Photos

This page contains photos from Bhante Joe’s Instagram page. To go directly to his Instagram page… click here.

bhantejoeatulo

Drying the glot mosquito net after a night of rain

Drying the glot mosquito net after a night of rain.

After a storm, the ground under one's tarp can be

After a storm, the ground under one's tarp can be wet. One can light a long fire to dry the ground. Then, one can sweep the fire away. One can replace one's tarp on the newly dried and warmed ground. The tarp with often retain the hear for the rest of the night.

Morning time in the Pilikuttuwa/ Yongamulla forest

Morning time in the Pilikuttuwa/ Yongamulla forest. Near the forest is a large rock, which is heated often heated by the sun. If one spreads a reflective blanket over the rock at dusk, it retains most of its heat during the night. A very nice way to spend the night.

The Koskandawala rock is close to the Pilikuttuwa

The Koskandawala rock is close to the Pilikuttuwa forest. Some young fellows showed me the way to the rock. At the base of the rock, there was a rope attached to something on the ledge above.

The bottom of the rope was perhaps two meters from the ground. Years ago, I read a wilderness survival book with good advice. It advised that what might be a minor injury when traveling with others could be a great danger when traveling alone. I decided to to pass on the rope.

On returning to Pilikuttuwa, Ranjith joined me for

On returning to Pilikuttuwa, Ranjith joined me for a night on the rock. Ranjith is the main dayaka in the Pilikuttuwa area. He made his own glot from a large umbrella and mosquito net. In the morning I found him meditating. An inspiring sight. Sadhu

Shortly after arriving at Pilikuttuwa, I had the w

Shortly after arriving at Pilikuttuwa, I had the wonderful opportunity to head to Arankele with a senior monk. Arankele is one of the best restored Pamsukulika monasteries that have seen. There is a beautiful cave which was said to be inhabited by the Sinhalese arahant Maliyadeva. A very inspiring place.

After Ven. Jinakusala's ordination, I eventually m

After Ven. Jinakusala's ordination, I eventually made my way up to Pothgulgala Aranya. Here, I met Ven. Suhajjo from Abhayagiri as well as Ven. Pasado. We headed out for a two day carika. After the carika, I took the train to the Pilikuttuwa area. Vens. Suhajjo and Pasado made their way back to Pothgulgala Aranya.

After departing from the Pabbata Kuti, I attended

After departing from the Pabbata Kuti, I attended the Samanera ordination of Ven. Jinakusala. Ven. Jinakusala was formerly known as Axel from Norway. A blessing to see another samana come into the world.

Tudong gear on the walk from the Pabbata Kuti to B

Tudong gear on the walk from the Pabbata Kuti to Bhaddeka Vihari.

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.

Load More... Follow on Instagram