Dhammagiri Stupa: Site Widened & Levelled
On 18 & 19 February, we had some 30 cubic meters of 'roadbase' and soil delivered and built up around the stupa foundation, to give us a flat, level area around the Saddhamma Cetiya of about 16 m diameter.
We also had the access road widened generously, providing full view of the stupa already on approach.
Work was done by same contractor who did the concrete foundation and plinth for our stupa. They finished it in just 2 days on Wed 19 February
Harley did a great job raking in grass seeds & spreading some jute mats on the slope to the north for erosion control.
We have completely soaked the soil with a lot of water, to allow it to fully settle, and hopefully have some grass growing there soon.
However, what we really need now is our Stupa, which was manufactured by LP Thanong in Thailand, and shipped to Brisbane last December. It arrived in port already on 7th of February, but it's stuck in customs ever since.
We have contacted customs, but apparently they can take as much time as they please, and don't even have any obligation to tell us how long it will take them to process.
Infomally, we were told that it should be only a matter of a few more days; so let's hope for the best 🤞
Foundation Stone Ceremony Sat 8th February
Foundation Stone for our Saddhamma Cetiya right at the End of the Ceremony
On Saturday 8th February, at 08.30 am in the morning, we had a simple ceremony of laying the foundation stone of our Saddhamma Cetiya, right on top of Dhammagiri summit.
Our sangha of 4 monks was reciting auspicious Paritta Chants, while Harley supported by Leslie and Danny cemented the foundation stone onto the top of the plinth. Later, the stupa will be placed over the foundation plaque.
Luang Por Liem had advised us to have a proper, long lasting foundation stone, so that future archeologists hundreds of years into the future may find information about our stupa even after the edifice itself has crumbled into a ruin.
Consequently, we enquired what material would be longest lasting, and were told that black granite is the most enduring option. The inscription will be engraved into the granite, and additionally inlaid with 24 K gold to highlight the text. Naturally, this golden highlighting will not last centuries, but the incised lettering will be easily readable even after the golden inlays have flaked off.
Click here to watch the video of the ceremony:
Foundation Stone, Highly Polished Black Granite, Engraved Inscription inlaid with 24K Gold
We have chosen 8th of January, the day when works commenced for pouring of concrete for foundation slab and plinth commenced, as the official foundation date. We also added the Buddhist year (Thai counting), so that future archeologists can sync the current Western calander with the Buddhist one, in case information about the time difference of both systems has been lost in the distant future.
We also added the dedication for the authentic Dhamma, the true and unadaltered teaching of the Buddha (= Saddhamma), to last a long, long time; for the benefit of countless beings to continue practising Dhamma in accordance with Dhamma.
Finally, we're expressing our respect to Triple Gem,
and we've placed a Tiratana Symbol at the lower margin of the stone.
Meanwhile, our stupa has arrived in port, and will soon be delivered to Dhammagiri.
Until the levelling works around the stupa foundation are finished by 15/02, the Chedi will remain enclosed in the wooden crate used for shipping, to protect it during the heavy earthmoving works.
TBC Relic Enshrinement Ceremony with LP Anan Fri 2nd May 2025
We're currently planning to have the Relic Enshrinement and Consecration Ceremony for our stupa on Friday 2nd of May 2025.
We hope to have Luang Por Anan, abbot of Wat Marp Jan, and several other senior monks of our tradition joining us on this auspicious occasion.
We will update you once we have confirmation and more details re this large event.
Saddhamma Stupa Project
Artist Version of Saddhamma Cetiya
Many eminent senior monks suggested that the summit of the Dhammagiri hill would be a very suitable place for a stupa. A stupa that contains relics is an external focus to recollect the Buddha and his great disciples and gives people the opportunity to still pay respects to them after they have passed away.
We specially dedicate our stupa for the 'Saddhamma' (= Original, Authentic Teaching of the Buddha) to last a long time. While as the true Dhamma of the Buddha is still available in this world, we have a chance to study it, investigate it, practise it, and realize it.
Excavation, Building the Framework, and Concrete Pour of Plinth & Foundation Slab for Saddhamma Cetiya (08th to 13th January)
Our 2.9m high Stupa, which is modeled after the corner towers of the Maha Bodhi temple in Bodhgaya was already built by Luang Por Thanong and his monks-team and lay supporters in Thailand for us as a gift, and was shipped to Australia.
Stupa safely packed inside crate for shipping from Thailand
Any contributions towards the stupa project are very welcome and can be made via our donations page:
