22 December 2025

After nearly two years as the abbot of Bodhinyanarama Ajahn Nandiyo has resigned from this role and gone to Thailand. We wish him well with all his ongoing undertakings. Ajahn Kusalo has resumed leadership of the monastery but is currently in Malaysia. He will return to New Zealand on the 2nd of January. A change such as this takes some adapting to but the community, both resident and wider, is strongly committed to the health and well-being of the monastery so there is every confidence that this somewhat unexpected transition will not adversely affect monastery life or the overall schedule.

A change to the Sunday programme was previously announced and it is generally agreed that the old schedule is preferred.

Every Sunday the timing will be as follows:

• 10:00 AM: Meditation — lay chanting
• 10:30: Rice pindapat
• 10:45: 3 refuges & 5 precepts
• 11:00: Shared meal
• 1:30—4:30 PM: Group meditation
• 6:00: Evening puja; with dhamma talk & Q&A

For several reasons Samanera Sampano has decided to disrobe and leave the monastery. He is currently with family and will be travelling to Vietnam. We very much hope that his future days will be supported by what he has learned during the time he has spent with us in the monastery. Bon voyage.

With the unexpected change the traditional New Year retreat has been cancelled. However… Venerable Caranadhammo has kindly offered to support a programme of meditation and dhamma and you are invited to join that; you would be most welcome. There is some accommodation available — mostly shared. Please use the guest booking form
The programme will run from 30.12.25 until 2.1.26The daily schedule is as follows:

• 5.45 am: Morning chanting & meditation.
• 7.10: Breakfast.
• 8.00: Meditation in the sala.
• 8.30: Sitting or walking meditation.
• 10.30: Meal offering. Shared meal.
• 2.00 pm: Meditation in the sala.
• 2.30: Sitting or walking meditation.
• 4.30: Meditation in the sala.
• 5.00: Tea time.
• 7.00: Evening chanting & meditation. Q&A

On new year’s eve there will be a programme beginning at 7pm through until midnight… and beyond.

This time of gathering together has always been very popular and is a great way to herald in the new year and also to bring blessings to the new circumstances of the monastery. New beginnings, a fresh start!

The monastery website and newsletter will both get a makeover. The current website is badly in need of maintenance and the general feeling is that it is probably time to replace it with a new look and style — a fresh start. Communication is an important factor in fostering harmony and understanding so the frequency of updates, keeping you informed of monastery activities and events, will be increased.