New Year RetreatStarting on Sunday 26th December at 7pm and finishing at 4pm on Tuesday 3rd. Accommodation is full and we have started a wait list; which you are welcome to join. You are most welcome to join the retreat during the day or for evening puja and/or to join us on New Year’s eve. Overnight shared accommodation is available on NYeve when we practice through until midnight with a few ceremonies to mark the transition into the new year.
ReassignmentAfter twelve years as the abbot of Bodhinyanarama Ajahn Kusalo is taking on a new assignment. Ajahn Nandiyo, who has been here over six months now, will take on the role of abbot. There has been good discussion among the sangha, both local and international, and everyone is agreeable to the change. As for Ajahn Kusalo??? His new assignment will evolve with details becoming clear over time. There is a lot of talk about tents and tudong – but, we will see. He plans to continue as a resident of Bodhinyanarama. The formal transition will take place in March. The 4th is a Monday, Ajahn Kusalo’s birthday, so we will probably have the ceremony on Sunday the 3rd.
New SanghaWith the ordination of Ian and Sunny there are now three anagarikas. Venerable Samvaro arrived from the UK a couple of weeks ago so there are now seven monks with Ajahn Kusalacitto and venerable Kavidhaja back at Vimutti monastery in Auckland. What is especially gratifying is that four of the sangha are Kiwis. Early January will see Ajahn Anuttalo returning from Thailand and venerable Buripanyo arriving from Australia. And it particularly pleasing for us all that the mix is very easeful and harmonious.
New KutiA variety of factors sees us demolishing the old kuti #1 (just above the stupa). After more than thirty years the lack of insulation, the smallish space and general deterioration sees it as the first original kuti replacement. The plan is to build a new abbot’s kuti for Ajahn Nandiyo. The site is well positioned being fairly secluded but not so far from the vihara and main sala. The old kuti has almost been removed and work will begin, probably in the new year, on the new construction. This work will be a community build so do let us know if you would like to join in.
Nursing KutiThis project was the focus of our Kathina this year and you were all incredibly generous and funds are encouraglingly increasing. Jamie has agreed to be the project manager and has taken the first steps with the council. The hope is that we can get ‘owner build’ status to allow community input and to have time to do the work as labour is available; this will be significantly more economical. We are building a list of people able to help so do let us know if you have time / skills that you are able to offer. More information with a plan and can be viewed on the website the future.