Ajahn VajiroAjahn was the abbot here at Bodhinyanarama back in 1994+ and is currently the abbot at Sumedharama Monastery in Portugal. He will be arriving here on Saturday 23rd and staying for about three weeks. He will be leading a good number of our regular teaching events; Sunday evening puja (24th, 3rd), meditation workshop (2nd). He is very generous in his availability. Do feel free to attend scheduled events or just come by for a visit.
Stupa FinaleIt has been more than two months since we had the stupa dedication ceremony but this is the first news update since then. We had a committee meeting last night and reviewed the various factors of the event. The most outstanding memory for us all was of how smoothly everything went and how much support there was in every aspect of the day; from setup to cleanup. So many people helped with so many things. The committee and the sangha would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your part in that. Sadhu, anumodana. There is a view photos of the day on the website.
Stupa MuralWe committed to a date to celebrate the completion of the stupa but, as many of you are aware, it is in fact not finished. The unveiling of the mural behind the reclining Buddha rupa uncovered a lovely charcoal drawing by Bruce – when it should have revealed a terracotta mural from Thailand. The short story is… attempts to produce a terracotta mural have failed and we are now getting the same image carved in sandstone. There is extra cost involved but some sponsors have been very generous. Timing is unclear at this stage. The work will be in 4 panels: 1.25m wide x 1.8m high.
Ajahn Kusalo TravelsAjahn left NZ not long after the stupa ceremony. There was firstly a week in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Luang Por Chah. This was a well organized and supported event; very inspiring. Then about seven weeks in Thailand. The first 6 of those being spent on tudong, wandering the mountains and forests north of Chiang Mai. There is an view photos with a link to a short narrative of that trip. There were adventures but no (major) mis-adventure; nothing but gain.
Merit BookPuñña, usually translated as ‘merit’, is a beneficial and protective force or energy which accumulates as a result of good deeds, acts, or thoughts. We are setting up a merit sharing book in the dhamma hall where you can write the name of a family member or friend and the context of their situation. On uposatha evening pujas the list of names and context will be read out prior to the chanting of paritta.
Building WorkAfter much discussion the three kutis next to the sala, Raja, Architect and Garden, are all getting a make over. One significant impetus has been the noise and stink of rats in the Raja – also some faulty plumbing. As well as improving the overall use of space, thermal efficiency and upgrading the general ‘oldness’ of these kutis the aim is to give each of them a stronger sense of privacy. There will be no dramatic structural changes but the quality of occupation should be much improved.
Monk MovementsWe are fortunate to have a relatively stable sangha here at Bodhinyanarama. However, homeless wandering is an inbuilt part of the monks life and we get our share of comings and goings; for now mostly comings… Ajahn Vajiro will be here for three weeks. Ajahn Kusalo is back from his two month trip with no further plans to travel. Ajahn Sambodhi is with us for six months. Ajahn Jo is here for a year. We are processing Ajahn Naen’s visa application and, assuming success, he will be here for a year – arriving in April? Ajahn Dta, after over a year here, has left to visit Australia and then on to Thailand. We very much appreciated his time with us and wish him well for his ongoing journey. It is inspiring to have new monks come and stay. They bring a fresh perspective on dhamma and regularly suggest new approaches to our daily life. Hopefully those that move on take with them the benefits of our lively community.