Drivers:There are times when monks need to go out (danas, dentist, etc.) or small items (paint, tools, maintenance items, etc.) need to be purchased. We are building a list of people available at various times to drive either the monastery van or their own car. It happens infrequently and having a few people we could contact when it does would be most useful; the law of averages allowing that at least one would be available.
Monks’ About:Venerable Rocano has returned to Thailand. We wish him well with his ongoing journey. Ajahn Ariyasilo will be in Melbourne for a few weeks; due back mid-February. We look forward to his return.
Seaside:With the arrival of summer and the planned departure of Patsy and Joy after several months here we thought a trip to the beach would be a good send off for them. A better day could not have been planned. The sun, the space, the sky and, of course, the sea. view photoss
Lay Kutis:Gravel arrives next Tuesday for the two new kuti tracks. Feel free to come by any time and carry a bucket or ten. Quotes for building materials are on their way and a decision should be made in the next couple of weeks. There will be a working bee to get it all on site once delivered.
Hermitage:The first section of track, up to the Vivek kuti, is almost cleared and ready for the digger. view photos The second section, up to the central depot, needs quite a bit more alignment and tree removal. It is a fairly slow process to ensure the best line and gradient with the minimum number of trees cut. Once the track is dug it will all need gravelling. Does anyone remember the days when it was all carried up in sacks? We are a bit more mechanised these days.