History 8. The Heart in the right place

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The newsletter for October 1997 announces our imminent transfer to the newly acquired property in Poggio Nativo: “Dear friends, after more than 7½ years in Sezze Romano, Santacittarama is relocating to its lovely new setting among the Sabina hills, in the province of Rieti. By the time you read this we may have moved already […]

History 7. Patient Perseverance

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The search for a suitable ‘forest monastery’ property continues. We find ourselves visiting literally hundreds of properties within a reasonable distance from Rome. Several times we seem to have found the right place – near Velletri, Tivoli, Palombara Sabina, Rocca Sinibalda – the excitement level soars, word goes out and many interested and enthusiastic people […]

History 6. New Year in Italy

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From the front page of the Forest Sangha Newsletter, July 1997: This year Ajahn Sucitto visited the Sangha at Santacittarama, and found himself there for the celebration of the Thai New Year. SUNDAY April 13th: New Year’s Day as celebrated throughout S.E. Asia. Moreover, as every Thai will know, such a holy day must be […]

History 5. Changes

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A major change in the community of Santacittarama is announced by Ajahn Chandapalo in their newsletter of May 1996: “Six months have passed since our last newsletter and quite a few things have happened during this time. I was very fortunate to spend much of this last winter in Thailand, partly at the International Forest […]

History 4. New Plans

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New plans are announced in the Santacittarama newsletter of October 1995: “A major cause for concern since the Vihara’s inception has been the inadequate nature of the building’s foundations and the continual appearance of cracks in the walls due to seasonal movement. It is a little premature to say with any certainty but there is […]

History 3. Consolidating the Foundations

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During the next couple of years a succession of monks and anagarikas from the UK take residence, usually staying no longer than about six months. John Angelori leaves and eventually settles in Latina, where he lives to this day, and where for many years he has been leading a meditation group (www.centrosati.org). The vihara is […]

History 2. Settling in

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These are extracts of a letter from Ajahn Thanavaro to Ajahn Sumedho, describing developments so far at the newly-established vihara (from the Forest Sangha Newsletter July 1990). “We have been here in Sezze a month, and we are settling down with no real difficulties. Our neighbours have been very supportive – you know that Italians […]

History 1. A Leap of Faith

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Ajahn Sucitto provides some background and perspective on another Theravadin monastic residence (vihara), which is taking shape in Italy. Ajahn Thanavaro will return to his native country to take up residence there. When Ajahn Sumedho returned from a visit to Switzerland and Italy last December, he brought back some news that created a blend of […]

History of Santacittarama

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A book, “Santacittarama: the first 30 years”, can be downloaded here: Photos and English text (18 Mb) It recently occurred to us that all of 25 years have passed since Santacittarama was officially inaugurated on 21st March 1990. It was then located in a small villa, generously offered by the late Vincenzo Piga, located on […]

Thai Forest Sangha Tradition

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from forestsangha.org  The Forest Sangha The Thai Forest tradition is one branch of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Theravada Buddhism, also known as the Southern School of Buddhism, is present throughout Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka. The Theravada tradition is grounded in the discourses recorded in the Pali Canon, the oldest Buddhist scriptures. Theravada literally means […]