Galleries are grouped by year. The collection spans about twelve years with over 3000 images in 40+ galleries.
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A radiant deva in the forest.
Everyone has to live somewhere.
King's birthday meditation retreat.
Tom working on winter wood.
Early morning setup for lunch.
Venerable Caranadhammo making a clean cut.
Leaves leaving.
Evening meditation.
Every one has to live somewhere.
The post-vesak mat and cushion shuffle.
🙏 The final blessing.
🙏 Offerings at the end of the circumambulation.
🙏 The sangha circumambulates the main shrine.
🙏 Ceremonies begin.
🙏 Our vesak day is just beginning.
🙏 Gathered together in the hall and cloister.
🙏 A few early visitors in the cloister.
🙏 Vesak: setting up the food tent.
🙏 The day before; erecting the food tent.
🙏 Making offerings at the shrine.
🙏 Dhamma presentations made by young speakers.
🙏 The lantern crew – a group photo.
🙏 The lanterns are up and lit.
🐝 The 'before' had the trees in the foreground up to the skyline. View reclaimed at the vihara patio!
A three-quarter moon behind a grand rewa rewa tree.
🐝 An early morning start getting the cloister marquee erected.
🐝 A sea of upside-down cloister marquee.
🐝 Ropes at the ready. The morning sun just tipping the pines at top-right.
A bright eyed visitor.
🐝 River dance.
🐝 One of our aquatic residents.
🐝 Boots and buckets... the river kit.
🐝 A valley bottom tableau. Rainbow, bottom right.
🐝 The river bed – almost at rest.
🐝 The 'right to the end' river crew.
Our bell bathed in sunshine – high above the floods.
Stokes Valley under a deluge of flood water.
💦 Most are assembled in the sala and we are ready to begin.
💦 Ceremonies are underway with precepts and blessings for all.
💦 Offerings are made to the sangha.
💦 "The ladies that linger..." – that stay behind and make sure all is tidy.
💦 A line of blessed Buddha rupa.
💦 Such long standing supporters of the monastery. Sadhu.
💦 There is so much joy and delight – such a simple process.
💦 The happy aftermath of being blessed – many, many times.
💦 The sangha and elders share blessings.
💦 Some used flowers, other fern fronds. The symbol is one of beauty.
🚶➡️ The Buller River. A beautiful spot but an awkward junction to get a ride. We did 🙂
🚶➡️After a fine meal of pancakes and cream we all sat about for a bit.
🚶➡️ Our driver and host Gregory.
🚶➡️ Hovering over the river – quite unconcerned by the rolling boulder.
🚶➡️ In Dunedin, visiting with Jasper and his family.
🚶➡️ And generosity saw us sitting at table with a big breakfast on order.
ATBA 45th: The rice pindapat line going up and down and around the corner.
ATBA 45th: After all the speeches and blessings we circumambulate the bodhi tree.
A blocked gutter at the monks' vihara – very high up!
With the gutter cleared the ground can be safely sought.
The fortnightly pattimokha meeting begins by offering respect.
Gathered in the main nursing kuti space to bless the new building.
The sangha about to chant parittas.
Part of the nursing kuti blessing team.
The river below the sala in full flood.
The river decided that our walking track... needed to be the river bed.
Here we are convincing a river to behave (our way!).
The New Year retreat was salvaged by venerable Caranadhammo and a happy group joined for the few days of meditation.
Our ever recurring mower and trimmer Paul at work around the stupa.
December 2026. A monk's eye view of the hall.
A sea of brown and white. The participants at the end of the Ajahn Chah remembrance day; actually two days 🙂
Visiting a wonderful tea shop in Kuala Lumpur.
Ajahn Kusalo and Ajahn Dhammasiha with the breakfast offering crew at BUBS.
After a meditation afternoon a trip to the beach on Penang Island.
Landslide: Heavy rains slid earth onto the main track above the stupa.
Landslide: A good team of workers clearing the track.
Landslide: Gravel being loaded to spread on the raw earth.
Landslide: The wild earth has been tamed. A selfie at the stupa.
The vegetation alongside the sala has been cleared. Mulch it!
Tararuas: Our trip begins; steeply.
Tararuas: It is either up – or down – with not much flat.
Tararuas: We followed the river (on the flat) then back up...
Tararuas: Tea for the tired.
Tararuas: More up. Not an easy climb.
Tararuas: Our last night here; Cone Hut. One more day of walking.
Tararuas: Our final exit to the Waiohine carpark.
A young visitor helping out with more mulching.
Having finished the mulch Sky set to work on log splitting. Thank you.
A dead tree out back of the Kitchen building being attended to by venerable Caranadhammo.
As part of Ajahn Kusalo's time in Malaysia he was offered this lovely Buddha rupa. Installed he by his kuti.
Is this an art installation? – or just an old chair at the sauna?
The sangha pays respects to Bhante Jinalankara; visiting for the day.
Ajahn Kusalos Phra Kru fan - arrived in time for his birthday.
After Ajahn Kusalos birthday lunch we all gather for a photo. Lots of smiles.
A few friends pose for a group photo after Ajahn Kusalos birthday party.
Sunday rice pindapat.
Some of the older residents eyeing up the new electric mobility scooter. Powerful enough to get up to the stupa. Zippy.
The new food trolley for taking offerings from the kitchen up to the sala cloister.
Ajahn Kusalacitto giving the guardian deity a good clean ready to be installed on the plinth.
On the way up to the vihara. A small plinth is to be built to hold a guardian deity.
SI tudong: A riverside cuppa - before the rain set in.
SI tudong: Dropped at the cross-road. A wave goodbye and a warm thank you.
SI tudong: A friendly wave as we walked resulted in new friendship and tea and toast.
SI tudong: Greymouth. Another spontaneous dana gathering.
SI tudong: Ajahn Sudhiro ready to head off around the lake. The air is clear but cool.
SI tudong: A surprise meeting that brought friendship and kindness.
SI tudong: The sun has not quite arrived at this side of the river bank. Plenty of time to wait.
SI tudong: The Pelorous river flowing full. Our tents were just above the flood line.
SI tudong: By the Fox River.
SI tudong: We camped in the hills (beyond the railing) and the morning sees the kettle on.
SI tudong: Under the trees just above the rivers edge Ajahn Sudhiro has his tent up
SI tudong: In a disused train tunnel sheltering from the rain. The kettle goes on the fire.
SI tudong: Westport; A Thai pizza restaurant welcomes wandering monks.
New Plymouth tudong: It is putting the last little piece in place that is the most difficult.
New Plymouth tudong: Walking meditation as the sun goes down.
New Plymouth tudong: A chance roadside meeting saw us invited home to have a meal.
New Plymouth tudong: Darren is a friend from an earlier walk and he invited us to spend some time at the local marae.
New Plymouth tudong: Keeping a nicely balanced mind helps to balance the world we live in.
New Plymouth tudong: A cool and tranquil riverside abode. Nothing to do but do that. It was so nice here that we went without food the next day to do more of the same.
New Plymouth tudong: Ajahn Suradat at the base of the waterfall - ready for a bath?
The new cloister border fits in just a treat.
A corner of the cloister deck with the new boards all new and shiny.
The rotten ends of the cloister deck have been trimmed. The border needs rebuilding and new boards laid.
Wisdom Zone: Bruces kuti shrine.
Wisdom Zone: The interior of Sila kuti - the Bruce abode.
Wisdom Zone: The wheeled entrance to Sila Kuti.
Wisdom Zone: The picture says it all 🙂 - Bruces back door.
Wisdom Zone: Sila Kuti - where Bruce now lives; across the stream from Samadhi and Panya kutis.
Wisdom Zone: Samadhi kuti in the foreground - Panya behind. You can just spot Lindsays electric scooter (left).
Wisdom Zone: Suans living room with the bathroom door part open. The bathroom fittings need consent and will come a bit later.
Wisdom Zone: Panya kuti with Samadhi in the background. Still a bit raw on the ground but nature will slowly soften all.
Wisdom Zone: The Panya Kuti roofed and rocking on.
Wisdom Zone: Suans kuti (Panya) - with Lindsays just visible in the window center.
The main shrine of Vimokkharam Hermitage.
Chao Khun Samai and Ajahn Hasapanno unveil the new hall plaque.
The sangha is assembled and the new dhamma hall dedication ceremonies begin.
Vimokkharam: going pindapat. Chao Khun Samai leads the sangha.
Vimokkharam hermitage east of Melbourne. The dedication of the new dhamma hall.
Getting ready eat lunch before getting ready to leave Adelaide. Sadhu - anumodana.
And friends in Adelaide are especially generous.
A dana in Adelaide with Ajahn Nyandipo (center) and friends.
Bodhipala monastery - Australia; just out of Adelaide.
A lost photo from vesak? The layered dimension of our community.
McBain requests the precepts and going the forth from the household life.
