Vesak ThoughtsToday is the full moon of May – Vesakah Puja! – and we are sequestered here in our little monastic bubble; as you are in yours. Which way will the wind blow tomorrow? We are very much hoping that we will be in level 2 in the next week or so. According to level 2 conditions we can have gatherings of up to 100 people indoors and up to 500 outdoors. Our meeting space here is somewhat indoor-outdoor so we well allow that with our usual attendance at something like 300 we will fit that criteria. The 31st of May is a Sunday and we would like to plan toward having you all come and join us to celebrate this especially auspicious occasion – Vesak. The birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha.
Vesak PlanSunday the 31st of May is in the month of Vesak. Let’s make it a time to celebrate the life and times of the Buddha. Also a time to celebrate the transition from this extended period of seclusion back into the blessings of community. We have sorely missed being able to see you, to share this beautiful place and our dhamma. Assuming that we will have level 2 please put this date in your diary. Come and join us, together, for this double blessing.
Thank YouThe difficulties of isolation have affected us all. Here at the monastery we have been so inspired and grateful for your continuing support. People have contacted us with good wishes and enquiries after our needs and well-being. Many have come to drop off food in the kitchen lobby; many of you we didn’t even see. This unconditional endorsement is so uplifting and heartening. May all your kindness and generosity be a blessing to you with your heart gladdened and at peace. Anumodana.
New WebsiteWith a period of relative quiet some of the time has been used to write a new website engine. The old framework has held together, with many stylistic tweaks, since 2007 and is due for replacement. There are still a few adjustments to be made and content to be reviewed but it will hopefully work well for you. Please let us have some feedback. visit the site
Hermitage RetreatsThe seclusion of C19 has also had us giving extended consideration to an old plan of developing the hermitage area at the top of the monastery property. We are now a sangha of 7 so are currently experimenting with a rolling self-retreat opportunity. At the moment we will start with two monks at a time on two weeks retreat but, if this works well, we will look to longer periods. There is a quite old map here and a bit of detail [needs updating :]. The sangha are very keen to develop this concept.
EOY ReceiptsThe end-of-year tax receipts were sent out quite a while ago but this is the first update for some time. If you were expecting a receipt but have not yet received it then please let us know. Thank you for your steady and generous support over not only the year gone but many years before. And many thanks to Lindsay for his continuing efforts in the office. Sadhu!
Ajahn’s KutiWork continues and Bruce has done well to work with not being able to buy building materials; he is a great recycler and adaptive builder. There are a couple of photos and there will be more to come. “Will it be ready for vassa” – did I hear Ajahn Kusalo whispering? Nice if it is, fine if it isn’t. There is still much finishing to be done but it looks very ?habitable, ?commodious comfy.