Level 2And it just won’t go away! But… it will change. For now we are on level 2 and must limit gatherings to 100 people and maintain 1m distancing. You are most welcome to come to the monastery but – be distance aware. Unfortunately we have to cancel the upcoming retreat; see below.
Weekend RetreatIt was to have started this Friday, 25th but, largely due to shared accommodation, we felt it best to postpone this retreat. It would also have pushed the numbers over the 100 limit for Sunday dana. Part of the idea behind these ‘short’ weekend retreats is flexibility. If you have booked for the retreat you should already have been emailed asking if you can come the following weekend; 2–4 July.
Allowing that there will be cancellations we are re-opening bookings. Those on the wait list will get first priority.
NEW RETREAT DATE: Friday 2nd July to Sunday 4th July. Feel free to make a booking
City MeditationThe date has been changed to this Thursday, 24th. This is the 4th Thursday (not the 3rd). This is just a one-off. Sorry about the late notice and if some of you went last Thursday.
Vesak CelebrationIt was three weeks back now and the extent of monastery news has not warranted a news update. The weather was superb and we found space enough for 250+ people. We had most of our local monks join us so there was a sangha of 13 to offer blessings and dhamma. The food tent worked well but we will be looking at a better ‘traffic’ flow. The event was also the farewell for Ayya Abhisamma and Venerable Buddhisaro who have gone their respective ways. The cloister was beautifully decorated with Vesak lanterns. photos We were also pleased to welcome the new Thai ambassador, Pornpop Uampidhaya, and look forward to getting to know him better. All in all a joyful and happy day… thanks to you all!
Anagarika OrdinationMcBain was here a couple of years ago with clear intent to ordain. He went back to Australia to finish his business and got stuck with lockdown. He has been back with us now for a few months with renewed intention to go forth. He will take anagarika precepts on Wednesday, July 21st, 7pm. You are welcome to join us for the occasion.
New KutisOne thought that has been rattling around for quite some years is to convert the old library into a nursing cum rehabilitation kuti. This could even function to some extent as a hospice kuti with easy access for health workers and people generally. The library has been moved to shelving in the downstairs dining area of the dana sala. The next step is to present a concept plan to council. This will include two new kutis in the same area (top of the lawn) intended for lay stewards (some of who are getting older :)- at least that is how it seems to me? Allowing for the time of planning consent this work probably won’t start until next year.
New MarqueeAnother many years old, rattling thought has been the replacement of the cloister marquee. And it rattles no more! Yes, we have a new canopy for the cloister. We got it just over a week ago and, on putting it up to test the fit – WHAM..! The center pole collapsed. We have repaired that and will try a second time tomorrow (Friday). First indications on the fit were good and we are thinking to leave it up for the vassa to see how that looks (and to test the quality of manufacture). So, you should get to see it next time you come to visit.
VassaOur annual winter retreat is just a month away and we are looking toward finishing the various projects around the monastery. The new monks’ kuti being the main item to complete. There will be three women ordaining as Maechi for the vassa – Saturday 24th. This is a new experiment which we look forward to exploring. The focus, as usual, will be on meditation and study with varying periods of group practice and solitary retreats. There will be 14 people committed to stay here for the vassa which is very inspiring. It is such a special time in the monastic year and we hope that you will join us for some of the time. More details later.