A change of clothes and a change of lifestyle. Ready to request the anagarika precepts.
McBain composes himself prior to his anagarika ordination.
Four brooms for flying.
Anagarika McBain tries his hand at making a broom.
The details is delightful.
Old brooms - that can fly no more.
A trip to the coast.
Dandelions and brooms - both blossoming.
Anagarika McBain doing the soft broom shuffle.
The weest bodhi tree. Lots of room for growth - bhavana.
A recent visit by students from Victoria university.
The kuti party is over. The light is on and the stove is lit. Silence...
A wee kuti-warming party at the new monk kuti.
Our move toward having no bottled water brought to the monastery. Plastic is OK but how can we use less?
The birthday girl - with gifts.
The party is over - time for a photo.
Aunty Suan is now 75. We had a delightfully modest party to celebrate.
An early morning reflection.
Maechi ordination just before vassa.
Rearranging our potted plants.
The resident group for vassa 2021.
Bruce has his thinking cap on planning the next step for the new lay kuti; across the stream above the flat area.
Preparations are underway to set up the food tent for Vesak.
Ian and Steven preparing to prepare. Not an easy task.
The carpets are brought down from the sala attic in preparation for Vesak.
Blackbirds take turns on the feeder table.
In the kitchen. Jessica; happy and smiley.
A laser line and a new colour sees the back wall of the dana sala looking much nicer.
And up it goes.
The totara cupboard front in Ajahn Kusalos kuti gleams in the late afternoon sun.
The NEW cloister canopy is unfurled for the first time. Which way is up?
The back wall of the dana sala has become quite badly marked. Rather than repaint the whole wall a dado will be added.
The new canopy is secured and the team poses prior to tea.
The courtyard is cleaned and raked.
The re-elected committee with the sangha after the AGM.
A view through the firewood cupboard into the new kuti. Venerable Dhammavasa is preparing the floor for a second coat of varnish.
Ajahn Nattawat (left) warmly receives us so we can pay respects before the vassa.
The concrete wood stove box on the side of the new monk kuti waiting for the flue - and the stove.
Our homemade flue for the new monk kuti makes its way up the hill ready for installation.
The Bodhinyanarama sangha pay a pre-vassa visit to Bhante Jinalankara.
Rod wheels his wheelbarrow -
Ned and Rod pulling out some of the landslide rubble to use as fill in the new car park space.
A new car park space is being created.
The weather is far from ideal but it is a good time to tend to the garden.
We find a cycle track that more or less runs parallel to the river.
It is some kilometers to the Thai monastery so we set out relatively early.
Our bags are packed and we are ready to go.
A morning cup of coffee at Te Horo Horo beach.
A bit further up the west coast. Lunch.
A wee side track into the hills.
Off highway 1 on the Tukino road heading to Mt. Ruapehu.
A wonderful surprise in the middle of the desert.
Ajahn Thitasippo setting up his tent.
An island of life in the middle of the desert.
Back on the road again. The sky is clear and the space is superb.
And where are the monks?
The water is cool clear and refreshing.
Pumice rocks rising.
The still and quiet of the evening.
We have this part of the lake shore to ourselves.
Morning. Back on the road.
Still on the road.
Sita and Trevor have rented a cottage for us. Breakfast.
And what better way to tour the lake than on the lake?
Katie Sita Trevor Chris Buddhisaro and Thitasippo waiting in the shade ready to explore the Waikato River.
The first dam on the Waikato river is opened 4 times a day to give full flow to the Aratiatia rapids. The power and the noise is considerable.
A few kilometers up from the rapids is the Huka falls which flows at about 300000 liters per second. Whoooosh.
From the bow of the boat it is tempting to dive into the foaming water. A giant bubble bath.
Hot pools and well steamed monks.
Lake Taupo glistens under a hot and bright sun.
We bid farewell to our cottage.
Lakeside at Taupo town.
Back on the road.
We are dropped of ?somewhere after a very pleasant time travelling with mother and daughter.
A serene and shady glade to take road-break.
Lunch in a field.
A wonderful waterfall convergence not far off the road.
Irene drops us off on Highway 2 next to the Ngaruroro River.
The trees alongside the river are pleasantly cool.
The Ngaruroro River is quite dry this time of year so walking is very easy.
We are looking for a place to camp and the trees in the distance look good.
Back into the trees and thereabouts.
Ajahn Kusalo has his tent set up and the scene is set for a peaceful afternoons abiding.
Fields and trees.
The river from a bathers perspective.
We are welcomed at the monastery.
The moon is almost full.
Dana at Wat Thai.
Another river a rail bridge and another pleasant spot to camp.
Off to one side of the river there is shade and relatively flat ground for camping.
We are camped just a bit downstream and to the right.
Four rocks - five - six - and a puff of wind topples seven.
We stopped at Om Noi and Michaels house in Paraparaumu. It is nice to have a shower and relax. Sadhu.
Possum.
The bird feeder is a popular spot.
The new track to Bruces new kuti across the stream.
Viphavadee and Noi at the standing buddha rupa in the courtyard.
Noi McBain and Viphavadee.
Ajahn Kusalos kuti.
The full moon rising at the end of vassa to illuminate our circumambulation of the stupa.
The main monastery shrine.
What is in the alms bowl?
The Chao Khun kuti walking meditation path.
Simons beautiful stonework fronts the sala courtyard.
One of our last danas before moving to the main sala.
Viphavadee helping to keep the place tidy.
A corner of the cloister deck.
The home team busy in the kitchen.
Anagarika McBain sitting quietly waiting for the meal.
Venerable Kusalacitto heads down the valley on pindapat - our first for some time.
For the dedication of merits.
The monastery bell-tower roof.
Brrrr... the air was cold - but the hearts were warm.
Has the Elven spirit given Ajahn Kusalacitto powers of levitation?
NY retreat: lunch.
Ajahn Kusalos 70th birthday gathering.
Ajahn Kusalacitto visiting the sangha in Christchurch.
At the new Bhikkhuni residence in Hamilton.
A new office computer - and all the old ones move one space the right.
Family day. An introduction to buddha.
All set and ready to go.
Making buddha images was the most popular activity of the day.
Heres one they made earlier.
Meditation in the sala as part of the closing ceremonies.
Anagarika McBain and Bruce wrestling the door into the new kuti in the lay residents zone.
Some of the vassa team taking a pre-lunch walk.
Offering dana is usually quite mixed but this day there was not a man to be seen; only ladies.
NY retreat: Q
NY retreat: Acknowledgment and appreciation for Aunty Suan.
NY retreat: A group photo to finish a wonderful time together.
Not Abbey Road - but Stokes Valley Rd. on new years day pindapat.
Preparing the soil for planting the new wishing tree on new years eve.
The site being tidied up in the new lay residents zone.
How many thousand nails has Bruce pounded in? Many! Sadhu.
Ajahn Kusalacitto leading the vassa vinaya classes.
Tudong: The river crossed the rain eased and the mind calmed.
The hermitage kuti gets its view extended.
The top of the car park. Flax seed pods.
As part of our move to increase the use of wood for heating we now have a shiny red log splitter.
Tudong: Not quite "A host of golden daffodils... Tossing their heads in sprightly dance" but an equally delightful pasture of dandelions.
Tudong: We pitched our tents at the root of a tree.
Tudong: By the lake at Rotorua. One of our kind food donors sharing some dhamma.
Tudong: The way is clear. Lunch awaits - we hope.
Tudong: A seaside diversion.
Tudong: Ajahns new tent on trial.
Tudong: Many roads to choose from. Directions sought.
The new cloister canopy in the early morning sun. The sala roof-rooster casts a shadow.
Tudong: A rubbish can kettle creation. But everything is wet and a fire is slow in coming. Lots of smoke.
Tudong: The rain persists and the river is wet.
Tudong: Rock balancing meditation.
Tudong: We are not short of friends. Recognise any faces?
Tudong: Castlepoint.
A bird on a wire outside the bhikkhu vihara.
Timber for the new kutis being stored.
The new log splitter - splitting logs.
Tudong: The road is long and wet but there are friends just around the corner.
The tree fell nicely enough - just not quite on the ground.
The pole is up and almost centrally positioned.
A post-vassa visit to Kaitoke-Rivendell for a picnic. It was a bit cold.
Setting up the new cloister canopy. Better quality and easier to erect. Thank you Michael.
The canopy edges are secure and all is ready to raise the pole.
The meal has been offered and the sangha take their food.
Preparing the hall for our first open dana.
The view from the cloister.
The pine slicing is all but finished and the tree fellas rest on their laurels.
Smaller material is put through the mulcher. Everything is used.
Gradually the trunk is sliced into manageable rounds.
Tudong: Castlepoint. The monk has seen the light and is heading to the sea.
Broom making is a fine monastic art.
Firewood in the making.
