Monks Abroad:Ajahn Kusalo and Venerable Kusalacitto arrived at Heathrow safely on the 15th and were whisked off to Chithurst Monastery where they spent a few days with the community. It was then to London meeting with various dhamma friends and seeing a few sights – climbing the 528 steps to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral not the least. Seeing the Queen was an unexpected event. A large Sangha gathering at Windsor marked both the end of the sunshine and the London segment. Then off North to Amaravati where the Sangha has been gathering in large numbers for the “International Elder’s Meetings”. There is a great feeling of warmth and celebration with a wide range of discussions on dhamma, vinaya and monastic life in the West. Ajahn Sumedho is here along with Ajahn Liam and… the list of venerable seniors is long. About 100 monastics in all. Very inspiring. view photos
Home Team:The news is all good from the group of lay residents who are ‘holding the fort’ while Ajahn is away. A bit more work has been done on finishing the two new kutis but the overall opportunity is more of focussing on personal practice. The usual schedule of pujas and the like continues, with the exception of the Saturday workshops.
Annual General Meeting:Sunday 22nd June at 3pm. Annual report, committee election, finalising constitution items discussed at last year’s AGM, future plans. All are welcome to attend.
August Retreat:Friday 15th to Sunday 24th. Register using the Guest Application form on the web site – comment: “Winter Retreat”