The heart of the landscape at Santi Forest Monastery would have to be the Moneyya Cave. It is affectionately referred to as The Big Cave to distinguish it from the many “little caves” scattered along the gullies. In late 2009 the long, labour of love that transformed the cave from a sand-filled pocket of sandstone into a beautiful space for meditation and Dhamma talks was finally finished.
Inside the Big Cave
Kathrin (left) works on the wall outside the cave while others are planting
In 2010 the focus has been on improving the entrance and surrounds of the cave. A large, timber clad shed was built and is now being used for storage of mats, cushions, and other essential meditation requisites. A composting toilet, housed in the same style of structure was purchased and installed thanks to a NSW Climate Change Fund grant.
The Great Wall
Anagarika Kathrin has been working consistently since September to build a beautiful limestone wall. This beautiful structure snakes elegantly along the top edge of the slope between the cave entry area and the forest below.
Revegetation
Ayya Analaya was also busy in 2010 propagating seedlings of local native plants to re-vegetate the steep, sandy slopes to prevent erosion and restore the natural forest. A small team of nuns and guests had a a very satisfying time planting these little seedlings before Christmas. We’re happy to report that almost all have survived and are flourishing.