VesakOn Sunday the 22nd of May we will celebrate Vesak; focusing on the life of the Buddha. His birth, enlightenment and final passing took place on the full moon of the month of Vesak 2565 years ago. This day of celebration is an opportunity to bring forth a heart of gratitude and to reflect on the incredible legacy we have; both the dhamma and the sangha. We aim to start at 9.45am. All are welcome.
Samanera AnenjoWe are pleased to welcome Samanera Anenjo to Bodhinyanarama. He has left Vimutti monastery in Auckland and plans to stay with us moving toward his ordination as a bhikkhu. We look forward to getting to know him better and having him as a part of the community.
AustraliaAjahn Kusalo was recently in Australia for a ten-day, three monastery tour. The main reason for the trip was joining for the Grand Opening of the new temple at Vimokharam, east of Melbourne. Ajahn Hasapanno, who was ordained here at Bodhinyanarama, has worked incredibly hard over six years to direct the wonderful sala project that now stands where the old vihara burned down in 2014. sala photos There was also a visit to BuddhaBodhivana to spend time with Ajahn Kalyano and the sangha there. Then a quick hop to South Australia to visit Bodhipala monastery and its Kiwi abbot Ajahn Nyanadipo. Also a lovely meeting with Chao Khun Samai (Lumeah, Sydney). Connection with wider sangha is such an important key to the health of any monastery and we look forward to reciprocal visits.
June RetreatFriday 24th June, 7pm – Sunday 26th, 4pm. An opportunity – to stop – take stock and – be still; clear the body and the mind. Led by Ajahn Kusalo. booking form
Widsom Zone; ScooterThe three kutis for our long-term lay residents are now complete. Bruce has moved in and Lindsay is procrastinating and Suan is currently away supporting family in Christchurch. You can go and have a look next time you are here. Annnd, the first of the ‘wise peoples’ mobility scooters has arrived. A rather zippy three-wheel, electric model that has enough power, traction and stability to get up to the stupa – and that is plenty.
Sangha MovesAs of July the border will be open and this may accelerate Ajahn Khantiko’s arrival; there is a good chance that he can be here for vassa. There is another monk coming from Europe but he may not get here until after vassa. McBain’s year as an anagarika is almost up and he is planning to travel for a while to reassess his ongoing options.Ajahn Sudhiro’s father recently had surgery so he will stay in Thailand for a while to maintain support there. As mentioned above Samanera Anenjo has arrived and we hope that he integrates harmoniously with the community. There are two other monks interested to come but… there is an adage about counting chickens? All we can know is that “it will change” – and, all going well, for the better 🙂