KathinaVassa is well over now and the Kathina season has another week+ remaining. Our celebration last Sunday was a very inspiring reminder of the underlying depth and strength of our wider community. What a warm, joyful and hearty gathering we had. The main offering of cloth was made by our long-term lay stewards, Suan, Bruce and Lindsay, and it was a very poignant symbol of their collective generosity over so many years here. Many thanks to all of you who helped with the event – the cleanup was a happy and fun affair – and thanks to all of you who continue to generally support the monastery. Anumodana.
November RetreatNovember, Friday 4th 7pm to Sunday 6th 4pm. A wonderful opportunity to give extra focus to your meditation and deepen your understanding of dhamma. This will be led by Ajahn Kusalacitto. There is still accommodation available and you should book now using the booking form.
SanghaAjahn Khantiko, who was with us for the vassa, has left. He has various visa and family matters to sort and a few other factors that may not see him back here, as originally planned, for quite some time. We enjoyed his presence and contribution and wish him well with his ongoing journey. Venerable Pasada arrived safely just after vassa and was with us for Kathina. He seems to be settling well and we are appreciating his company. We are now working on a visa application for venerable Anuttalo, a Thai monk who has a keen interest to spend time at Bodhinyanarama. All going well he could be here at the end of January. Overall, the sangha and monastery generally is doing well.
VanIt was mentioned a few months ago that we had thoughts of replacing our old van. It has taken a while to consider the options however we have finally decided on the Volkswagen hybrid. We were hoping to have it here in time for the sangha trip to Auckland mid-November to pay respects to Ajahn Tiradhammo but it seems we will have to wait a while before taking devivery. All good things come to those… 🙂 – patience is a virtue.
BruceSome, many? of you know Bruce, our intrepid builder and general fix-everything lay steward. He has been living here at Bodhinyanarama for nearly eight years and there are very few buildings or places around the monastery that he has not beneficially touched during this time. His creative skills have brought much beauty to us all – both practically, socially and through his love of dhamma; so much that is good. The not-so-good is that he has been diagnosed with stomach and liver cancer. He has more tests and such to be done but the prognosis is not very bright. He returned from the hospital yesterday and the plan is that he will be in the monastery so we can care for him here. How long we will be able to do for that is uncertain – as life itself always is. Do please include Bruce in your metta practice and well wishing generally.
BYOOur suggestion for you to bring your own eating utensils (plate, cutlery, cup) for the meal is still a live topic. We can do it!
BYO = bring your own.
Most of our gatherings are around the daily meal offering. Most people bring their own dish (of food) – how about BYO dish (to eat from)? and BYO utensils, and BYO cup – and… most important – BYO you 🙂
As well as the physical ‘stuff’ (plates being dumped) we save on cleaning up, washing up, drying up.
And there is the covid-contact side of things; reducing contagion.
Help us move this forward.