The Merit of Paving the Road to the Prajna Forest Monastery

As early autumn arrives, driving up the narrow, single-lane, rugged path to the monastery becomes increasingly worrisome. Over the past decades, heavy rains have eroded the road, making it rough and narrow. With the winter rainy season approaching, another cycle of erosion would make the road even more treacherous next spring, deterring many good friends and practitioners from making the journey. After careful evaluation with professionals, it is clear that repairing and widening the mountain road (at key spots) is a top priority task. The estimated cost of 1st phase road paving: USD $220,000–$250,000. Therefore, Prajna Dharma is officially launching this fundraising campaign to restore and expand the road leading to the Prajna Forest Monastery. In Buddhist tradition, three great meritorious deeds are often emphasized: building roads, constructing bridges, and establishing temples. In the Brahmajala Sutra, the Buddha mentions eight great fields of blessings; the second is building bridges, and the third is repairing roads. How rare and precious it is in one’s lifetime to encounter such an opportunity—to join together with fellow practitioners to pave the Bodhi path itself! Normally, public infrastructure is handled by governments, but this road up the hill leading to the monastery (about half a mile on Brooks Rd.) is a private road. To contribute directly to the road that serves Dharma practitioners is truly a rare blessing. (Note: this is the first phase of road-paving project and s focused on the external road leading to the monastery gate. When this is done, we'll need to re-pave the roads inside the monastery -- but that's the second phase and a separate project!) With pure and sincere hearts, we now start the campaign to raise funds to re-pave the road, vowing to make it safer for visitors to PFM. Let this wholesome act be dedicated to convenience to all beings, thus bringing blessings and wisdom both in this life and future lives. When the external road is paved, the inner journey to awakening will also find steady progress. For those who wish to contribute, please see donation details [here] .