Hearings on the proposed power line that would significantly affect the Bhavana Forest Monastery were concluded recently and we await news of the decision of the West Virginia Public Service Commission. Bhante Rahula testified at the hearings on Jan. 11, 2007, in Charleston, W.Va.  He presented his written testimony and was questioned on the stand about our deep concerns over the proposed construction of the TrAIL Co. 500Kv line just outside of our property line. He explained how it would significantly affect the ability of our monastery to carry out its spiritual and charitable mission. He also stated what we are seeking: Bhavana Society has asked that if the Commission decides to grant the powerline application, that they order the new line to be sited along the existing-right-of-way of the current powerline that crosses Back Creek Road and that the line be “double stacked” on single towers in the area near Bhavana and the homes near Capon Valley Road. This would take it out of close visible and audible range from Bhavana Society property. This would also dramatically reduce the amount of forest that would have to be clear-cut.  And from our understanding this would be a safe distance in view of our concerns about EMF exposure. Bhante Rahula’s testimony ended with this summation:

“The Bhavana Society is known worldwide to Buddhists as ‘a precious gem in the green forest.’ The contribution of this society to preserve the original message of the Buddha in its pure, unadulterated form is a treasure indeed.  As people who want to learn and practice the ancient mind-healing art of meditation find their way into the backwoods of West Virginia from all corners of the world, they will associate the State of West Virginia with peace, religious tolerance and compassion. The implications of a planned disturbance of an established religious institution reflects a disregard for a religion’s right to create and maintain a sacred space.

“In Buddhism, sacred space entails a peaceful and safe environment conducive for meditation. To ignore this fundamental basis of religious viability and to impede the ideal conditions for practice is a direct violation of the spirit of religious diversity that enables peoples from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs to co-exist peacefully in mutually beneficial ways. The decision to relocate the power line should be made to protect the special uniqueness of the Bhavana Forest Monastery, and the reputation of West Virginia. It would be a terrible mistake to jeopardize this venerable institution and prized jewel by allowing the TrAIL Co. 500 kV line to be sited beside the monastery’s property line.

“We sincerely hope that by the evidence and arguments put forth by ourselves and all the other interveners in this case that the Honorable Public Service Commissioners will make the right decisions which will help protect the safety and welfare of the land and people of the great state of Wild Wonderful, West Virginia and be a courageous example for other States to follow.’

Bhante Rahula was cross-examined on this testimony for 45 minutes by lawyers from the power company and other parties to the case. All of the legal procedures are now over. All of the evidence and legal documents in the case are currently being reviewed by the two-person panel of the Public Service Commission. They will render their decision by the middle of May. We wish to thank everyone who signed our petition and who wrote letters to the Governor of West Virginia and to the power company and other officials supporting the Bhavana Society’s case.