Stupa in Memorial of Thay Giac Thanh

A memorial stupa is being built in memory of our late founding Abbot Thay Giac Thanh. It sits at the heart of the Deer Park valley, at the edge rocks overlooking the monastery ground. It is a standing beacon to remind us of his love for the children, the young generation and everyone who visits the monastery. Thay Giac Thanh also loved and enjoyed the granite boulders, the native plants, the immense blue sky, the clear moon rise, and all of nature that surrounds Deer Park Monastery. He sometimes would ride his golf cart high up the mountain just to visit the boulders or would sit quietly enjoying hot tea late in the night with the rising moon. He served his community with diligence and humility, present where he was called, and listening patiently when he was needed. But he also retreated into stillness to contemplate the flickering of flames or to touch deeply life and death. He is still alive in all of us and in the surrounding landscape, and can be seen smiling as we lay rocks and concrete, blocks and bricks and raise a monument in memory of his gentle presence. The stupa will stand prominent in the landscape reminding us to enjoy the mountain and moon, and not to forget our commitment to brotherhood, to quiet sitting, and to serving hearts – never to betray the memory of our teacher, our brother, our friend.

The work of construction is being done by the uncle and father of one of our Vietnamese brother with the help of everyone in the community. We hope all our friends can support this effort with your energy of mindfulness practice. Please visit us or follow the process with these images. We will do our best to keep you updated on the progress.