. Dhammajiva Thero on his 70th birthday, as well as contribute their support to the wider Buddhist community here in the UK. Ven. Dhammajiva is the group's main 'meditation advisor' (Kammattanacharya). To celebrate the occasion, the Satipasala Horticultural Society in Sri Lanka organised a tree planting project in different parts of the country, and likewise, the Kalyana UK group felt moved to mirror this with a project based in the UK. Having felt inspired by the sense of friendship and inclusiveness promoted by Ven. Dhammasami Thero, founder and abbot of the Oxford Buddha Vihara (OBV), the idea of planting 70 trees at the OBV's Park Farm Retreat Centre was born.
This project is a symbol of mutual support and friendship within the Buddhist community, and continues a long tradition. There are already many examples to inspire us. Many years ago, Ven. Dhammasami warmly welcomed Ven. Dhammajiva to stay at the newly-founded Oxford Buddha Vihara during his visit to the UK. Many of the Burmese monks at the Oxford Buddha Vihara have studied in Sri Lanka. Ven. Dhammajiva trained extensively under Sayadaw U Pandita in Burma before returning to Nissarana Vanaya in the forests of Sri Lanka.
In addition, this project extends the sense of mutual support and friendship to our ecological environment. Planting long-lived, sustainable trees and plants helps the local and wider environment. It's a tangible and long-term way to offer something back.
What is the Project?
With your support, we aim to plant 70 healthy, strong trees within the grounds of the Oxford Buddha Vihara's Park Farm Retreat Centre and to establish the foundations for an inspiring Buddha Garden. Plans are in the process of being drawn up and will be shared here and with supporters as soon as they are available.
Our first planting day will be on 19th March, 2022. You're most welcome to join us for the opportunity to plant trees yourself, share a home-cooked Sri Lankan meal, and join the community for a celebration of generosity and friendship.
What is the OBV Park Farm Retreat Centre?
In 2018 the Oxford Buddha Vihara devotees raised money for and purchased a beautiful secluded plot of land with buildings in the Forest of Dean, in West Gloucestershire. Set away from the hustle and bustle of city life, it offers a setting for both long and short retreats. The OBV's deputy abbot, Ven. Pannavamsa, has resided there since its inception, along with other members of the sangha. It is an inspiring place to visit, and one comes away with a sense of untapped potential in the grounds, buildings and facilities. Most beautiful of all, the centre is available and welcoming to host retreats for groups of any Buddhist tradition.
About Venerable Dhammasami Thero
Venerable Dr Khammai Dhammasami is originally from Shan State in Myanmar. As well as founder and abbot of the Oxford Buddha Vihara, he is the Buddhist chaplain to Oxford University, a member of the Oxford Council of Faith, a fellow of Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, and a world council member for Religion for Peace (UN NY). He heads the International Association of Buddhist Universities (www.iabu.org) and has been involved in organising the UN day of Vesak, based in Bangkok since 2005. He travels the world both in these capacities and as teacher and meditation master.
About Venerable Dhammajiva Thero
Venerable Dhammajiva Thero is a Theravada Bhikkhu who is the Abbot, Chief Preceptor and Chief Meditation Master of a traditional forest monastery, Nissarana Vanaya, located in Meethirigala, Sri Lanka. His monastic career spans over three decades. Since his higher ordination in July 1989, and after several years of intensive meditation practice in seclusion under the guidance of his teachers, he underwent further training in Burma with the late Sayadaw U Panditha for several years.
In recent years, Ven. Dhammajiva has been investing his experiential understanding, knowledge, time and effort to disseminate mindfulness amongst school children and the entire education fraternity in Sri Lanka. His brainchild, ‘Sati Pasala’ or Mindful School, is now a recognised entity and works in partnership with the Ministry of Education to train teachers and all educators in mindfulness. As a result of these tireless efforts, Mindfulness will be included into the school education curriculum in Sri Lanka. Other Sati Pasala groups have been established around the world.
