🪷 Kathina S.C. This coming Sunday, 8th November 9:45. We gather to celebrate the new season and the changes it brings. From the time of the Buddha this event has maintained a focus on kindness and generosity. The traditional emphasis has been on the offering of cloth but the overarching spirit is that of community, friendship and mutual support. Joy and delight prevail. You are all welcome to join us.

🕯 Sangha We had a very nice afternoon visit with Ajahn Vinai on Saturday accompanied by two other monks from Wat Yarnprateep in Auckland. Our association with him has spanned over many years so it was nice to have him here. On Wednesday Ajahn Candana will arrive to stay with us for about a month. Then on the following Friday Ajahn Kavidhaja will join us for a week or more eventually heading to Christchurch to take up ‘An Initiative’ there; very interesting. On the other side, Anagarika Joshua will be leaving us to resume lay life and we wish him every blessing for his ongoing journey. And, ex-Sampano (Alan) has finalised his family business in Vietnam and will be rejoining us with a view to continue his monastic training. Ajahn Kusalo will head out on the 19th for about three weeks travel. Post-vassa is often a busy time.

🔥 Vihara Fire Finally… we have the wood stove installed in the monks’ vihara but… we still need a Council inspection. Life is a time consuming business. Despite the time it has taken we are very pleased with the result and hope that there might be at least one cold day left in the season so we can justify having a fire. And the walls need painting, the curtains need replacing. After forty years – a major face lift. Me next?

🧘🏽 New Rupa We have been offered a new Buddha image and have agreed on the location being just below the vihara. A stone base was started there several years ago but was never quite finished. Work has resumed and should be finished in time for the arrival of the rupa. How lucky we are to have such a serene form as our primary symbol.

🧱 Stupa Mural This project is gathering momentum and a selection of information and images is being sent to the artist and we should get a sketch back from him based on this. You can review images of the previous attempt 2018 Stupa Dedication. One of the key elements is images of the three founders of this monastery; Luang Por Chah as the lineage founder, Luang Por Sumedho as the monastery founder and Luang Por Viradhammo as the founding abbot. It is nice to offer this token of our gratitude, our appreciation for their respective contributions.

🚗 Transport With Anagarika Joshua leaving we are without a driver in the monastery. There is an immediate need – a trip to the airport (collect Ajahn Kavidhaja, drop off Venerables K & C) on the 13th and also the monthly trip to Palmerston North on the 14th (ferry Venerable Anenjo). There is also a general need with occasional trips coming up. Most events have transport provided but, sometimes not. If you have time – week or weekends – then it would be great to hear from you.

😌 New Year Retreat It is still quite a way off but accommodation is limited so do be sure to book in advance More details closer to time.