"I am heartened to learn of the establishment of Sravasti Abbey in the USA... I am happy to give (it) my support and encourage others who share this interest to do likewise."
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama



Progress in Pictures


Current Projects

 

Additional Projects

Chenrezig Hall   May '08 - April '10 Kitchen Remodel
Moving the Meditation Hall - Updated Jan. 20, 2012 new     Gotami House
Guest Teacher / Retreat Cabin (May '10 - Completion)     Guest Teacher / Retreat Cabin
       
       

Chenrezig Hall

Chenrezig Hall, a new 10,000 square foot guest house, is Sravasti Abbey's next major undertaking. We are currently planning the building with Gotami House architect, Tim Wilson. Like all Abbey projects, Chenrezig Hall will be made possible through the generosity of individuals all over the world. Join us in creating peace in a chaotic world.

 

Planning has Begun!

The continuing growth in demand for retreats and courses and the growth of the Abbey community have signaled the time for new construction. Plans for Chenrezig Hall are being developed now! We are happy to, once again, work with Tim Wilson, architect for Gotami House.

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Moving the Meditation Hall

Our treasured meditation hall once stood in the best place to build our new guest house, Chenrezig Hall. With care, we are moving the hall up the meadow to a new location so that we can both preserve our history and prepare for our future. In addition to these photos, check out the video of this amazing process!

new January 2012 Back in the Hall!
  December 2011 Pouring the Slab
  November 2011 The Hall Comes Down! - New video Nov 26, 2011
    Pouring the Foundation
  October 2011 Preparing and Moving the Hall

 

Back in the Hall!
January 2012

While there is still some work to do, the Meditation Hall is now back in use! Although the Hall is in a new location with new interior paint and carpeting, the energy of all our past practices is still present. It was a wonderful treat for guests doing the one month winter retreat to spend their final few days at the Abbey practicing as a community in the Hall.

On January 13th, 2012, we set up the Hall for use that night. Residents and guests processed down to Ven. Chodron's cabin, inviting her to consecrate the Hall. The consecration was done and we performed a Lama Chopa puja.

The winter retreat continues in this wonderful space thanks to the generosity of so many. Many people will continue to benefit from this effort well into the future. To all of those who committed their time, financial resources, prayers and aspirations -- THANK YOU!

Completion of the Meditation Hall also means we can turn our attention to the new guesthouse, Chenrezig Hall.

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Preparing the interior for paint and carpeting. Installing the carpet. Painting the drywall.
The carpet is in . . . one step closer. Preparing cloths for a temporary altar. A permanent altar will be in installed in the spring. Everyone pitches in to prepare the space.
Susan and Ven. Chodon prepare a light offering for the arhats. Transporting the Buddha. Thanks to a team effort, the Buddha arrives safely.
A delighted abbess welcomes the Buddha into the Hall! Ven. Chodron leads a procession to consecrate the Hall. A happy group of retreatants!
     
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Pouring the Slab!
December 2011

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Filling the floor gravel! The slab will poured over the gravel after it is compacted. Gravel also goes into the drain field around the Hall.
John and Kenny carefully compact the gravel, checking for a level base. Pouring the concrete! The finished slab!
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The Hall Comes Down!
November 2011

After much preparation, the buidling movers return and prepare the Hall to be lowered onto its new foundation. Using chains around the Hall, the walls are aligned with the foundation to ensure a good, sound fit. Then, inch-by-inch, the Hall is slowly lowered using a hydrolic lift. There is still much to be done including pouring the concrete, reinstalling the doors and installing the flooring before the Hall can be used. Please make prayers that the weather continues to hold up for this project!

See video of the Hall being lowered!

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The crew chains the Hall to ensure it comes down directly over the foundation. The hydrolic lift is used to lower the Hall inches at a time. Mike Rupert prepares to begin lowering the Hall
The Hall over the foundation, before being lowered. The Hall completely lowered. The Hall is now resting on its foundation!
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Pouring the Foundation
November 2011

Crews began digging, framing and pouring the Meditation Hall's new foundation - all while the building was suspended overhead! Measurements were carefully taken to ensure a proper fit once the Hall is lowered. Once framed, the foundation base was poured followed by the retaining walls walls. Later, residents and guests applied a coat of tar to the walls to protect the concrete from water damage. This required the use of a blowtorch to keep everything at an appropriate tempurature!

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The Hall at its new site. Steel girders support the building. John Perry digs the footing.
Ven. Tarpa checks in with John and Kenny. Kirk and his crew begin building the forms for the concrete footing and foundation. The math to replicate the old foundation must be exact so the hall fits well on the new foundation.
Concrete truck and pumper are set to start the pour. Concrete truck with boom extended A heavy hose coming from the pump truck dumps concrete into the forms.
Concrete must cure of days to make sure it will hold the weight of the hall. The sub freezing temperatures call for Terri to heat the wall with a torch so that tar can be applied to seal its surface from water
Dani & Alison are a great team for tarring the wall and the task is soon finished. John digs the trench for the electrical line to the meditation hall.
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Preparing and Moving the Hall
October 2011

Before it could be moved the entire Hall had to be emptied! After the community and guests emptied everything out of the Hall - from the Buddha to the lights and floor - the crew from American Bay Construction began raising the Hall a few inches at a time. With each lift, cribbing was adding to support the building. Finally, the building was rolled over the hill and secured to a semi-truck and driven to its new home. There are a few months of work still to do . . !

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Guest Teacher / Retreat Cabin (May '10 - Completion)
To see previous years' work: Start - April '10

The Guest Teacher / Retreat Cabin was completed and consecrated in September 2010, thanks to the kindness and generosity of benefactors who offered their time, skills, prayers and financial support. Our guest teachers now have a suitable place to stay on Abbey land and we are delighted to host each of them. Please visit us to see and experience the results of your generosity.

 

The Cabin is Completed and Consecrated!
September 2010

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The Finishing Touches
August 2010

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Interior Painting and Porch Pillars
July 2010

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Porch with a View
June 2010

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