Ajahn Kusalo Tudong TalkAfter his trip in January to Thailand for Luang Por Chah’s memorial Ajahn Kusalo then travelled to Sri Lanka where he wandered for 6 weeks with two other monks walking from Polonnaruwa south for 3 weeks then various buses, trains, tuk-tuks, and such down to Situlpawa monastery in Yala National Park. Many photos were taken along the way and a compilation of these will be shown this Sunday 15th – about 7pm, after the chanting and meditation. While there are some ‘classic views of Sri Lanka’ much of the trip was along back roads and through forests; amongst nature and chance meetings with various people; the monk’s eye view of the land and a glimpse of the tudong, carika lifestyle. You are all welcome to come and join the trip. photo selection
Kuti Renovationview photosAjahn Kusalo has lived for many years in the ‘triplex’ kuti (the original monastery workshop). There is now wheeled access and Bruce is hard at work changing the shape of things. The original floor area is not changing, just the use of the interior. It will be roughly divided into two spaces; a sitting room, reception area, tea room, shrine room area and a bedroom, study, bathroom area. That may sound a lot in the basic 3x7m plan but it all fits nice and spaciously. view photos
Landslide ProgressWhat was a flaccid and unsightly pile of porridgy clay has now been tamed into a fairly tidy flat area next to the stupa access. The workers are now building the gabion retaining wall to prevent any future slippage. It has been quite a drawn out process but the end is not too far away and we can begin planting. view photos
Ajahn KongritAfter three months with us here at Bodhinyanarama Ajahn has returned to Thailand where he will be for a term before heading back to UK for the vassa. His time with us was very much appreciated. It was not so much a ‘goodbye’ as a ‘we will see you again soon.’ We wish him safe travels and much good fortune.
Monks MovingWith Ajahn Kongrit away we are now 6 monks and one anagarika. There are two more monks thinking to come although timing is not clear at this stage – at least here for vassa? There are also a couple of men interested in anagarika ordination but… we shall see. Many thanks to Ajahn Sambodhi and Ajahn Kongrit for leading the monastery while Ajahn Kusalo was away. Bodhinyanarama is a quiet and uncomplicated monastery but there are always questions that need attention. Generally all is peaceful and harmonious with plenty of opportunity for practice; study and meditation.