We’re moving!
After three fruitful years in Palautordera we’re moving to Teruel
For more than three years, Saraṇa Vihāra has been based in Palautordera; a beautiful place near the Montseny mountain in the region of Barcelona.
It has been a time that has allowed us to rediscover the positive and transformative impact of the Dhamma every day. There have been so many encounters with generous people who have nourished our confidence…
When we started the monastery there was a clear feeling that it was the right path, but at the same time a question lingered in the background: “Is something like this possible in a country without a Buddhist background?” You have given us the answer: Yes!
As you can imagine, not everything has been easy, and at times we have had to face some difficulties, working with our own inner corners and different aspects of those around us. Being able to do so has been a cause for gratitude, a source of growth, and has given rise to even greater commitment to the teachings of the Buddha.
After purchasing land in Teruel for the construction of Saraṇa Vana , the intention was to keep our place in Palautordera and alternate time between both places. One reason was the lovely community that has been built around the monastery, as well as the beautiful surroundings. But little by little we came to the conclusion that for different reasons it would be better to move closer to the new place.
Once the decision was made, we felt that it would be wonderful if our place in Palautordera could continue to be a place of Dhamma and it fills us with deep joy to share the news that we have sold it to Dhamma Neru, a nearby Vipassana center. It will continue to be a space for meditation, for growing in the Dhamma.
The sale will allow us to buy a place in the Matarraña area in Teruel, near Saraṇa Vana. The new house will be a place where we can welcome people from the area, as well as from further afield, who want to meditate with us. In a few months we plan to start welcoming guests for both regular meditation sessions, and for short retreats.
At the moment Saraṇa’s belongings are in storage in Valderrobres, waiting for the purchase of the new house which is due to be completed in the middle of September. Sāmaṇerī Arindama will be in Germany until mid-October, continuing her training for her ordination as a bhikkhuni scheduled for next year if the Dhamma allows the conditions to be met.
We will continue to share the next steps with you, but for now we just want to express our deep gratitude. Gratitude for your time meditating with us. Gratitude for helping in so many ways. Gratitude for offering food. Gratitude for your donations. Gratitude for helping us to find a new place surrounded by tranquillity. Gratitude for allowing us to get a car that is now a practical necessity. Gratitude to the board members during these years.
And above all gratitude to the Buddha and to those who have kept this precious Dhamma alive.