Ajahn’s TravelsAfter a month of travelling I am back in the monastery. The trip was very rewarding with visits to 3 monasteries and time with my son. First stop was San Francisco, a meeting point for several other monks: ajahns Viradhammo, Soma and Jayanto. Ajahn Punnadhammo had arrived earlier. Once met we then headed up to Abhayagiri, about 3 hours north. They are almost finished their new dhamma hall and facilities building and we used that for the kathina celebration on the Sunday. The same group of ajahns, plus ajahn Pasanno, then travelled to Tisarana west of Ottawa, where we celebrated both their kathina and tenth anniversary. Having been there for the first 5 years it was a time of much reminiscing and meeting old friends. There was snow on the first day – a ‘warm’ welcome back 🙂 I bid farewell to all the monks and lay friends and drove south to the new monastery in New Hampshire, about an hour NW of Boston. It was my first visit and it was a pleasure to see things so well established after just 2 years. All 3 monasteries have a vibrant and healthy energy with harmonious and stable sanghas. It is so inspiring to see the dhamma flourishing. The trip finished with a week in Los Angeles with my son and his wife. Time in the big city, mostly spent taking tea together or walking on the beach, just 15 minutes walk from their apartment. view photos And now? On with the now…
New MonksSome of you may have already met Ajahn Narado and venerable Phasuko. They arrived just over a week ago and are settling well. It is very nice to have a full sangha. Do come by and introduce yourself to them. The residents page has been updated.
Saturday WorkshopFirst Saturday of the month: 3rd Dec. 1pm to 5pm. Introduction, guidance, discussion, sitting, walking… Good for both beginners and experienced. Come for all or part of the time.
City MeditationFirst Monday of the month: 5th Dec. 6pm to 8pm. Quaker Meeting House – 7 Moncrieff St. A good introduction to meditation and Theravada Buddhism.
StupaWith Ajahn (and Bruce) away not much has happened here. Work will begin this week on realigning the road. Get a digger in which will clear the way for Simon to begin the stonework.
New Year RetreatThe transition into the new year is a good opportunity for letting go of the old and welcoming the new. More details closer to time. This is semi-residential and you can come for all or part. booking form or just come through the day.
New Year’s Eve-DayGetting closer. We have a midnight vigil as part of the NY retreat to welcome in the new year. Forgiveness and aspirations. On new year’s day the sangha walk on pindapat down Stokes Valley Road. Both of these opportunities are a great way to start the year.