Photos

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At the Nayigala Kuti, came across the 'Kelly Kettl

At the Nayigala Kuti, came across the 'Kelly Kettle's. This was the most efficiently way to boil water that have seen so far. Using twigs, one can boil a large volume of water in under ten minutes. Wonderful for monks living in solitary kutis who need to make medicine.

In early December, myself and Samanera Chandrajoti

In early December, myself and Samanera Chandrajoti headed out on a short carika. We started at Bhaddeka Vihari and went to the Nayigala Kuti.

Morning in the Pilikuttuwa Forest

Morning in the Pilikuttuwa Forest

Fairly Accurate Weather App In Sri Lanka, weather

Fairly Accurate Weather App

In Sri Lanka, weather can be difficult to predict. The country is mountainous. The climate can change quickly as one travels.

Have tried out several different apps. Over time have found that 'The Weather Channel's app seems to give reasonably reliable forecasts. Passing along for my fellow bhikkhus. Hope if might be useful for forest and road carika.

Headed back to the Pilikuttuwa forest after a visa

Headed back to the Pilikuttuwa forest after a visa run in Colombo. My old traveling companion, Venerable Pasado stopped by for a visit. He had been on carika for most of the year. So, it had been about six months since we met.

We both camped out on the rocks. Quite a nice location, and close to Colombo.

In Sri Lanka, the weather is often clear before no

In Sri Lanka, the weather is often clear before noon. This is the case even during the rainy season. Myself and another monk headed out for a short carika. We went from Bhaddeka Vihari to the Pabbata Kuti. There is an ancient path leading down the mountain from Kuragala.

Shortly after the vassa period, it started to rain

Shortly after the vassa period, it started to rain heavily. During one of the breaks, was able to head up for a night on the rock above the kuti.

The second rocket stove model was made from rocks

The second rocket stove model was made from rocks and mud. The inner and outer walls were made of stone. The middle portion was filled with mud. The stove was much more efficient than a normal one. Was able to heat water using small sticks. The stove worked, even if the sticks had been wetted by rain.

Thought to pass along for any of my fellow bhikkhus who need to make hot water during the rainy season. It can be especially useful for those who need to make medicine.

Senaka Mahatthaya is the main 'dayaka | supporter'

Senaka Mahatthaya is the main 'dayaka | supporter' of the Pabbata Kuti. He and a friend decided to rebuild this ancient Sangha dwelling about 20 years ago. He came by to help me build an updated rocket stove out of rocks and mud.

Towards the end of my stay at the Pabbata Kuti, I

Towards the end of my stay at the Pabbata Kuti, I began to experiment with 'rocket stoves'. These are high-efficiency stoves. One can boil water using just twigs They work in part by insulating the fire chamber. This one was built from three tin cans.

YouTube has many videos showing how to build these. The one that inspired this stove is here....
https://youtu.be/gQyU4lokVe4

Unfortunately, the tin cans left a metallic taste in the water. So, later, experimented with another design.

A makeshift mouse trap. Apparently, one can take a

A makeshift mouse trap. Apparently, one can take a large bucket and tie a plastic sheet over it. Then, one can make a hole and insert a funnel. The funnel can be made from pop bottles, yogurt containers, etc. Apparently, in Sri Lanka, people use coconut to catch mice. Anumodana to clever YouTubers for the suggestion.

Dropping rocks into a makeshift mouse trap. A larg

Dropping rocks into a makeshift mouse trap. A large mouse has taken up residence in the kuti roof.

At the ancient monastery of 'Budugala'. About two

At the ancient monastery of 'Budugala'. About two more months to take advantage of this great opportunity.

The architecture of Pamsukulika monasteries has a

The architecture of Pamsukulika monasteries has a certain amount of mystery to it.

Rain Clouds at the Pabbata Kuti: In the Balangoda

Rain Clouds at the Pabbata Kuti:

In the Balangoda area, frequent rains are said to start in late October. This can give a roughly two-week window to try some local wandering after vassa

The walking meditation path at the Pabbata Kuti. S

The walking meditation path at the Pabbata Kuti. Some kutis have a covered walking path for use during the rain. Sometimes, these are connected with electricity for use at night.

Setting bedding out in the sun: Mold seems to dev

Setting bedding out in the sun:

Mold seems to develop quickly in caves. Sunning one's bedding and bed boards every two to three days can help.

Stopping the 'Rilauws': Piled many stones on top

Stopping the 'Rilauws':

Piled many stones on top of the pipe joint. It seems the rilauws (monkeys) frequently break the pipe at this place. The pile of stones seems to have worked. Despite the hot weather, the pipe still remains unbroken.

Fixing a broken pipe: In.most solitary kutis, wat

Fixing a broken pipe:

In.most solitary kutis, water comes from an 'ulpath' or underground spring. When water stops coming to a kuti, one can follow the line of the pipe from the kuti until one finds the break.

Had fixed the pipe in this spot perhaps six times since coming to the kuti. The villagers said 'it's monkeys'. Had imagined monkeys waking over the pipeline and accidentally breaking it. Apparently, however, they deliberately break the pipe to get water during the hot season.

Back at the ancient Budugala Monastery. A great in

Back at the ancient Budugala Monastery. A great inspiration to have it nearby. Homage to the ancient monks that used to practice here. Sanghang saranang gacchami | I go for refuge to the Sangha.

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