Old broom (handles) about to get new heads.
The wee bodhi tree. See the earlier photo in the winter album. The flowering of bodhi (enlightenment) is a slow - but steady - path.
The new kuti is not far up the hill and the grade is not that steep.
The digger just fits. Making its way to form the track up to Bruces new kuti.
Clearing a platform for Aunty Suans new kuti in the lay resident zone.
In the thick of it nearly 3 meters off the ground tree tops are thinned.
Ajahn Kusalo made a new tent and erected it for the first time. A prototype - to be tested on tudong.
Finally in position. A sublime addition to the monks vihara.
Our lustrous Bodhi tree shadowed across the carpet.
A pine tree log being persuaded to descend the hill.
Peter and Beat setting permanent anchors for the food tent ready for our upcoming Vesak celebration.
The venerable sangha settling for Sunday dana.
It has been a long time waiting but the landscaping work at the stupa is back on schedule. The area left will be planted with ground cover and the rock J section just above the golden alcove will get a nice big tree.
Joshua working on the plastering of the new monk kuti.
Venerable Buddhisaro up on minimal scaffold giving colour to the wood store of the new monk kuti.
Venerable Dhammavasa applying the first coat to the new kuti porch frame. This panel will eventually be sheathed with clear acrylic sheet.
A beautiful welcome awaits at the ground level of the vihara.
At the basement level of the vihara the newly installed Buddha rupa is inviting.
Ajahn Sudhiro.
Easy does it!
The Buddha rupa being eased into position; ground level of the monks vihara.
The patio area outside Ajahn Kusalos kuti. Just waiting for the plants to grow.
The bhikkhu vihara. The basement (Aj. Ks office exercise room) - the ground floor (library/office kuti day room) - top floor (amenities and common room). Freshly finished!
A broom making session at the back of the sala.
The bhikkhu vihara. There is wheeled access to the lower two levels. The deck (mid-left) can be driven onto - by quad or scooter.
Another batch of brooms ready to go.
Here we go gathering rocks and stones...
Stupa circumambulation with a clear moon rising.
Bruce is going up in the world. The East end of the vihara being painted.
Aunty Suan wind-husking peanuts.
The Buddha rupas - and the Sangha - get generous blessing from all our lay friends that have come to celebrate Songkran.
The Sangha in front of the Buddha rupa tables - ready for Songkran.
One of the Buddha rupas set up for Songkran.
Liquid devotion.
Venerable Dhammavasas alms bowl getting a polish after firing.
Firing an alms bowl - both to remove the decaying lacquer and give a uniform finish.
Venerables Appamado and Dhammavasa working on a memorial tree site.
A late-night moon rising.
Songkran sees many Buddha rupas visiting the monastery for a blessing.
Some of you may recall the handrail that went up to the old Upper House; the building that was everything. And things change.
Venerable Dhammavasa in the dhamma sala vestry.
Beth working on the garden outside the monks vihara basement.
Ajahn Kusalo working on setting a post into the stump beside the quad track to hang a gate on.
The post in place and the gate hung.
A soft pre-dana stillness.
Intrepid gardeners off up the hill to... garden.
The sangha-hauled log-from-above being trimmed by Beat.
Ajahn Sudhiro leads the team in pulling a log down the hill to form a part of the track up to Ajahn Kusalos kuti.
The left panel of the sandstone stupa mural - almost complete.
Bruce cleaning out the basement slab ready for concrete.
Beat and Sam taking a break from clearing the new kuti site.
Part of a recent gift of palm fronds for making brooms.
The stairs down to the kitchen being carefully swept.
The lower car park gets a daily sweep.
The newly repaired concrete mixer being tested prior to pouring the basement retaining wall footing.
At 8:45 lunch preparation is well underway.
Lindsay making sure the monastery wheels turn smoothly in the office.
Builders mix being loaded into the quad trailer to be taken up to the vihara.
The old concrete mixer may have more repairs than mixer. The main barrel bearing has just been rebuilt.
A small puddle in a paving stone makes a nice place to take a drink.
Work continues on the stupa mural. Completion date? We have waited so long and a few more weeks months or more will not be difficult.
Beat working on clearing the smaller trees and undergrowth to make way for the pine tree fellers.
Our tree fellas heading back down the hill after clearing the pines on the new kuti site. A job well done!
Sam working on the new track to the ridge kuti.
Beat clearing the new kuti site. Check back later to see the after photos of the site.
Bruce pondering the future in the slowly forming vihara basement.
The evolving rock wall at Ajahn Kusalos kuti gets some new plants.
Arunee putting some finishing touches on the new curtains.
Arunee and Kheng take a well earned rest after installing the curtains in Ajahns kuti.
The vihara basement coming under control.
Ajahn Kusalos temporary office in the vihara basement.
SI tudong: Monks looking for a good place to camp? or go pindapat perhaps?
SI tudong: And lunch is served and the view has been carefully arranged.
SI tudong: Lunch in the park.
SI tudong: Ajahn Sudhiro takes in the breadth of melted snow.
SI tudong: A wonderfully placed meditation walking path.
SI tudong: Wide rolling hills and an open sky to match.
Demolition de-nailing is well in hand by samanera Appamado.
The deck giving access to the new limited-mobility kuti. The window has been removed and will be replaced by a door.
The baseboard outside the monks library is carefully peeled off for reuse.
Kheng working on curtain installation in Ajahn Kusalos kuti.
The pine trees on the new monks kuti site are slowly being cut into rounds and stacked for firewood.
Ajahn Thitasippo enjoying the newly opened space at the monks kuti site.
Monk on retreat - quietly waiting for breakfast.
Venerable Buddhisaro and Sam putting the last touches to the landslide sump apron as part of the vihara concrete pour.
Two tuis talking.
The vihara basement wall has been poured and the slab is well underway.
The concrete pumping guys are getting ready. Six cubic meters of concrete needs to go up the hill and around the corner.
The monks vihara basement is slowly taking shape. The seats are for the concrete pumping guys to stand on - being tested here by Ajahn Kusalo and Bruce.
Out the back of the sala spring grass is well ready for cutting.
Ajahn slides another piece of the tent puzzle into place.
With diligent effort even the darkest can be brought into the light.
The buddha rupa (that sits outside the dana sala) shining with the loving care given by kathina visitors.
Nature - doing what it does.
This is the paving slab style - so I am told. Beauty by any other name - just as sweet.
The shrine looking superbly resplendent for Kathina.
The handrail at the entrance to the sala (riverside). Age has its own beauty.
Old hands and new work together lacing up the cloister tent.
With such a good team the cloister tent is quickly attached ready for raising.
The big tent going up - for what could be the last time.
Kloy Jai Viphavadee and Pod preparing robes.
Many good friends gathered together to celebrate the Bodhinyanarama Kathina.
We have a plan..! It is just a matter of reading it correctly.
Venerable Kusalacitto hanging Kathina flags - with some supervision from Aunty Suan.
Venerable Appamado steadies the ladder for Ajahn Thitasippo.
Sam under the big tent.
The food tent gets its second assembly for Kathina.
The vihara basement gets a team effort in leveling the floor ready for a concrete slab.
Ajahn Sudhiro shrouded in cherry blossoms.
The monks vihara with Ajahn Kusalos kuti behind.
Nuk stands amidst a profusion of flowers.
The patio stone wall at Ajahns kuti slowly progresses.
Robes and requisites are carried in cirucumambulation around the sala prior to being offered to the assembled sangha.
This part of the basement could be the exercise space. Is the ambience being tested here 🙂 - or is it nearly lunch time?
Building materials for the vihara basement the new monks kuti and the hermitage platform.
Praise or blame? Success or failure. The worldly winds blew very gently for us all day. Sadhu.
Ajahn Kusalo trying to remember how to do a french seam. Venerable Kusalacitto prepares the two pieces of the kathina robe ready for joining.
The weather was clear and bright so the main tent was dropped. Getting it back in the bag is a job.
Ajahn Sambodhi works on the kathina robe borders. Ajahn Sudhiro works on - his phone 🙂
Getting the main tent back in the bag requires some energetic persuasion.
After a day of joy and celebration... all that arises will cease.... The clean up.
The Sangha chant parittas.
The kathina cloth has been received and the formal announcement is made.
Beat off loading yet another load of dirt from the vihara basement.
The Kathina cloth is offered to the sangha.
Amara family and friends doing the introductory chanting prior to offering the Kathina cloth.
Sarina circumambulating the sala with her kathina offering.
Anicca vata sankhara... All that is born will die. Dedicating merits to the deceased.
Orada and Sita preparing extra lunch time goodies.
The sangha go on rice pindapat.
The ladies organizing the money tree - and many things besides. Sadhu.
Indranath seems happy and bright.
The Sangha is assembled and Kathina proceedings begin.
Rangiora leaves glisten after an afternoon shower.
