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.
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.
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!
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.
December 2011
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!
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!
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 . . !
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.
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
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