Update 7-27- the platform is poured and we are trying to get the plans to continue this.
 
We are working with Bhante Kusala on how to build a stupa which will house the ashes of U Silananda, Bhante V's favorite teacher AND Bhante Vimalaramsi, himself, as he passed away on June 27, 2023 . 
The Stupa will be in near the pond about 100' from the dining room and 4-5'  high on top of a Concrete Platform. See the picture of the white stupa in the field with a walkway .  Work is now in process.
There will be a celebration Sept 23rd possibly broadcast on youtube.
 
Benefits of a stupa:  DN16
27. "There are four persons, Ananda, who are worthy of a stupa. Who are those four? A Tathagata, an Arahant, a Fully Enlightened One is worthy of a stupa; so also is a Paccekabuddha,[49] and a disciple of a Tathagata, and a universal monarch.
 
28-31. "And why, Ananda, is a Tathagata, an Arahant, a Fully Enlightened One worthy of a stupa? Because, Ananda, at the thought: 'This is the stupa of that Blessed One, Arahant, Fully Enlightened One!' the hearts of many people will be calmed and made happy; and so calmed and with their minds established in faith therein, at the breaking up of the body, after death, they will be reborn in a realm of heavenly happiness. And so also at the thought: 'This is the stupa of that Paccekabuddha!' or 'This is the stupa of a disciple of that Tathagata, Arahant, Fully Enlightened One!' or 'This is the stupa of that righteous monarch who ruled according to Dhamma!' — the hearts of many people are calmed and made happy; and so calmed and with their minds established in faith therein, at the breaking up of the body, after death, they will be reborn in a realm of heavenly happiness. And it is because of this, Ananda, that these four persons are worthy of a stupa."
 
All gifts help!