SongkranSunday 17th April. Songkran is from the Sanskrit ‘sankranti’ and refers to the Southeast Asian New Year celebrated when the sun transits the constellation of Aries, the first astrological sign in the Zodiac. We will bless/bathe the monastery Buddha statues and the hands of the monks. Starting about 9.45am with chanting, offerings, precepts, a meal, blessings + blessings. And more.
LP Sumedho ReportIt has been just over a week since Ajahn Kusalo and venerable Kusalacitto took leave from Luang Por Sumedho in Melbourne. This ended three weeks of comings and goings of an incredible list of illustrious senior monastics and warm waves of wonderful lay friends. Ajahn Kalyano’s visit, drive to Auckland, time at Mt Wellington Vihara, Vimutti, Ajahn Jotimanto arrives, drive back to Bodhinyanarama, Luang Por Piak’s visit (+2 Ajahns), Te Papa talk, 60th anniversary at the Thai Embassy (40 monks!), Ajahn Khemapanyo (+ 3 monks) from Napier, 20+ monks visit… from all over — and, not to forget, the principal thread through all this, Luang Por Sumedho. Each of the items above seemed a peak – and just when you thought we had reached the summit… Luang Por would launch into another teaching. Every day. Off to increasingly dizzy heights – or deeper depths. With up to 40 people resident here plus hundreds coming each day for lunch and evening puja and just coming at odd times the field of merit generated is inestimable. The generosity, continuous support, kindness, goodwill and enthusiasm for dhamma was heart-warmingly joyous. The full list of names of those involved is too great for the space here. An enormously grateful and happy SADHU! to everyone. And again – SADHU! SADHU! SADHU!
New Buddha ImageA new Buddha image has been cast for the monastery. This has been underway for a while with the original initiative from Sydney. This new image will be a part of our Songkran celebration (for your blessings) with an installation ceremony at a later date. It will be installed as part of the new Chao Khun kuti courtyard development – on the rear wall. This is still under construction so that date will be advised shortly.
Venerable ArunoAll good things must come to an end. After two years with us at Bodhinyanarama venerable Aruno is heading north to visit his family in Italy and to probably spend the vassa at Chithurst Monastery, UK. He flys out on May the fourth… and we can say, with a lisp: “May the fourth be with you.” We can also say “Anumodana” in consideration of all the kind and generous offerings he has made during his stay. What a delightful, arm-waving, Latin energy he has brought to our community. And his friendship and wisdom. How to acknowledge our appreciation? By enthusiastically inviting him to return!
Sangha MovesNot long after venerable Aruno departs we hope to see venerable Kondanyo arrive. He will be with us for the vassa and beyond. After vassa the plan is that Ajahn Narado will join us for a year or more. He has been here before so some of you may remember him. It is also likely that venerable Phasuko and Ajahn Kongrit will also be coming some time after vassa. If all this comes together we will be 6 monks for the new year. As has so often been the case we will continue with no two monks of the same nationality; a truly international sangha.
Ajahn TiradhammoAjahn’s arrival is still a month away but do be sure to note his visit; May 11-27. “May the eleventh be with you.” Doesn’t have quite the same kaching quality but no less auspicious. Vesak on the 22nd.