New Year EventsThe retreat (26th to 3rd) is oversubscribed but you are welcome to come and join in for the day.
- On NY Eve we will have our usual pre-midnight ceremonies. This year we will move the planting of our ‘aspirations’ under the wishing-tree up to the stupa where we will start that part of the evening by planting a new tree. Do come and bless this ‘baby.’
- On NY Day we will have our customary pindapat down Stokes Valley. See next item…
NY DayAs we were not able to have a Kathina this year we are planning to extend the customary new year pindapat into a full pah pah, alms giving, robe offering ceremony. This is relatively short notice on account of the uncertainty around covid protocols – and those may even change between now and new year’s day. BUT – our plans are set and we really hope that you are able to join us. January 1st 2022.! Start about 9:45. Do spread the word as not everyone gets these updates. See you next year 🙂
CalendarsWe have received our wall calendars for 2022 and will be giving these out on new year’s day. If you are not able to come to the monastery in the next month or so we could post you one. Please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your request. The weight of the calendar is 130gms.
TudongAjahns Sudhiro and Kusalo recently spent a week and a half on tudong. The trip started with a couple of nights at Castlepoint with friends. It was then on the road with no more plan than to get to Tauranga. The weather was not so good but then not so bad that we couldn’t be outdoors. We experienced a wide variety of situations with collecting food on pindapat, camping sites, hitch hiking, hills valleys forests and rivers with the overriding impression or tone of our time being the warmth and friendliness of those we passed or met along the way. ‘Toot toot’ – and a big wave – as they drove by or offering us greetings in the street or stopping to ask questions. Most afternoons and evenings were spent in meditation at our campsite; as far from the road and the towns as we could manage. The non-complexity of this lifestyle is very conducive. photos
Kids DayWe plan to have a day for the young and young at heart. The schedule has not been drawn yet but will include some work, meditation, chanting, craft/creativity… and some etc. It may include making a video of the day – a vLog. Morning + lunch + part afternoon. The date has also yet to be set (maybe the 9th Jan) and if you are interested please let us know: (mostly the number and ages of people coming)
To: guests@bodhinyanarama.net.nz
Fire WoodWe are generally looking toward using more wood for heating various spaces around the monastery. At the moment there are three kutis with a stove and the plan is to install a stove cum water heater in the bhikkhu vihara. Energy costs will inevitably increase and we have plenty of wood; the pine tree removal program alone will keep us supplied for many years. With this in mind we have a shiny new wood splitter. just out of the box!
InsuranceAt our committee meeting last night we reviewed our insurance. Buildings are the most costly to insure and we currently have fixed-value replacement. We are considering (going back to) full replacement value and wonder if you, or someone you know, might help us with a building valuation(s)? There are many ways this can be done and any suggestions would be appreciated.
Seasons BlessingsAnother year has almost passed. A time to reflect on what we have done and what we might do. Our actions so define the world we live in, with good actions leading to good results – and bad for bad. The challenge we face is being clear about the difference between the two – and honouring our intuitive sense of that. All of us at Bodhinyanarama wish you every happiness and the best of conditions for developing this awareness and wisdom. Your support throughout 2021 has been so consistent and inspiringly generous. Thank you. The monastery, as an ongoing community project, has resilience as a refuge that we sincerely invite you to utilise. The blessings of good health and wealth are important but the blessing of community, of kalyanamitta, of Sangha is superior – equalled only by that of the Buddha and the Dhamma. May your new year be filled with many blessings.