KathinaSunday, November 4th. 9:45 start. After a very harmonious and fruitful rains retreat the community will celebrate the end of the vassa. The Kathina tradition was established by the Buddha over 2500 years ago and is the largest alms-giving ceremony of the Buddhist year. The focus is on the offering of robe cloth to the sangha with the event generally being a most meritorious and joyful occasion. All are very welcome to come and join us.
Books & CalendarsAt the time of writing a new shipment of books is ‘due early this week’ and we are very much hoping that these will be here in time for Kathina. Especially the calendar for next year as we would like to be able to give you a copy of this as a part of the celebration on Sunday. Let’s be optimistic 🙂
New Year RetreatDecember 26th until January 3rd. This will be lead by Ajahn Sambodhi who is moving to the monastery mid-December. He has kindly offered to lead this retreat. It is an excellent opportunity to meet with him and receive his teachings as well as a superb way to transit into 2019. And meditation… the training, ¿taming, investigation and understanding of the mind. What could be better? Please fill out the booking form As with all our retreats this is open to day visitors; arrive quietly and join in.
Stupa: DhammaWe have received confirmation from most of the monks invited from overseas and are discussing a dhamma program with them for the days preceding the stupa dedication. Luang Por Viradhammo will be with us for some weeks and he will offer a meditation workshop on Saturday 24th Nov. – start 1pm. He will also lead the Sunday (25th) evening meeting – start 6pm. Ajahn Viradhammo is a very experienced and gifted teacher and you are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. The general plan is that there will be after-lunch (say 1pm) and evening dhamma teachings from our visiting Ajahns starting on Thursday 29th Nov. + Friday + Saturday. Sunday December 2nd will be the main ceremony making offerings and dedicating blessings to the stupa.
Stupa: OfferingsAs with the stupa moonstone ceremony there will be an opportunity for you to place something(s) into the base of the reclining buddha rupa as a part of the stupa dedication. Something special, something beautiful, something personal, auspicious – even if only to you. Just placing one’s hand on or bowing three times to sacred objects creates a meritorious connection. Physical objects have a significant function and spiritual objects especially so.
Stupa: HelpersWe are expecting quite a crowd and it would be good if you were able to give a little time to help with a few details on the day. There are several small tasks that, while they don’t require much time – or even skill – someone needs to do it. If you can help please email Viphavadee – vkrech{at}hotmail.com – or: 021 044 1203. Thank you.