We have been busy/distracted in a kind of way so it has been a while since the last update. There is plenty that has been happening so this one is quite long. There are quite a few photos … but time is a bit preoccupied so it may take a few more days to edit those and get them online. Getting the text together has taken a while and… here it is 🙂
April RetreatFriday 15th, 7pm until Sunday 17th, 4pm. Covid constraints are now less but we are still looking toward providing single accommodation (still some available). This is an opportunity to bring extra focus and explore new aspects of your meditation and dhamma understanding. This retreat will be led by Ajahn Kusalo.
SongkranSunday 24th April; celebrating S.E. Asian New year. Starting at 9:45 the program includes a short meditation, group chanting, rice pindapat, Five Precepts, offering of requisites, a Dhamma talk, Sangha paritta chanting and water blessing of laity and all our Buddha rupas (statues) – and the monks. If you have a favourite rupa do bring it along for all of us to bless. All are welcome.
Vesak CelebrationThe covid crystal ball seems to be clearing and the future looks more spacious and we assume that WE WILL be celebrating this especially auspicious day!!!! We warmly invite you to join us on Sunday the 22nd of May to reflect on the legacy we have as a result of the birth, enlightenment and parinibbana of the Buddha and to celebrate the ongoing opportunity that we have here at Bodhinyanarama and through Buddhism generally. Just being able to come together will also be a celebration of our collective, human resiliance in the face of covid. And the Dhamma helps – it really does. See you later.
Birthday CelebrationSaturday the 5th of March saw a good number of you come to Bodhinyanarama to celebrate Ajahn Kusalo getting old. Everyone sat and watched for a while and confirmed that – yes, he is indeed doing just that 🙂 – mindfully. Despite covid-absences it was a warm and happy gathering and, all going well, we can do it again? Thank you all. Much metta and katannuta.
ObituaryIrene Gurusinghe passed away on Thursday 18th March 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. She is well remembered here as a leading figure in the early founding and development of Bodhinyanarama. Along with Mrs Parker and Mrs Nyien (Aunty Mabel) she devoted considerable energy, time and resources to all the challenges that are a part of building a monastery and that trio of ladies could well be credited with the birth of Bodhinyanarama. We are very grateful to her and offer our blessings and good wishes to Irene. May she realise nibbana.
ObituaryKhun Vanee Lamsam passed away, peaceful and calm, on the 5th of April 2022. Her support of the sangha internationally was far-reaching both in terms of extent and variety. Her contributions to Bodhinyanarama monastery, especially in the early days when resources were very limited, were considerable. The bell in the courtyard is the most tangible sign of her generosity and it was rung as we chanted blessings. May she realise nibbana.
DoM‘Day of Mindfulness’ – Listed on the website event calendar (trialling) for 5 months. Two (successfully) done – and more to come. The third Saturday of every month. Start 9am, lunch at 10:30, resume 12:30 until 4pm. An opportunity to develop your meditation, ask questions about practice and Dhamma and generally extend your connection with the monastery. This will be led by Ajahn Kusalacitto. If you come… it will continue.
Lay Residents’ AccommodationWork is proceeding well with kutis for our long-term lay residents. Bruce has moved in and Lindsay is almost ready. Suan’s space is still a good few weeks away yet. You can go and have a look next time you are here. The kutis are in the grassed area adjacent to the old library, just above the stream, and this area has been dubbed “The Wisdom Zone”. May they live long – and wisely.
Sangha MovesAjahn Sudhiro is now back in Thailand. We are exploring options for his return and the possibility of him applying for PR. Venerable Dhammavasa is back at Bodhinyanarama and we have received notice that a new visa has been approved. Ayya Abhisamma has returned to the US. Ajahn Suradat has joined us for an extended stay; likely returning to his monastery in Auckland for vassa. Ajahn Khantiko is still keen to come and patiently waiting for the border to open (for vassa?). There are two other monks enquiring (probably after vassa). McBain and maechi Aeshini continue to be happily ensconced – along with Ajahns Kusalo and Kusalacitto.
TudongsThe homeless wandering lifestyle of the monk is something much encouraged by the Buddha. Ajahn Kusalo has made three trips this year with different monks. With Sudhiro, a walk, hitch, wander north to Tauranga; via Napier, Taupo and Rotorua. And then another trip to the South Island; serious RAIN but so much space and solitude. Ajahns Kusalo & Suradat took 12 days to get to New Plymouth; via Palmerston North with teaching events in both cities; no rain. Setting out on these trips there is complete uncertainty as to what will happen; rides, weather, food, places to camp etc. Somehow… the days flow by – with patches – and sometimes with acres of goodness. Many thanks to all those (new friends and old) who welcomed us along the way. Sadhu.
Youth StuffThe family day we had in January has generated interest in having something a bit more regularly; probably on a Sunday. Frequency is not yet clear. There are two areas under consideration, divided by age: 5-12 & 12+. The first group tends to use a relatively standard format and, providing there is sufficient parent involvement this could be weekly? or other? Ajahn Kusalo is happy to offer input, particularly in the early phase, but… did you notice that he is getting older – and a bit slower 🙂 – The second group – young adults? teens? tweens? – has a great many possibilities, including online options. If you are interested please either write to or contact Ajahn Kusalo.
Covid AllowedWe have updated our covid page in relation to the current changes. As of April 4th no vPass is required and numbers for gatherings have been extended. Australia seems to have normalised covid and the assumption is that NZ is doing likewise. Even so, it seems sensible to continue to exercise caution and keep masks on hand – or on face? We wish you all well and, most importantly, wish you a clear and peaceful heart.
Rice PindapatAs part of our evolving covid response we have resumed rice pindapat on Sunday. We were about 50 this Sunday, all still wearing masks, and all delighting in the simple joy that is generosity. Being together, communing, is an easily found joy and to do it in the context of dhamma is an especial pleasure.
Meals on WheelsOne result of covid has been that we are taking all meals in the sala, with food set out in the cloister. We have decided that we quite like this system and will probably maintain it. The only thing is the distance between the kitchen and the cloister. Wheels! said everyone – more or less at the same time. So, now we have a wonderful wheeled wagon – food up the ramp and a free ride back down… wheeeee (terms and conditions may apply 🙂