Venerable Buddhisaro looking very much all that he is!
And as always we return to the calm and stillness of the equanimous mind. May he find an easy path through his ongoing years.
As a fully ordained samanera venerable Appamado receives some offerings from the laity.
Having taken the refuges and precepts samanera Appamado determines his relationship and commitment to his teacher.
Anagarika Jet formally requests the going forth.
Anagarika Jet receives his samanera robes from Ajahn Kusalo.
Taking the samanera refuges and precepts.
A fork in the road; right to the hermitage left to the giant rimus.
A group of lay friends gathered after lunch to witness the going forth (pabbaja) of samanera Appamado.
Early morning in the forest.
A line up of monks.
The hermitage meditation walking path.
The stone wall at Ajahns kuti slowly takes shape.
A fern frond unfolding.
Landscaping a patio at Ajahn Kusalos kuti.
Dana at Bodhinyanarama.
The wood box and stove in Ajahn Kusalos kuti.
Farewelling the Thai ambassador and his wife. We will miss their regular visits and support of the monastery.
An outing to see cherry blossoms the day before the start of our group retreat. Sun!
After the cherry blossoms a wee wander around Rivendale.
The wood box at the back of ajahn's kuti is demolished to salvage the wood.
Bruce the builder looks out. Ajahn Kusalos old kuti has a new front.
The relic stupa given to Ajahn Kusalo in Sri Lanka - temporary location in the Chao Khun kuti. Where will it eventually rest?
Putting the finishing touches to the gabion retaining wall at the base of the landslide.
The car park at lunch time... and our days are quiet - and peaceful. Hopefully yours are too.
A monastery made broom.
Beat our resident electrician heading off to run some conduit.
The washing machine is dead. Monks are trying to make a change 🙂 - but can we get the faulty part?
The 2020 committee with the sangha just after the AGM.
With timber at a premium we are recycling *everything*. The sangha pulls nails to keep Bruce supplied as best we can.
The inside of ajahn's kuti - looking from the sitting-room toward the bedroom.
Bruce taking a well earned rest in the main sitting room of Ajahn Kusalos kuti renovation.
Preparations for The Big Gathering get underway with the erection of the new food tent.
Paying respects to the main shrine.
Just after we agreed that proceeding should start we agreed that we werent that many people and... it was cold. Many hands help lower the sala doors.
Monks receiving and sorting alms offerings. It was generally agreed that the new food tent was useful... you will see it again.
Monks on rice pindapat.
The sangha goes on rice pindapat.
The sangha chant parittas.
What a simple and joyful thing is a spoonful of rice.
The temple where we stayed
My two intrepid companions at our first planning meeting in Colombo. Ajahn Damita and venerable Sumangala.
In the station canteen at Polgahawela. We are just finishing our meal for the day.
The train from Kandy stopped at Polgahawela where we changed to the train to Polonnaruwa.
Southern Sri Lanka. Drive to Kandy then train to Polonnaruwa. About 200km of walking then a variety of buses trains tuk-tuks cars etc south to Tissa. Six weeks of incredibly varied weather people scenery. A very inspiring time. The following photos are a very small selection (out of over 3000) but hopefully they will convey some of the magic experienced.
Tea and a bit more planning discussion at Shamidra and Roshini's house. They were both incredibly supportive in so many ways right through the time in Sri Lanka. Anumodana.
Finally we arrive at Polonnaruwa train station.
And there is our train - best not dally.
It is about a 3 hour walk from the town to the temple where we planned to stay; it is relatively close to the main Polonnaruwa ruins.
Rivers canals and various waterways are so pervasive and their modulating sounds created a theme throughout the trip. The turnoff to the temple.
The ancient city of Polonnoruwa. There are acres of this old stuff - wow shazam galore. We spent a couple of days wandering meditating pondering about the site but even this was not enough time to absorb the extent of what would have been a massive monastery presence.
What I mostly came to Polonnaruwa to see - the reclining Buddha. Sublime superb... I have seen so many photos over many decades but the reality far exceeded all expectation.
Pick are rock... no shortage of local raw material for building.
And we begin our walk. Already I am sweating. The electric fence to keep out the elephants.
Roof pillars of a building in front of an unusual walled pavilion. Can you imagine each rock being hand-cut and carved? Awesome.
Another waterway. We have just finished taking tea with a lovely family who invited us to rest in the shade.
The sign says it all. The forest awaits.
Our first camp site.
Passing through a small village to collect alms. Another waterway.
Venerable Sumangala has his umbrella tent set up.
We are next to a small stream and tea is being prepared. Starting a fire with no paper or accelerant is a smoky affair.
And yet another waterway. The melodic flow of water is very refreshing - to say nothing of being able to take a bath.
We have finished our meal and are drying our robes and generally enjoying the verdant scene.
We spot a rocky promontory and figure it could be a good place to camp. We spot a nearby house and figure it best to let people know our plan. They insist on clearing space making tea preparing a bathing spot making more tea... and generally being incredibly hospitable.
The family invite us for the meal the next day. A quick and easy start to the days walking.
We find another rock promontory and lay out robes to dry.
A smaller road and another waterway.
The view from the top of the rock. We camped in the trees at the base of the foreground grassy slope.
Ajahn Damita set up for the afternoons abiding. A very quiet and meditative spot.
After pindapata we visit the local temple and eat our meal there. A packet of biscuits with tea rounds things off. The cat (middle bottom) looks for any crumbs.
Back on the road. There is quite a substantial river to the right.
It is hot.
A monk we had met a couple of days earlier passed us in a car and offered to set up 'tea by the river.' Delightful.
We stayed a couple of nights at Buduruwayaya temple; an ancient archaeological site.
The rock cut Buddha at Buduruwayaya temple.
Afternoon tea at Buduruwayaya.
The river next to the temple where we bathed.
![I went down to the crossroads fell down on my knees - Asked the Lord above for mercy "Take me if you please"... [Cream 1968 :) ]](https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ia-road.jpg)
I went down to the crossroads fell down on my knees - Asked the Lord above for mercy "Take me if you please"... [Cream 1968 🙂 ]
Water - the lifeblood.
Another mid-morning invite - king coconuts and sweet corn. Such heartwarming generosity - and a superb bicycle.
The central pit of an ancient sauna. The outer standing stones defined the building. There were two archaeological guys on site that gave us some wonderful background info.
The kuti I stayed in at Kiri-oya Aranya.
A little further down the road we are invited for tea.
After a few hours walking it is quite hot in the midday sun.
The new irrigation project has required many people to relocate. Trouble is water supplies were not well established in the new area. Local deliveries seemed well organised.
And back into the forest again. Two local men make sure we get the right track.
The new irrigation project is visible everywhere in this area.
An impressive forest giant.
Our first pindapata - 40 minutes walk down from the kuti.
The kuti where we stayed for three nights.
After the meal the kettle is on for tea.
Returning from pindapata back to the kuti.
On the way to pindapata on our last day at the kuti.
After the meal offering our kind donors posed for a photo on the canal sluice gate.
From the kuti we spent nearly two days crossing the mountain - with no trail. Thirsty work.
After eating our meal we head up the mountain side. There is no trail but (in theory) it is just 'up and over' - and along a bit.
Our camp half way down the mountain. Time for a cuppa.
At the bottom of the mountain as we exit the forest. Quite an unexpected and surreal sight - part of the irrigation project.
Out of the forest and... we have no idea where we are. Eventually we meet a few Sri Lankan workers who set us on the right road.
Still in the forest but the road cuts a sterile slash through the land.
One of the workers on the irrigation project phoned ahead to the village so by the time we arrived a group was there to meet us and offer dana. Sadhu!
Four of the men who helped with the dana offering. The man on the left (93) is the father of the guy in the green shirt.
An area of abandoned fields provides a splendid spot for our nights rest - after the tea.
Back on the road.
A delicate crossing - without mishap.
Forests and mountains.
The outskirts of a small village.
After pindapata we visit the local temple. The man in the blue sarong (carrying my bag) supports one of the kutis in the forest. He was very helpful.
The man in the blue sarong invited us to his home for tea and to meet the family.
After morning tea we went to the kuti dana-sala to have our meal - and to dry out our wet gear.
We arrive quite late at the local temple. One monk is already happily horizontal.
Venerable Sumangala asks directions from one of the locals. One is never sure if these fellows are domestic or wild. Best give a wide berth either way.
The abbot of the temple where we stayed the night. We shared the meal with him before heading off to catch a bus.
Back at the crossroads checking on bus times.
More consequence of the irrigation project. Most of the houses around here have been demolished. This old dana sala has been spared kind of.
After a relatively short bus trip we are back in the forest again.
More uphill.
Madumana Kuti when Bhante Guttasila has lived for several years. He was not there so we had the place to ourselves. Very nice.
A meditation platform with a view of elephant bones.
We are in elephant country and the electric fences are a common sight.
