💦 Songkran
Sunday 12th April. South-East Asian new year … an opportunity to focus on community; to reflect on our respective changes… and to share water blessings, small and large; a cleansing, forgiveness. Derived from Sanskrit, ‘songkran’ means “to move” or “step forward,” marking the sun’s shift into the Aries constellation and the new zodiac year. We set out many of our Buddha images to be blessed and you are welcome to bring yours. All are welcome.
🐝 Working Bee
Saturday 25th April. Start at 08:30, break for lunch, start in the afternoon at 1:00. Finish around… 4? The last Bee was a real buzz and many people had a productive and happy time. You are welcome to come for either session, or both. Much of the work is forest, plant, vegetation oriented so if you have loppers, a pruning saw or similar tools it would be great if you could bring those. Gloves are also very useful. See you then.
🌐 Website
This continues to be updated and the latest change is a new events calendar. This is a home-built widget so let us know if there are bugs 🙂 – and hopefully the format is more accessible. The other change is a new photo gallery plugin. This change may not be so noticeable but it is cleaner and more manageable. Also the photo archive section is much tidier with albums more available. There are still neglected/obsolete areas and these will get attention by and by.
🚶Tudong
Ajahn Kusalo and Venerable Caranadhammo recently spent 2 ½ weeks wandering around the South Island. Lots of walking, hitching, camping, meditating, going pindapat, meeting new people and seeing new sights. We got as far south as Dunedin and spent a couple of days with Jasper (ex Javano) and his parents. This was a very hearty time and it was good to see Jasper in good health. He will be in the monastery for a visit and we look forward to having him here. There are some photos in the gallery.
⭐ ATBA
A = Auckland. We are the ‘W’ Theravada Buddhist Association.
Ajahn Kusalo was with ATBA to share in the celebration of their 45th year of association. What a wonderfully hearty gathering it was with the City Vihara overflowing – both with people and blessings, gratitude and good wishes. photos It was an inspiring event, one that brings thoughts that we should do the same; we are now 43 years. Book it in for 2028? Let’s.
🪷 VesakSunday 10th May. Start about 9.45am
This is a multi-factored celebration; the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. We bring a special focus to the whole life of this amazing person – particularly with thoughts of gratitude. Where would we be without his incredible life-example and his creation of a superb teaching and his establishment of the Sangha? We come together as a community to share our common blessings – and through our coming together we amplify those blessings. All are welcome.