Kathina S.C.Kathina Season Celebration… October 16th, 9:45am. This occasion marks the end of the vassa and is the biggest alms giving ceremony of the year. Traditionally it is a time to be sure that monks have sufficient requisites before resuming wandering. These days, with monks more settled, it is directed more at the monastery generally – although there will be quite a bit of monk wandering. It is also a time for the community to gather with a focus on dhamma, on sangha, on generosity and on our shared commitment to Buddhism. You will be most welcome.
Vassa NewsAs the vassa is mainly a time of meditation and study and generally being quiet there really isn’t any news as such. The resident community has had opportunities for self retreat and that has been much appreciated. It isn’t anything new, but your ongoing, generous support is very notable and greatly valued in that it makes our retreat possible. Anumodana. Most of the following is about what is to come.
Monks AboutNow that NZ borders are more open there is quite a bit of sangha movement. Ajahn Khantiko came just before the vassa but, with various visa variables and filial duties, will be leaving just after vassa. The hope is that he can sort things out and be back in ?December. Another visa juggle sees Ajahn Pasada with us for an extended stay just after vassa; in time to join our Kathina SC. We also had a short visa visit from Ajahn Nando (ex Wat Bodhisaddha in Sydney) and we hope to have him back for a longer stay; in a year? Also Ajahn Sudhammo, from Australia, has a similar visa-run coming up. We are also having discussion with another monk around his coming here to stay in April(ish) next year. All this ‘in out’ – contrasting with lock down – is a little dizzying but it is very nice for the community to have extended monastic contact.
Monks AwayIn early December both Ajahns Kusalo and Kusalacitto will depart for a period of travel. Ajahn Kusalo will spend time in Malaysia prior to joining for various events in Thailand. Ajahn Kusalacitto will be travelling to India, via a few stops in Thailand on the way, to visit the four Buddhist holy sites; a trip that he has been planning for several years. Depending on all the variables we may still be three monks in residence..? The future… the unknown – but, as you can see, quite a bit of out-and-about!
Ajahn TiradhammoWe now have travel dates and Ajahn will arrive in Auckland on October 26th. He will be based at Vimutti monastery and spend some time at the City Vihara in Mt. Wellington. Unfortunately his limited time won’t see him visiting here. His last weekend with be November 12-13 and the Bodhinyanarama sangha will travel to Auckland to pay respects to Ajahn and spend a little time with him. There are also a few Wellingtonians who will be travelling up to see Ajahn for that weekend. And you?
The following weekend will see Ajahn Kusalo and venerable Anenjo leading a dhamma programme in New Plymouth with a wee tudong between the two cities.
Meditation RetreatsThere WILL be a weekend retreat on November 4th to 6th; Friday 7pm to Sunday 4pm. This will be led by Ajahn Kusalacitto. Book your accommodation now using the booking form
With uncertainties, mostly with visas and travel regarding which monks will be here, we have hesitated committing to announcing retreats. November is ON and it would be good if you confirmed your intent soon.
The New Year retreat is still uncertain. A few variables will be clear in a couple of weeks and we will let you know if it is on. We certainly hope it will be. Sorry for the indecision.
BYOOur suggestion for you to bring your own eating utensils (plate, cutlery, cup) has gained some momentum – some people are – but not as many as we would like.
BYO = bring your own.
Most of our gatherings are around the daily meal offering. Most people bring their own dish (of food) – how about BYO dish to eat from? and BYO utensils, and BYO cup – and… most important BYO you 🙂
As well as the physical ‘stuff’ (plates being dumped) we save on cleaning up, washing up, drying up.
And there is the covid-contact side of things; reducing contagion.
Help us move this forward – give it a try – see how it goes.