A fairly new reservoir - part of the irrigation project.
After a fairly early dana I meet with a group to lead a meditation session. It was nice to see so many people interested.
We pass through a work base for the irrigation project.
More uphill. Why is the trail always going up?
We pause to rest.
From the sangha meeting we travelled by van. Thirteen in a six-seater - very friendly.
The Laggala monks meet together every 6 months. It was nice to meet Bhante Guttasila on his 'home' ground.
We are driving toward the base of those hills.
From the van we transfer into tuk-tuks. Those hills are getting closer.
Back in the forest walking to venerable Pasadho's kuti.
Venerable Pasadho (center) ready to welcome us to his kuti.
The river below the kuti provides an idyllic bathing spot.
And there is always time for tea.
The nights accommodation is prepared.
After two days at the kuti we head onward after the meal. Venerable Pasadho kindly offers to make sure we are on the right track.
It looks like a golf course but is actually abandoned fields grazed by buffalo. Note the waterfall top center.
Forests and mountains.
We arrive at an abandoned house - part of an old plantation - and rest for tea. We say goodbye to venerable Pasadho.
Things get a little wilder as we plod on. Nice rocks.
We are told to 'just follow the river.' The trail seems clear enough.
The trail seems to disappear and things get even wilder.
Ajahn Damita looks upward in disbelief. "That is not an impassable cliff..." Venerable Sumangala can see the funny side. We are lost.
After a few extra kilometers we eventually find our way. That is the river just below the fields.
Plodding through a few fields and more forest we catch a glimpse of a road. The way looks promising.
The local temple sala - the three wise men slept here 🙂
Humans have been here - in fact there are a couple in the middle between field and mountain.
Leaving the village in the morning. The weather is closing in.
On the way to the Aranya - ladies planting rice.
The days walking is coming to an end as we head up the stairs to the Aranya.
Bathed and dry we are back in the Aranya for tea.
We meet the monks at the Aranya and then drop down the valley to the river for a bath. That's venerable Sumangala - center. Those rocks are big.
The next day the weather has deteriorated even further. We start our walk regardless.
Rain has set in for the day. There are a lot of leeches about.
The scenery hereabouts is supposed to be stunning - but... visibility is somewhat limited.
There is nobody about but we take a rest under a small shelter.
Dribble and mist and we find we have four dogs along. Where is this all going?
A change of trees. The weather has not changed.
On the outskirts of the village we meet 3 guys we met several days ago and they set us up in a tea shop. We are wet and a bit cold but warmed by their hospitality.
It is not so far from the bus stop to Mahiyangane pilgrims rest where despite the lateness of the hour we are given a room.
We have some distance still to go for the day but are weary and wet. There is a bus.
Early morning we pay respects at the stupa.
With the weather still bad we decide to take a bus south and see if we can find the sun.
After the bus it is a quick sprint to the train station - third class window.
The gaurd (right) is waiting to check our tickets.
A crowd of people turn out to cheer us on - or take photos as the train crosses this historic bridge?
We are in tea country.
Another river beside the train track.
A station along the way.
Another train station.
A small village along the way.
We are met at the station and driven to the Ceylon Electricity Board training center in Castlereigh. We are a bit tired but tea chocolate and woodapple juice raise the energy.
Night is setting in as we approach our destination - Hatton.
Dana the next day in the CEB managers home - that's her on the right next to her husband. Her mum and dad on the left.
Skip a day of resting and meditation - then we are off to climb Sri Pada - center right. The weather is still a bit overcast.
The lower area- the entrance? - to Sri Pada.
This looks a bit more like an entrance.
It is 6km from the car park to the top and there are various shrines and things along the way.
Making wishes seeking good fortune prayers hope... a very popular spot.
A pause for a puff. The rain is holding off but there is little visibility. There are plenty of people.
The crowds were intense as we approached the summit - only to find that it was closed. We 'pulled rank' and ducked under the railing and pressed onward; quite a crush. The police at the top allowed us in and... we had the place to ourselves. Amazing. Even so we were encouraged not to linger - "finish your business and get out!" We did so.
Many opted to wait the hour or more until the top was opened but we squeezed our way back down. A pause at the first stop - where we were offered tea.
Another pause a little further down where we shared space with other pilgrims.
We are almost back down the mountain - 6 hours up and 3 down. Quite a days effort.
The next day back at the CEB training center. Our cottage is the far one - with a carport.
Not far from the training center is the dam.
A last meal with our hosts and their family.
The main hall at Tanjan-Taenna Aranya where we stayed several nights.
After several days at Tanjan-Taenna Aranya we headed south again to Tissamaharama where we stayed at a house lent by Mr Somadasa. Chanda is on the phone organizing.
The view across the padi from the back of our house toward Tissamaharama stupa.
The kuti where I stayed at Tanjan-Taenna Aranya.
And here we are - the flower children - out to make offerings at the stupa.
Tissamaharama stupa on the site which was the third place that the Buddha visited in Sri Lanka. Build about 250BCE; about 170m in diameter.
Sadagiri Stupa; presumed by some to be even older than Tissamaharama stupa.
Roof pillars - for something nobody is quite sure what.
The Buddha by the sea. Kirinda temple - dedicated to Queen Viharamahadevi who lived in the 2nd century BC and is at the heart of a local legend.
Monks by the sea. The subject of more local legend?
After dana with Mr Somadasa - on the way back to our house.
Fruit display for offerings at Katragama.
Ritual bathing in the river. Katragama temple in the background.
For 200 rupees you get to go under the trunk and then under the belly of the elephant. This is auspiciously lucky - so they say.
Traditional drummers circumambulate the stupa.
A fruit tray as an offering. The elephant is given flowers to offer at the respective (Hindu) shrines. Katragama is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by the Buddhists Hindus Muslims and the Vedda people.
A profusion of oil lamps.
Following the drummers a flag is unwound and wrapped around the stupa. This took place many times during the evening.
Venerable Sumangala is rested after our Katragama experience and ready to head south to Yala National Park to stay at Situlpahuwa temple.
There have been showers of rain but this does not dampen our enthusiasm. The jeep is loaded and we are ready to head to Situlpahuwa temple.
The road to Situlpahuwa temple. This is elephant country - can you spot one in the bushes?
Resting outside our room at Situlpahuwa temple.
Part of the ancient temple ruins.
We generally avoided the crowds and found this lovely shrine at the base of a huge rock.
Situlpahuwa is renowned for its cave kutis. Notice the drip ledge cut into the rock. These often had inscriptions noting the donors.
On the other side of the lake.
Another cave kuti - another drip ledge.
Quite a spacious kuti. The drip ledges really do a good job of keeping the kuti dry.
There was a shower of rain and we found our own mini cave kuti. Notice the drip ledge (sort of).
After Situlpahuwa we headed back to a spot west of Kirinda where a friend of a friend of a friend had offered the use of his resort. Other than the caretaker there was nobody there. A virtually private beach. My Somadasa drove us there.
One single rock forms a dramatic barrier to the waves to offer another sheltered bathing pool.
The coastline here is quite rough but we have a beautiful little cove sheltered by the rocks.
A hour after sunrise and two local fishermen come out to set their net.
The fishermen's boat - and the surf they have to navigate to get out fishing. Kirinda temple - center right.
A meditative sunset.
My camping idyll just back from the lagoon. I didn't get to hear about the crocodiles until the last day!
The rocks are big - the monk is small.
After our seaside sojourn it is back to Colombo. We shopped at Arpico - they have lots of stuff.
We had dana at Gita's (center). She Chinthaka (to her left) and Bandu used to live in Wellington so it was nice to have a reunion.
Here in Moratuwa full size logs are delivered on large trucks down small roads. They are cut up and made into wonderful things.
One last dana; the owner of the resort where we stayed in Kirinda (behind the two ladies) his wife in front her mother (in pink) and her father. His mother and father at left. Sadhu anumodana.
Amidst the 'junk' in Morotuwa lie wonderful wood works.
The newly remodeled monks library and office.
Tudong: Heading north to New Plymouth.
Tudong: Camped lakeside by some kind of flood control thing.
Tudong: In New Plymouth. Vikram and Ajahn Kusalo discover a shared enthusiasm for rock meditation.
The vihara basement is finished and work is underway painting the whole building.
Tudong: The group who organised the New Plymouth time (Shirani is missing).
Venerable Dhammavasa giving the deck of the new kuti a good sweep.
The rafters are on and the ends are being trimmed to length. The frame of the wood box is almost done.
A young pine fronts its dying elder. Pine trees are being phased out.
Aj Ks new office being sanded ready for painting. It that Darth Vader on the job - or just Bruce in costume?
Tudong: The easiest way to the best area was to ford the river.
The ground floor entrance of the monks vihara. The leadlight was added to the existing door.
