Covid ProtocolsThe vassa has ended and we have reviewed monastery covid protocols with a view to making Bodhinyanarama more accessible for you all – as of Tuesday 9th. There are quite a few details, with the main standard being “masks and 1m distancing.” Please have a look at the website to read full protocol details. We have the cloister canopy up and with summer on the way there is lots of weather independent covered space, allowing for distancing. Opening the back sala doors is also an option to include those that the space inside the hall cannot accommodate. There are very likely global variables ahead and developing adaptation strategies will require patience and calm. The world has changed and being able to ‘return to normal’ may not be possible. Refuge in Buddha, Dhamma Sangha has great practical application; clarity of mind, truth & acuity, and virtue. Along with the Brahama Viharas; kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity. The opposites are of no use – in fact can be very disruptive.
Be well. We hope to see you soon.
KathinaThis is very short notice but hopefully you have already concluded that we are not having a kathina this year. The limit is 100 people and there is no way we can choose which 100. All going well we hope that we can have a gathering later in the year; say early December. There are many factors affecting this but, here’s hoping.
Moving Community One of the consequences of covid is that we are not able to welcome monks from overseas. And it is quite normal that people move on. Next month will see three members of our community depart. After two years Beat will return home to family. Ditto Ajahn Sudhiro; his father has some health issues. Also, after a year here, samanera Dhammavasa will head back to Sri Lanka.
New Year RetreatAt this stage we are planning to have this as usual. Residential numbers will be considerably less and day visitors may have to sit in the cloister. We can use the sound system.
General EventsThe protocols page has details that govern these gatherings. Generally all our events – see the event calendar online, are available – with the proviso that visitors wear masks and distance is maintained. Guests (staying overnight) require double vaccination.
VassaWe were 15 in residence this year (sangha + lay stewards) and the entire three months flowed sublimely with no problems (barring people having bodies and all the fluctuations they bring 🙂 – Everyone had the opportunity for self-retreat time and, with many people, the duties were nicely shared so the days were generally very spacious. We so appreciate the support you gave us through this time. Anumodana.
KutisThe area around the old library is finally getting some action. Two kutis will be built on the periphery of the lawn area; currently one for Lindsay and the other for Aunty Suan (with ensuite). They have both given many years service to the community – and both seem to be getting older? As an aside, some of you may have noticed the tarp on the roof of Suan’s current kuti; the roof is rotten. Time for a bit of an upgrade – the kuti, not Suan. The library conversion (nursing kuti) has yet to get full building permission so that may take a while longer. The number of guests has been (was) steadily increasing. We will wait and see how things evolve with our new protocols – and global changes – but a new kuti in the lay zone was planned. No hurry.