Sunday ProgramSunday has traditionally been our main, regular day of events. The standard program (in the main hall) is:
We do occasionally experiment with different formats – trying to find what works best for you. As of the 23rd Aug. we will be trying a Q&A format instead of the dhamma talk. Do give this some thought and bring a question (or 2 or 3) with you. You know that hanging silence when the monk asks “are there any questions”? So, let’s avoid that. And don’t feel your question has to be anything special. It can be to do with your meditation practice, some life conundrum, relating to a part of the Buddha’s teaching, something you read, some topical query… just about anything (is better than nothing). See you on Sunday!
The Cloister TentMost of you will have come at some time to a big function here at the monastery and will be familiar with the canvas tent that we put up to cover the cloister. That tent is about 35 years old now and is becoming increasingly less waterproof each year; it leaks. You can see the holes and many of the seams are dripping badly. We have previously made some enquiries about having it replaced and have hesitated on account of the cost; over $30,000. We have also looked at alternative ways of covering the area but all of them would be even more expensive. We have made do for the last few years with buckets and such but… death will inevitably come to all things! It is time to find a replacement. Do you have any technical knowledge or connections that might be helpful? And, the bottom line, we are raising funds to cover the cost of – whatever we finally settle on as a solution; most likely a copy of what we already have. We have set up a dedicated account for “Tent Replacement” and would appreciate any contributions toward this cost. Thank you.
KathinaIn the last news update we had: “Hopefully we can avoid overlap with other Buddhist centers for our kathinas? We are looking at Sunday, 11th October.” And, again, it is a matter of hope… HOPEFULLY we move back to level 1 – or even level zero! – otherwise we will not be able to gather. Let us hope! for the sake of all those who suffer on account of this pandemic, for the return to free social contacts, for those who are separated to be reunited, for those who are ill to be well, for those who are not free to be so. Our Kathina is important to us but, relative to the bigger picture of suffering, not such a big deal. Let us hope!
New Fiber & PhoneThe advance of technology… and it won’t be long before copper is not supported. So, we are now on fiber internet and phone – almost 🙂 The transition has been far from seamless. One of the issues we have is our phone message service; you have not been able to leave a message. If this is the case please use the website contact page and send us an email. Hopefully it will be sorted soon. And fast internet? is faster. And our suffering? is surely less; surely.
The FutureLike, we can seriously talk about it? – if only. We make guesses – and this is what the monastery could move toward after vassa…