New Kutis:The weather – and the builder both – have been very kind to us. Work is going well and the roof is on the one-bridge kuti and it won’t be long before the floor is done at two-bridge. There have been lots of people, monks, guests and visitors, coming by to offer help. John is the consistent driving force and he has kept the project well on track. Hopefully they will be ready for use during the vassa. view photoss
Songkran:April 20th – 9.45am. Songkran is from the Sanskrit ‘sankranti’ and refers to the Southeast Asian New Year celebrated when the sun transits the constellation of Aries, the first astrological sign in the Zodiac. Water is involved 🙂 – most respectfully, bathing the monastery Buddha statues and the hands of the monks. There may well be other libations.
School Visit:About seventy students from Koranui School in Stokes Valley came to the monastery for a visit. It was delightful to see how respectful the children were and their enthusiasm and curiosity could easily have been spent over a whole day. view photos
One Year Old:The Sangha gathered from various parts of NZ to celebrate the first birthday of Dhamma Gavesi. There was a good crowd gathered and the weather was superb. It is so encouraging to see this Dhamma center growing so well. The only thing missing was Bhante Jinalankara who was in Sri Lanka recovering from illness. Last heard he should be back in NZ tomorrow (Thur.). view photos
Vesak:May 11th. It is still some time away but you can mark the date in your diary now. Days of celebration like this are so joyous and uplifting with connections made on so many levels; dhamma, sila, social, cultural, food and etc. Reminders and details to come.
Winter Retreat:Tentatively early August; ten days, 15-24. To be confirmed. Check your diaries. The new kutis should be ready.! Still plenty of time but a few people have asked for early warning so they can plan.