Songkran
Sunday April 19th – 9.45am. Songkran is from the Sanskrit ‘sankranti’ and refers to the Southeast Asian New Year celebrated when the sun transits the constellation of Aries, the first astrological sign in the Zodiac. Water is involved 🙂 – most respectfully, bathing the monastery Buddha statues and the hands of the monks. There may well be other libations 🙂
Saturday Meditation Workshop
Saturday Meditation Workshop
The first Saturday of every month; 1-5pm. Monastery accomodation is full up for some time to come but there is plenty of space in the sala for meditation.
Stone Work
Stone Work
With much care and skill Simon and Gavin have spent several weeks transforming the triangular garden by the dana sala into an area of great beauty. The stairway up to the carpark, the carpark edging, the garden infills and the sublime plinth for the sitting Buddha Rupa all create a very aesthetically pleasing space. Gavin has also reworked the stepping stones and layout in the Garden of Rememberance in front of the kitchen giving a much stronger and balanced appearance. They have both been very generous with their time and craft and the result reflects this. Sadhu.! view photos
River Tudong
River Tudong
Leaving on the 13th we had thirteen days of river, rock, forest, sky and dhamma. Three monks, two laymen, three canoes, 11 barrels with food, pots-pans, tents, clothes, a day pack each… and lots of string and duck tape. Day one saw the first submarine with two men and canoe inverted. Glub, glub. Fortunately the sun and water were warm and things soon dried out. The pace was steady but much like a 4 to 5 hour gym workout – every day – for a total of 250km. And at the end of each days paddling we then had to haul all the gear up the cliff/hill to the campsite which was above the maximum flood level of 5 to 9 meters. Puff, puff. And then unpack and then set up camp and… finally, a cup of tea and rest. And then haul it all back down again the next day. After a few days we settled into a rhythm and the journey became more of a meditation, a pilgrimage with many beautiful reflections; both on the water and in the mind. Uplifting, joyful, harmonious… and more. view photos
Peace Demonstration
Peace Demonstration
The 1st of April saw not fools but wise men giving a peace demonstration in Civic Square. Very simple… just sit and be peaceful. The result? With our eyes closed there is no way of knowing. We presume it was positive and will make another – here and there. view photos
Memorial Grove
Memorial Grove
This has been a slow moving project but clearly one that has interest and support. see Part of the hesitation has been around how best to develop the area. Initially the thought was to design the overall layout but now it is being allowed to evolve more organically – as required. An entrance way is being formed and tracks and spaces will emerge over time. view photos