Some people may remember the beam mural done by Venerable Thanavaro in the monks library? - back in 1990? It has been extended by Bruce. The join gives you a sense of the extra space gained by the alteration.
The roof timbers are ready and waiting. The sun is shining.
Four walls are up and the building is square and plumb - ready for the roof.
Roof framing is well underway.
Lyndsay has our office so well managed. Beth is getting some training as his assistant cum stand-in. It is good to have a system.
Vipha Nuk and Ayya Abhisamma applying persuasive forces to a resistant tree root.
The edge of a track required some retaining. A log from the forest should do the job.
The new monks kuti sees the first wall raised. Three more to go - then and roof.
Tudong: Lunch in Wanganui.
Tudong: Nowhere to go and nothing to do? Waiting.
Tudong: All packed and ready to go.
Tudong: East of Levin; into the forest.
Tudong: After pindapat resting at the root of a tree.
Tudong: Our ride from Bulls to Turakina.
Tudong: Heading out along the old railway track.
Tudong: The space of the sky and land around was a joy.
Tudong: Nestled in amongst a stack of felled pines sheltered from the sun.
Tudong: Walking back to town to a straighter section of road.
Nuk and Vipha working on getting the track grade right. The monks are building the kuti sub-floor.
Tudong: Our beach camp.
Tudong: Paul took us off the highway to the coast.
Tudong: The stream meets the sea. Our camp is top-center.
Tudong: A rugged coastline runs south.
Tudong: Rock meditation.
Tudong: Sunset. Another rock meditation.
Tudong: Darren and Tracy (inset R.) our generous hosts their daughter and two sons join us for a breakfast photo. Thank you.
Tudong: A slight mis-calculation on tides. A new site was later sought.
Tudong: About 20km south of New Plymouth. Looking for a camp site.
The vihara library ready for wall plaster and trim.
New Years day pindapat down Stokes Valley Road.
New Years day pindapat down Stokes Valley Road.
New years day sees the sala full and overflowing. What a lovely way to start the year.
New years eve - just before midnight and the retreatants plant their aspirations under the wishing tree.
Most of the new year retreatants - all bright and shiny - getting ready to head home.
Ajahn Thitasippo gives a liberal liquid blessing to the new year retreatants.
Kereru converse.
Pigeons parley.
Beat carrying builders mix for the new kuti foundations.
The resident sangha walk on alms round down Stokes Valley Road to start the new year.
The vihara limited-mobility kuti taking shape. Bruce is standing in the old cupboard door - which will be walled off.
The valley stream after a heavy rain.
Looking down Stokes Valley from Ajahn Kusalos kuti.
At the Vietnamese temple for Kathina. The cloth is circumambulated.
Looking up toward the monks vihara.
A soft light falls across the dana sala shrine. Buddha rupas from three cultures.
Is Bruce the silliest lay steward?
A lotus at the feet of the Buddha.
The basement and ground floor of the vihara.
Forest persons clearing a track between the new kuti and kuti
The dana sala shrine catches some afternoon sun.
Shaun carefully measures the spacing of the deck boards.
The sangha goes pindapat.
Beat preparing a load of building materials to go up to the new monks kuti.
The kuti foundation posts are in. Materials for the sub-floor are on site. It all just needs to be stuck together.
Our lone pohutukawa is finally in flower. It seems quite late this year.
The limited-mobility kuti in the vihara takes shape. Bruce is working on the frame for a lovely lead light window.
Ayya Abhisamma and Mae Chee Nuk quietly waiting in the dana sala for the meal time bell.
With little ceremony Sunny breaks the ground at the new kuti site.
At the Vietnamese temple for Kathina. The cloth and requisites being offered to the sangha.
Beth planting periphery areas of the patio at Ajahns kuti. Allllmost finished.
Flax flowers at the dana sala.
The south-east sima stone. There are four of these on each corner of the main sala; used for monk ordinations. Will there be one this year?
Morning chore time.
Paul gives the grass a trim.
The (regularly changing) community board in the dana sala. Luang Por Sumedho (left (as in orientation not departure :)) is very much a part.
The rock wall siding the stairs up to the car park.
No room in the inn? Gatekeeper Bruce keeping the driveway clear on new years day.
Food on three sides of the cloister being offered to the sangha.
Ajahn Kusalo compacting the loose soil along the side of the new access track to his kuti.
At Ajahn Kusalos kuti... there is (was) this stump! Can you spot the 2 monks in the middle of it all?
That stump is still there - a bit big for the tiny digger. We got it out in the end 🙂
That tangle of logs (see earlier photo) is still being untangled.
It is a tight squeeze but we are trying to keep the tracks as low-impact as we can. Here coming up to the east end of the vihara.
Track forming tools in the vihara basement.
Some of the crew about to start dismantling the Cardinals Palace in preparation for forming a wheeled access track.
Clearing the vihara basement. What was the Cardinals Palace is no more.
Beat and Paul begin planting in the newly formed garden.
Monks from Mahamevana temple in West Auckland with lay friends stay at Bodhinyanarama.
Beat cutting a section of pipe for drainage.
The ever changing tides in the kitchen garden.
Progress on the mural for the stupa has been incredibly slow - but there is progress.
Paul keeping on top of the quickly growing lawn.
A pleasant surprise visit from senior ajahns.
Jet formally taking the anagarika precepts and joining the Bodhinyanarama sangha.
The bodhi leaf on the end of the kitchen building is a nice place for birds to rest - and mess! Brendon and Jet give it a good scrub.
Beat working on redirecting the water away from the top of the landslide.
A final sweep after the landslide tidy up. You can see the head of the slide top-right.
New years day dana. Coming to the monastery - a nice way to start the year.
The end of the working bee to remove the vegetation from the landslide. A great crew.
Paul and Beat tidying up around the edges of the new wheel-access track at the bhikkhu vihara.
Simon in the thick of the slop at the bottom of the landslide. Mucky stuff.
Looking toward the sitting reception tea shrine room end of the kuti.
A plan sketch of Ajahn Kusalos new kuti layout - roughly divided into two areas; sitting room and bedroom.
The view toward the bedroom end of Ajahns kuti remodel.
The lower section of the landslide has been levelled and drained. Gabion baskets are being built to retain any future slippage.
The sangha gathers at the beginning of our kathina season celebration.
Getting amongst the whiteness of it all.
A rest by the river at the foot of Mount Taranaki.
Steve was at the public talk and we met half-way up and he invited us for tea in the Tahurangi lodge.
Just below the snow line. A chunk of frozen snow is Ajahns first taste (literally) of snow.
Lunch at base camp. Mt. Taranaki in the distance.
A steep descent down Paritutu rock.
Ready for work on the new Hermitage kuti track. Ajs Naen & Joe are just up the trail a bit.
The Bodhinyanarama vassa group (plus Ajahn Hasapannyo) in front of the newly renovated Garden and Lotus kutis under the Raja. A post-vassa tea gathering.
The Paritutu rock summit has been reached. New Plymouth in behind.
A violent thunder and hail storm drove us indoors. Tea is on the way.
The put up the marquee crew. A record time of about 1 1/2 hours. Well done team.
Tables brought out of store for the food offerings (nb. these are the originals! about 30 years old).
Ajahn Naen and venerable Kusalacitto setting up the cloister.
The view of Mt. Taranaki from Dawsons Falls.
An intrepid Ajahn Hasapannyo setting flags in front of the cloister.
The weather was kind enough so we could go pindapat outside.
Luang Por Poi leads the sangha on alms round in the cloister.
Anagarikas receiving alms food.
The sangha assembled.
A final blessing at the end of a beautiful day.
The procession around the sala with Khun Siriwam carrying the forest cloth to be offered.
Getting the marquee back in the bag is always a creative dance. Bryce and Ajahn Joe are applying their persuasive feet to the job - with Jet as a stabilising hand.
Khun Siriwam dedicates the offering of forest cloth to the sangha.
The kathina marquee was almost down - and it started to rain. We set it up in the sala with the heater on to dry.
Is Bryce smirking at our somewhat creative survey technique? Rightly so 🙂
Part of the tangle of long ago felled pine trees being untangled to make way for the wheeled access track.
The end of the AGM; the newly elected committee. Two new members - Harsha (3rd from left) and Kim (3rd from right).
The end of the AGM; the newly elected committee. Two new members - Harsha (3rd from left) and Kim (3rd from right).
A work in progress.
A work in progress.
Cosmo and Ryan carrying the gib board down from the forecourt to the new Garden kuti.
Cosmo and Ryan carrying the gib board down from the forecourt to the new Garden kuti.
Ryan chanting the anagarika precepts.
Ryan chanting the anagarika precepts.
Bruce filling in the final gib patches in the Garden kuti.
Bruce filling in the final gib patches in the Garden kuti.
Hair of the head hair of the body... and Ryans head is losing it all.
Hair of the head hair of the body... and Ryans head is losing it all.
