New YearThe annual meditation retreat went very well with a good attendance. All our lay bed-spaces (22) were used and other spaces, like the library, added another 5 people. It was quite cosy. Several people came through the day – with little disturbance – so the overall feeling was very still and settled. Many thanks to all those who brought extra food during this time your kindness is much appreciated.
The new year’s eve celebration was superb. The weather was perfect and many people came for the puja and transition rituals. What a lovely way to begin 2021.
On new year’s day the resident sangha walked pindapat down Stokes Valley Road and there was an inspiring line of people to offer food. The dhamma hall was full to overflowing with a lovely festive atmosphere. And… the weather continued to bless us with a clear, still day.
There are a few photos of these events on the photo page
City MeditationA renewal of the old Quaker House meetings. We meet once a month on the 3rd Thursday of every month starting at 6:15pm – until about 8. Led by one of the monks it is a simplified version of our regular Sunday format with short chanting, meditation suggestions, meditation, dhamma talk, discussion. It is held in the Business Center, Ground floor, Block 6, Clyde Quay Wharf, Te Aro. The next meeting will be Thursday the 21st of January. Check future dates on the events calendar
PeopleThe community continues to evolve. We welcome a new sangha member, Samanera Dhammavasa, into the monastic community. Originally from Sri Lanka he has been ordained just over a year and plans to continue his training here at Bodhinyanarama. Ajahn Thitasippo will be leaving New Zealand on the 26th January after a very happy time here of about two years. He has a few things requiring his attention in Thailand and we are looking toward him returning; after vassa? or early next year? Beth Steff has been at the monastery for quite a few months now and we have all enjoyed her quiet and steady presence. We formally agreed to have her stay on as a lay steward. Her main areas of responsibility will be overseeing the gardens and coordinating work for women guests. She is also of great help to Aunty Suan in the kitchen.
With people on retreats and tudongs etc. we have started a ‘community residents’ board so you can always see who is here. photo
Monks’ TudongVenerables Kusalo, Thitasippo and Buddhisaro are heading out on Tuesday for a week of wandering; basically up to Taupo (highway 1) then back down via Napier. There will be a couple of days organised in Taupo but the rest will be quite ad hoc. There are thoughts for other monastic tudongs through the year. There was an item (news update Oct 31st “Tudong Contacts”) looking to develop a list of people interested in meeting with monastics as a part of future trips. This is still a work in progress so, if you are interested please contact us
RetreatsLast year was a bit of a non-event as regards retreats. There is a plan to try more regular weekend retreats (Fri night to Sun arvo) – with an option to stay on for a few days on self-retreat. The website retreats’ page hasn’t been updated for some time and this will be done shortly. It is hoped that we can have three weekends plus the new year retreat. Watch this space!
Membership OnlineHopefully the new online form will streamline membership applications. Any application made NEXT year (ie. Jan 1st onward) will be considered as an application for March 31st 2021 to 2022. Do let us know if you have any complications with the application form. There is a link on the website on the support page