M & M DayOn Sunday the 25th we will celebrate Magha Puja. Sometimes called “Sangha Day” it commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 arahants around the Buddha. We will also celebrate the final placement of the Moonstone at the stupa. This will include the internment of various sacred objects and relics under the stone. If you have ‘special’ things you would like to include as a part of this repository do bring them along. We will start in the hall at 10:00am.
Stupa WorkingsThe general work focus of the last couple of weeks has been the moonstone. The 3 stones (entry-step, rupa base + moon) arrived safely by truck and were placed in the lower car park where they sat for a few days while details for their moving were finalized. We eventually got the use of a rubber-tracked forklift which proved to be perfect for the job. The entry-step and rupa base went up together. The step was placed to one side and the base was then wriggled into the south-west corner to wait for the rupa. Then the star of the show – or the moon, if we are being celestially accurate – was *very* slowly carried up the hill. There were a couple of slightly scary moments but just enough doubt to add an edge of excitement – without real danger. It was lowered onto wooden blocks almost precisely where it will finally rest. view photos We have the use of an adapted steel lifting frame and winch which allows us to fine tune positioning very accurately. The step has been placed and the moonstone hovers waiting for final placement on Sunday. The weather? As I write it is grey and wet but the forecast is good.
Monks go SouthOn March 5th three monks and two laymen friends will head to the South Island for twelve days of walking and camping, exploring seaside and forest in the Buller district around Karamea. There is no fixed itinerary and the general plan is to find quiet, remote places to be in solitude. Lets hope the weather is agreeable. It is also an opportunity for venerables Thanavaro and Phasuko to experience some of New Zealand’s wilderness in a meditative context.
Bookkeeper/Accountant NeededWe have been gradually refining our financial systems over the last year or more. A large part of this has been as a result of moving our operations into the cloud. Lindsay is now our office manager and having him living here is a real bonus in terms of continuity. He has been putting a lot of time into tidying up and honing some of our processes and it would be very helpful if he had the support of an experienced finance person. Much work can be done remotely but some time at the monastery would be necessary. We use a mix of custom software and Xero. Please contact Ajahn Kusalo.
Vihara BathroomAfter 30 years we have decided that it is time to renovate the monk’s vihara bathroom. This is well due and the remodelling will gain us an extra shower. Part of the impetus for this work is the impending visit of up to seven international abbots in December for the final stupa dedication. There are thoughts of other space reconfigurations in the building but… one project at a time 🙂
Swee AwayMany of you have probably met Swee in the monastery kitchen. She has been here for a couple of months filling in while Aunty Suan is away. Swee has had no physical address for a couple of years and has been on the lookout for a suitable residence. And… Bingo! And… synchronistically she has been offered a very good part-time job. This is wonderful – although we will miss her. We have really appreciated having Swee here and wish her well with her ongoing journey.