Forest Path - Amaravati Buddhist Monastery

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Learning Forest Dhamma
Pa¤¤àvuóóho Bhikkhu
As long as there are bhikkhus who delight living in the forest at
the foot of trees the Buddha-Sàsana, the Way of the Awakened
Ones, will not decline.
(D.II.77; A.IV.20)
Alone with other creatures
Emerging from meditation while nestled in an isolated spot deep
within the folds of the forest certainly makes for a wonderful way to
greet the day. Sitting here on my dtieng in Tao Dam, the crescendo of
the birds and insects celebrating the crack of dawn has subsided,
and shafts of light begin to seep through the trees. The beams of
sunshine from the early morning sun rising over the mountainous
horizon produce a dance of light throughout the trees and imbue the
forest air with a glowing yellow-orange hue.
Here in the lush, tropical forests of Tao Dam I often catch myself
marvelling at the degree to which the forest brims with life. The natural
surroundings pulsate with a vibrant energy. From the gurgling
flow of water in the creek to the bass undertone of humming bees, to
the punctuated, high-pitched cries of barking deer, the forest provides
a constant symphonic medley of sound. At dawn the energy
peaks; while nocturnal creatures return to their abodes, the rest of
the fauna awake with the sun to embark on a search for a new day’s
meal. A little bird perched just on the front ledge of my dtieng sings
a small song. Then with the sudden quiver of its wings it slices
through the timelessness of a moment. I note how a detached observation
of nature’s rhythmic movements brings peace, ease and a
sense of release to the ceaselessly thinking mind. In my Dhamma
practice, the pristine wilderness inspires me to turn within and
attempt to attune to that which is true. The whole environment encourages
me to develop a deeper awareness of the present moment
and practise letting go.
Suddenly, while sitting on my dtieng, I hear a commotion in the
brush several metres away. The noises are insistent in their