The newly ordained Anagarika Ryan and Jamie carrying mattresses to kutis for the retreat.
The newly ordained Anagarika Ryan and Jamie carrying mattresses to kutis for the retreat.
Ajahn Joe introducing Ryan to the noble art of sewing.
Ajahn Joe introducing Ryan to the noble art of sewing.
Jamie and Jet tidying up Ajahn Kusalos kuti access track. A bit of a vege trim and some gravel on the surface.
Jamie and Jet tidying up Ajahn Kusalos kuti access track. A bit of a vege trim and some gravel on the surface.
Bruce adapting to his new role of supervisor. Bryce putting some finishing touches to Architect kuti.
Bruce adapting to his new role of supervisor. Bryce putting some finishing touches to Architect kuti.
The end of the June weekend retreat.
The end of the June weekend retreat.
Paul and Kuntul trimming back the ever-encroaching forest.
Paul and Kuntul trimming back the ever-encroaching forest.
Ryan McBain and Bald finishing the last of the clearing below the Raja kuti.
Ryan McBain and Bald finishing the last of the clearing below the Raja kuti.
Preparing for vassa; one of the two concrete mixers used during the Garden Kuti working bee being put back into store. You cant believe how slippery the ground is.
Preparing for vassa; one of the two concrete mixers used during the Garden Kuti working bee being put back into store. You cant believe how slippery the ground is.
Preparing for vassa; gravel being taken to surface Ajahn Kusalos access track.
Preparing for vassa; gravel being taken to surface Ajahn Kusalos access track.
The lotus bud lifting team. One more to go.
The lotus bud lifting team. One more to go.
The concrete lotus bud being raised into position at the monastery front entrance.
The concrete lotus bud being raised into position at the monastery front entrance.
The birthday celebration at the Thai Embassy for the king of Thailand.
The birthday celebration at the Thai Embassy for the king of Thailand.
Anagarika Ryan and Ajahn Joe enjoy a bright winters day on the bhikkhu vihara patio.
Anagarika Ryan and Ajahn Joe enjoy a bright winters day on the bhikkhu vihara patio.
Ethan and Bryce take the anagarika precepts.
Ethan and Bryce take the anagarika precepts.
An anagarika sew-in.
An anagarika sew-in.
A combination of hail frost and things generally cold.
A combination of hail frost and things generally cold.
The vassa sangha.
The vassa sangha.
Bee: The earth from the Raja kuti basement is spread out to form a patio.
Bee: The earth from the Raja kuti basement is spread out to form a patio.
Just inside the entrance of Raja kuti - bed right window seat storage lockers kitchen right.
Just inside the entrance of Raja kuti - bed right window seat storage lockers kitchen right.
The main living area of the Raja kuti.
The main living area of the Raja kuti.
A fungal demise - death.
A fungal demise - death.
Bee: The sala forecourt gets a jolly good clean up.
Bee: The sala forecourt gets a jolly good clean up.
Growth - and decay.
Growth - and decay.
Bee: A few pongas are pulled from the forest to form a retaining wall for the earth patio.
Bee: A few pongas are pulled from the forest to form a retaining wall for the earth patio.
Bee: The basement of Raja kuti - what was the Garden kuti - gets a new concrete floor.
Bee: The basement of Raja kuti - what was the Garden kuti - gets a new concrete floor.
Bee: Two concrete mixers on the go.
Bee: Two concrete mixers on the go.
Bee: The builders mix delivery truck only got in so far. Gravel is barrowed in to a chute at the Raja kuti.
Bee: The builders mix delivery truck only got in so far. Gravel is barrowed in to a chute at the Raja kuti.
Bee: Barrows of gravel were tipped here. The move it along team at the ready.
Bee: Barrows of gravel were tipped here. The move it along team at the ready.
James at work on the compost bins. This is the final product; rich and loamy.
James at work on the compost bins. This is the final product; rich and loamy.
Bee: Embassy staff and friends offer pindapat to the Sangha.
Bee: Embassy staff and friends offer pindapat to the Sangha.
Bee: The bush alongside the stream gets a serious trim.
Bee: The bush alongside the stream gets a serious trim.
Bruce putting the finishing touches on a new storage shed.
Bruce putting the finishing touches on a new storage shed.
Ryan and Bruce hauling a tarp full of autumn leaves.
Ryan and Bruce hauling a tarp full of autumn leaves.
Lindsay and Ajahn Joe preparing the new fridge for installation. Many thanks to the donors for their thoughtfulness and generosity.
Lindsay and Ajahn Joe preparing the new fridge for installation. Many thanks to the donors for their thoughtfulness and generosity.
An Australasian visitation.
An Australasian visitation.
Ajahn Joe working on local broom material experiment #11 - nikau fronds; to be mixed with coconut palm fronds.
Ajahn Joe working on local broom material experiment #11 - nikau fronds; to be mixed with coconut palm fronds.
Ajahn Sambodhi and Ryan starting our new gym in the basement of the monks vihara.
Ajahn Sambodhi and Ryan starting our new gym in the basement of the monks vihara.
Ryan working on thinning the forest alongside the stream - below the kitchen.
Ryan working on thinning the forest alongside the stream - below the kitchen.
Garden and Lotus kutis ready for new (double-glazed) joinery insulation and wall lining.
Garden and Lotus kutis ready for new (double-glazed) joinery insulation and wall lining.
Not precisely the beginning of our walk but an auspicious sign: "Wandering monks this Way".
And unexpectedly there was rain. Warm and pleasant enough.
Another road - another down ready for another up.
The resident sangha - plus two guests.
Our first rest shack with the river running red from some upstream excavations. It was a very cooling bath.
After a grueling climb we get to do some laundry and dry out.
A new bot (ordination hall) under construction. There are incredible wood carvings inside. (see extra)
A small village; not much more than half a dozen famillies.
Tan Khantikos home monastery sala. This has been recently renovated with the left section added. A very nice job.
The sangha at the branch monastery. Always time for tea.
Going to visit a branch monastery.
Luang Por making umbrellas to give away at the forthcoming funeral of Luang Por Plian.
A finished umbrella (glot) hanging out to dry.
Along the way we met cows - and many things.
The view from a small pavilion where we received alms.
The view.
More rain.
When it rains... there is always time for tea.
There is an incredible array of hills valleys and rivers... and dogs (not shown here 🙂
Entering the village; one of many dogs.
Forest trail.
We stop for a rest and a chat with some of the locals.
Passing through a valley it becomes a gorge and the track becomes the river - for about an hour.
Out of the river and our way out of the gorge back into more open spaces.
After a bit of highway walking the end of a 7 hour trek we reach the monastery entrance - knees screaming. See the sign? 3km to the hot pools!
The old sala in ruin.
The top end of the hot pools river. Further down it was a superbly medicinal bath.
After a slog uphill we are on the ridge - some lovely flatish walking.
One of the locals passing through who we asked about our directions.
We begin our descent.
A lot of the villages were hill tribes and many were Christian.
The villagers working together to build... something?
The English tee shirt text varied a lot from the innocent to the sometimes quite dark. I guess most wearers had no idea of the message.
Royalty was on their way to open this bridge. A flash flood saved them the bother. This is the raft factory for tourist excursions down river.
Up again. The gate? An entrance to... where we had just been.
A rest along the way and a chance to bathe in the clean and cool river and do a bit of laundry. The dam is a fish weir.
We kind of got lost; not realizing so until we came to this small monastery. You see it all here apart from the toilet off to the right. The villagers offered alms the next day and set us back on track.
We are back up again.
Some of the highers sections are very dry with not so much vegetation. The soil is generally this colour.
Another gorge to be navigated with no earth track just the river. The rocks are irregular and slippery. The bamboo fence is to stop the buffaloes getting upstream.
Heading back down again. Tan Khantiko points out our general direction.
Out of the forest we take a rest in one of the regularly available shacks.
A day out to spend time in the caves; a nice place to meditate.
Finally we reach our new monastery home.
A relatively quick walk to the next monastery. A fallen tree being skillfully cut into planks.
The kuti where I stayed.
More rain. Bowl washing after the meal.
Back into the forest. More climbing up with distant views the climbing down with valley views.
The weather is still variable with lots of shifting cloud.
A new road has been cut into the monastery. The project is to cast a concrete road out of the river. Villagers digging gravel-sand out of the river.
Another monastery - part of the kitchen.
The gravel is piled up cement is added it is mixed water is added it is mixed and then spread. You can see the river below and the end of concrete so far.
Bagged concrete mix being carried to the road building location.
The bowl washing area (foreground) with the kitchen (mid-ground) and sala - you can see the sala bell on the left corner.
An earthen oven used for both the kettle and for the (very) large bowl used for dye-washing robes. Note the bamboo chimneys.
Alms is offered in a small pavilion on the edge of the village.
