Vesak CelebrationSunday, May 30th – 9:45am. To celebrate the birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha. Come and join us on this auspicious occasion. We will be putting the (hopefully new) marquee up so there will be plenty of room. Precepts, rice pindapat, sharing of merit, shared meal, Dhamma talk, cirumambulation, blessings… etc. You are invited to join us on Sunday to honour and respect the collective blessing that we have received from the Buddha. All are welcome.
Vesak Full MoonWe have our Vesak celebration on Sunday, May 30th but the full moon is on Wednesday 26th. Our usual Wednesday program (chanting, meditation, precepts, talk) will be extended to include a circumambulation at the stupa and meditation until midnight. This will be a meditative introduction to the gathering on Sunday and all are welcome. Let us know if you would like to stay overnight.
MembershipOur annual membership transits around March 31st. This leaves plenty of time before the AGM (date to be advised). We have set up an online membership form and hope that this works for you. This is the first year we have used this so, if you apply, please give us feedback on your form experience; good and otherwise.
Just ChatterIt has been nearly two months since the last update (March 25th) and while there have been no major events there has been plenty going on in the monastery. With covid, the monastery has noticeably less business; less emails, less guests, etc. = more stillness and more dhamma. Work is a pleasant morning sideline. Our five lay residents continue to allow the sangha to be relatively free of work duties; with more time for dhamma.
• The bhikkhu vihara renovation project has been ongoing for about two years and is *finally* finished. The result is very pleasing and satisfying both functionally and aesthetically.
• Songkran was a very nice gathering with lots of Buddha rupas and people joining us for the occasion.
• Ajahn’s kuti landscaping is also *finally* finalised. The quad-track gate and planting has created a very nice secluded space and the kuti itself, while quite close to the vihara, is very private and quiet.
• Ajahn Sudhiro has asked to stay for another year. His father is quite old so that is a variable – but, life is always contingent. We are happy that he will continue here at Bodhinyanarama.
• The new monk kuti is progressing well and should be ready for a vassa resident. This is the first kuti with no gas heater; it will have a wood stove – an experimental setup allowing for the small space.
• The general feeling in the monastery is peaceful and relaxed. We have eleven permanent residents, sangha + lay, and the tone is very harmonious.
There are lots of photos from the last couple of months.
2021 RetreatsThe next weekend retreat will be:
• June 25-27 led by Ajahn Kusalo
Accommodation at the monastery is full. You can still make a booking and be on the wait list (there are always cancellations). This is an ‘open’ retreats and, if you are not resident, you can come and join during the day – and return home at night. Come for breakfast; 7am. All are welcome.
See the retreat information for details.
Regular EventsThe monastery schedule is relatively simple with a few repeated events. All of them are open and you are welcome to join.
• Morning (5:15) and evening (7:00) pujas are the primary points of community connection.
• The meal offering each morning (10:30) is the other ‘set piece’ and this is very well attended and appreciated by a wide range of supporters and visitors. Sunday dana has been the steady big-one for decades and continues so.
• On Wednesday and Sunday evenings there is a chance to take the precepts and listen to a dhamma talk with Q&A.
• Monthly: there is meditation every 3rd Thursday 6-8pm; The Business Center, Ground floor, Block 6, Clyde Quay Wharf, Te Aro. Also the meditation workshop on the first Saturday 1-5pm.
• After the meal, about 11:30, is the best time to meet with Ajahn Kusalo.
Bottled WaterAs mentioned in the last update we are reducing our plastic use. There has been a very noticeable decrease in the amount of bottled water people are bringing. It is almost down to zero! Thank you for your positive response.