VesakSunday, 26th May, 9:45. The marquee is up, the lanterns are hung and flags are at the ready. A few more items still need to be added and all we need then is for you to join us in celebrating the birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha. This is probably the biggest event on the Buddhist calendar when we will honour the life of this great being, without who none of this would be possible; the monastery, the sangha… Buddhism. An opportunity for celebration, gratitude, dhamma, friendship… joy. This day is about community and you are all welcome to come.
Observance DaysStarting on Sunday 2nd June our observance days will be held on every Sunday – instead of the (variable) lunar days. Every Sunday… there will be:
On alternating Sundays we will meditate until midnight after the end of the dhamma talk-discussion; see the calendar to see which days that will be.
On Wednesday evening, additional to the usual puja, the 8-precepts will be given and there will be ‘a dhamma thing’… This is also an experiment and the ‘thing’ could be a dhamma talk + discussion, a sutta study, Q&A with the sangha, meditation investigation, etc.. There is a lot of scope here but the aim is that it be a dynamic, interactive opportunity where you, along with residents and other visitors, can take a part in directing the time; what interests you? what is most useful? Evening Puja starts at 7pm, precepts etc start about 8:15, all finishing about 9pm – depending on energy and interest. The first of these Wednesdays will be 5th June; and every Wednesday thereafter.
Garden KutiThe remodelling-renovation is progressing well now that the concrete floor has hardened. The back and side walls are almost done and, as the building is basically mostly already there, finishing should move along quite quickly. We are replacing windows with double glazing and adding extra insulation so that will take a while. The result will be two cosy kutis. The second one will be called ‘Lotus Kuti’ – along the garden theme. view photos
June RetreatFriday 28th to Sunday 30th June. This retreat will follow the usual daily meditation retreat schedule with time given to exploring aspects of the Buddha’s teaching and the extension of meditation practice, both in theory and in practice. There is the opportunity to stay on in self-retreat mode beyond this time. Book using the guest form; specify ‘retreat’ in the comment box. booking form
EOY ReceiptsEnd-of-year donation, tax receipts have been sent. If you have not received yours please let us know. Many thanks to all of your for your generous support over this year – and years past. The monastery is in great shape, socially, financially, materially, dhammically. Anumodana.
Annual General MeetingYou are most welcome to join us on Sunday June 30th, 1:00pm for our AGM. This is a public meeting and you are all welcome. Note that if you wish to vote you need to be a member. Annual membership runs for the year from March 31st. [see below]
Agenda
MembershipThe main benefit of being a member of the Wellington Theravada Buddhist Association – WTBA – is being able to vote at the ABM. Other benefits include being able to join the committee and to offer financial support; although the fee is deliberately low to maximize inclusion. Being a member is also a tangible sign of your ongoing, overall support of the monastery. You can download the membership form and send that to us along with the $10 per person fee.