Ajahn Dhammasiha:Ajahn Dhammasiha, the abbot of Dhammagiri Monastery in Brisbane, will be visiting us for a week; arriving on the 27th of November. He will give a Dhamma talk on Sunday 30th, 6pm. It is always nice to hear a fresh perspective so do join us. You are welcome at any time to come and meet with him during his stay; the meal time is usually the best time for this.
New Year Retreat:An opportunity to begin building the new year on a Dhamma foundation. Dec. 26th to Jan. 2nd [Friday to Friday incl.] The theme will be ‘Death & Dying’ — encompassing their opposites: Life & Birth. The arising of the new requires the passing of the old. Take time to contemplate the relationship between birth and death and the point of timelessness, the deathless, the birthless. This is a semi-residential retreat so you can come for all or part. If you wish to stay at the monastery please fill out the online guest form.
New Year’s Eve:Mark the end of 2014 by peacefully abiding in the Garden of Enlightened Knowing: Bodhinyanarama. Starting at 7pm in the Dhamma Sala with chanting, meditation and a dhamma talk. During the evening we write two lists; things to release and things to renew. The first to be burnt to cessation (death) the second planted at midnight in the earth (birth) under the ‘wishing tree’ out front of the kitchen. Let go of the old and cultivate the new. All are welcome.
Stone Walling:The concrete stairs from the carpark down to the kitchen have been there for many years. It is only now that the stone side walls are being finished. This will include work around the garden adjacent to the dana sala entrance and it won’t be long before the shiny Buddha is in place there. Having a beautiful monastery brings joy to many. There are many things of beauty here and joy can be the foundation for the attainment of any of the first three jhanas. view photos (of the wall — not the jhanas 🙂 )
Kinky Kuti:Built during the ’90s surge of construction kuti #1 in the monk’s area was a design experiment with two indented corners; a back entrance and a front porch. If you ever stayed there I am sure you will remember the ‘Z’ shape of that space. Finally… one of those corners, the back one, is being unkinked thanks to our good builder friend John from Tauranga. view photos
Anagarika Ordination:Alex, a young Thai-Kiwi from Blenheim, will be taking anagarkika ordination on the full moon; Saturday, 6th December. He has just completed a course of study and wants to dedicate a three month period of monastic practice and training for his mother’s well-being and happiness. The ceremony will start at 7pm as a part of our evening observance. You would be most welcome to come and meet Alex and support his undertaking.