Abbotical SuccessionOn Sunday, March 3rd, we celebrated the transition of leadership at Bodhinyanarama Monastery. Ajahn Kusalo stepped down as abbot, and Ajahn Nandiyo was appointed as the new abbot. A joyful ceremony was held to mark this occasion, attended by both long-time friends and newcomers, monastics and laypeople from near and far. On the following day, we celebrated Ajahn Kusalo’s birthday before his departure for the UK at the end of March. Ajahn Kusalo will be making several stops in different countries before attending LP Sumedho’s 90th birthday celebration at Amaravati Monastery in May. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Ajahn Kusalo for his years of service, spiritual guidance and friendship. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Visakha CelebrationWe are pleased to announce that we will be celebrating Visakha Puja, the most important Buddhist holiday, on Sunday, May 19th, starting at 9.30 am. This special day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. The celebration will be a time to express our gratitude to the Buddha, reflect on his teachings (Dhamma), and appreciate the Sangha (monastic community) he established. We will also celebrate the monastery itself, a place of refuge and practice made possible by the Buddha’s life and teachings. All are welcome to attend this special event. Please feel free to bring a friend!
Membership UpdateOur annual membership renewal period occurs around March 31st. Becoming a member is a way to show your continued support for the monastery and its activities. Members also have the privilege to vote at the annual general meeting, which will be held in July (tba). You can action your annual membership here.
Comings and GoingsWe have been fortunate to have a number of visiting monastics stay with us over the past few weeks. We had Luang Por Piak, a highly respected elder monk from Thailand, followed by Ajahn Vajiro, Ajahn Jutindharo, Ajahn Dta, Ajahn X, and Ajahn Larry. We are also happy to welcome back Ajahn Anuttaro after his time away in Thailand. Ajahn Bhuripanyo has left us to return to Australia after spending the warm summer months with us.
Welcoming Alex as an AnagarikaAlex, originally from the Philippines but residing in New Zealand and Australia for many years, has requested to receive the Anagarika precepts. Alex has been living with us for the past few months and has expressed his deep commitment to the Buddha’s teachings and our monastic community. The Anagarika precepts are a set of guidelines for laypeople who wish to dedicate themselves to living a life of simplicity, service, and spiritual practice. Taking these precepts is a significant step on the path to becoming a monastic. The Anagarika precept ceremony will be held in June. We look forward to welcoming Alex into our community as an Anagarika and supporting him on his spiritual journey.