New Year Vigil:About thirty five people gathered in the sala at 7pm for chanting and meditation. The theme of “Aspiration and Forgiveness” was explored and through the evening everyone wrote down their aspirations for the new year. On a separate piece of paper everything requiring forgiveness, letting go of, was written. We came together just after eleven and with the sangha chanting ‘Anicca vata sankhara…’ – “Everything that is born will eventually die and in letting them do so there is peace” each person burnt their forgiveness paper in a common bowl. We then processed by candlelight view photos chanting a mantra to the “Garden of Giving” in front of the kitchen where all our aspirations were planted under the large kanuka with more auspicious chanting. The bell was rung a sonorous twelve times and the neighbours then treated us to a fireworks show. Much joy and delight.
New Year’s Day:Early morning saw a long line of monastery friends lined up along parts of Stokes Valley and at the monastery entrance to begin their new year by offering alms to the sangha. view photos As the day advanced and the time for the meal came closer many more people came and the sala was jam packed with both vestibules likewise full. Chanting, ceremonies, offerings, blessings and more created a very joyous and happy start to 2013. May yours be filled with blessings and delight.
New Year Retreat:The nine-day retreat started on Friday 4th. There were several new faces and lots of enthusiasm. With the end-of-the-world and the end-of-the-year passing smoothly enough it seemed very appropriate to use “Death & Renewal” as the theme. The death we remember and the renewal we experience – both in the present moment. Sessions of sitting, walking, chanting, dhamma talks, discussion, Q&A – interspersed with lunch, naps and all – resulted in a very mellow and glowing group of yogis on Sunday afternoon.
Venerable Thitavijjo:Venerable will be making a trip to Malaysia, leaving Feb 4th, to spend time with his family and to celebrate Chinese New Year. We wish him safe travel and look forward to seeing him back here later in the month.
Monastery History:Page 42 of The Evening Post, Wednesday, February 3rd, 1988 presented a photo essay about a very young monastery in Stokes Valley. The three monks had just moved in 18 months previously. A recent visit from the same (slightly older) photographer, Phil Reid, resulted in a new version in what is now the Dominion Post. Changes? New faces, new kitchen, stupa, more kutis – and colour.! see it all