Nicely laid out fields. Note the hay stacked on the big rock (center) so the buffaloes cant reach it - easier than building something.
We eventually find we are lost again but here Tan Khantiko strides on with purpose. We are heading in the right direction but the forest is actually quite thick just ahead.
Ajahn Kusalos cave kettle. The brew was eventually had but it took a while for the smoke to clear from the cave.
About half way from the cave to the village entrance where the Ks met for alms round.
The front porch.
Another front porch.
Still in the forest but on a major highway - at least we are going down hill.
Not far off the highway we stayed at what was Luang Por Sims monastery.
A very nice shrine at the entrance to LPSims monastery.
Tan Khantiko takes advantage of the relative abundance of facilities at LPSims monastery to dye-wash his robe - just a regular wok being used here.
The monastery is on the north side of the mountain so doesnt get a lot of direct sun. This is a good spot for drying laundry.
We are not lost but it always pays to check with the locals as to directions.
Can you see the orchids in the tree tops? 80 meters - 100? VERY scary stuff.
The right road. Notice the ladders on the sides of the two trees. Rare orchids grow in the tree tops and are worth risking your life to acquire and sell. Those ladders are just bits of split bamboo. For the brave-hearted only.
Road river rocks trees and sky. Very calming for the heart - very tiring for the legs the lungs the back. Sublime.
There were two pindapat routes at this monastery. My companion standing in front of the sala.
There were no monks at this small monastery. The kuti where ajahn Kusalo stayed.
We are about 50km south of the Burmese border.
An abandoned monastery.
The roof of the sala is sill quite good but unless a monk lives here and takes some care it will all fall to ruin. And so it goes.
Steep hillsides but relatively easy walking on the road. Note the added bamboo retaining at the near end of the railing. There were several points of erosion.
And for every up - there is a down. We are not far from our next monastery at this point.
The sala.
The fire left is for robe dye-washing. The fire and building at right is a steam sauna. Evening temperatures could be quite cold so this is a nice bathing option.
Aj Kusalo with the abbot learning how to strip palm fronds to make the material for broom making.
The abbots kuti.
One of the monks working on carving a buddha image.
The two lay stewards with the sangha at meal time.
Leaving the village and heading back into the forest.
Life in the light.
And then seemingly in the middle of nowhere we find a replica of BuddhaGaya temple.
Many of the trails are motorcycle tracks and one had to be ready to get out of the way - especially from those coasting down with the engine off.
Young trees in a forest clearing.
The back end of a small sala.
Down in the open valley it is cabbages that occupy many hours of the day.
The kitchen and wood shed.
The bridge planners may have imagined great things for this area. Perhaps it will come - later.
Our destination village (center). We camped about half way up the hill behind.
The shack in the lychee orchard where Tan Khantiko stayed.
Ajahn Kusalos tent next to the water tank.
A lovely spot to bathe; to cool and wash the weary feet. We are not far from Tan Khantikos monastery.
The sala at Tan Khantikos monastery. The abbot in front of the shrine.
Ajahn Kusalos last full day in Thailand was the new moon observance. The 3 nearest monks are from the sister monastery (see umbrella photo). A very auspicious end to an inspiring and fruitful trip.
Cicada larva took the trouble to climb up and read the sign before flying up to the stupa.
Thai tudong: a day spent meditating in a set of caves.
Thai tudong: valley fields. The hay on the rock (center) drying in the sun.
Thai tudong: a new building taking shape.
Thai tudong: the long and winding road.
Thai tudong: the view from where we were of where we were going.
Thai tudong: passing through the village.
Thai tudong: a rest hut and a bathe in the red river.
Thai tudong: after a tiring days walk the late afternoon shadows still hold enough warmth to dry robes.
The base of the stupa shines resplendent.
The sangha giving the Chao Khun kuti a deep clean.
Late afternoon sun and the full moon of Magha shine on the stupa.
James on trimming with ajahn Jo on sweeping.
Thai tudong: ajahn Kusalos cave kettle getting ready for tea.
A proscenium arch.
Venerables Kusalacitto Apiwat & Sambodhi take a break from carrying pine log-rounds from the forest to the woodshed.
Ajahn Jo with hammer in de-nail mode? The Garden kuti almost ready for some digging to get the floor all on one level.
James and Ajahn Jo carefully removing scotia from the Garden kuti. The space is changing. The stepped floor left will be removed and the whole on one level.
Bruce in his not uncommon elevated and illuminated state preparing to reinstate the ceiling in the Raja kuti - having cleared the rats out of the roof! Relocated kitchen visible through the doorway.
A clear and sunny day on top of Mount Victoria where despite the sun the wind from the south was a bit cold. What a view - to the left. And the right view? is up the Hutt Valley to Bodhinyanarama.
A visit to Wat Thai Dhammaprateep in Newlands. After tea and talk it is time for the group photo.
A visit to the Thai embassy.
Bright sun filters into the sala.
Ajahns Sambodhi and Joe doing sauna roof repairs.
The basement of Raja kuti is the garden kuti. A bit of extra digging to tidy up the levels will mean the old space will become two.
Richard delivering the last barrow load of dirt to form the new access track to the Garden kuti.
Stupa dedication: gathered in the dhamma hall.
Kathina: the end... residents taking the tent down.
Kathina: Uncle Som leads the procession with the kathina cloth.
Kathina: the cloth is offered to the sangha.
Kathina: the sun shines while monks go pindapat.
Kathina: behind the scenes; Aunty Suan - doing what she does.
Kathina: the Kathina cloth (top-center) and ladies with robes sets to offer.
Stupa dedication: the sangha chants a blessing.
Kathina: the sangha gathers bowls are prepared.
Stupa dedication: the gathering gathers.
Stupa dedication: ajahn Dta adding relics at the base of the buddha rupa.
Stupa dedication: monks staying at Bodhinyanarama for the ceremony.
Stupa dedication: the rupa is unveiled relics (center) ready to be interred.
Kathina: monks on pindapat.
Stupa dedication: monks assembled in front of the west side reclining buddha rupa.
Stupa dedication: the stupa is as ready as it will ever be.
Stupa dedication: Ajahns Tiradhammo Kalyano Dhammasiha and Khemavaro join in the chanting.
Stupa dedication: monks on pindapat.
Stupa dedication: the sitting buddha rupa gets a polish.
Stupa dedication: soup is underway.
Thai tudong: the last day; patimokkha.
Thai tudong: ajahn Kusalos tent next to the water tank.
Thai tudong: the back of the sala in a small forest hermitage.
Thai tudong: Tan Khantiko knows where he is going.
Thai tudong: lay stewards and sangha in the sala at meal time.
Uncle Som offers the Kathina cloth.
Carrying offerings and chanting Itipi so... the lay community circumambulate the sala.
Jeremy.
Around the main image of the sala three times as meditation and devotional respect.
A lovely combination of joy and faith.
The names of deceased family members are burned while the Sangha chants Anicca vata sankhara...
Time for tea and a break from the activities.
Time to begin proceedings around the offering of the Kathina cloth.
The Kathina cloth.
The Sangha chant auspicious verses of blessings and well-wishing.
Uncle Som carries the Kathina cloth and leads the laity in procession three times around the sala.
Venerables Thanavaro and Phasuko receive the Kathina cloth on behalf of the Sangha.
The formal announcements are made.
The cloth is offered to Ajahn Kusalo.
Robes and other requisites are offered to the sangha.
Giving and receiving. A beautiful gesture.
And no less important -- the clean up.
Many people stay behind to help with cleaning and washing. Sadhu.
And at the end... Ajahn Kusalo and Simon enjoy a quiet chat and debriefing. A lovely day.
Monks on rice pindapat.
The Sangha is assembled and we are ready to begin.
Behind the scenes there is much work to be done.
Setting out bowls for the meal.
People are arriving and finding their place.
Ladies well prepared with robes to offer to the Sangha.
Luang Por Poi.
Bhante Jinalankara.
Jet and family.
The main meal is prepared.
The Sangha has gathered in the Dhamma Hall and wait patiently for everyone to settle.
Offerings made to the Buddha.
Lindsay serving Venerable Thanavaro.
Venerable Phasuko quietly waits in the pindapat line.
The weather is beautiful and the full extent of the courtyard can be used for pindapat.
Ajahn Dta receives a food offering.
Kids enjoy the sunshine and open space.
Time for tea.
Raking the courtyard gravel adds to the playground fun.
The Buddha rupa pavilion is slowly taking shape. We have a good work crew and things are well on track.
The roof framing is almost done and boxing for the rupa plinth well underway. There is lots of work still to be done but the vision is forming.
The foundation posts to hold the roof of the rupa pavilion. Simon and Gavin on stone Bruce on wood. Gold on stupa.
The full extent of the terracotta mural which will be set behind the reclining buddha rupa.
The first stage of the mural. There is a lot more detail to come.
The terracotta mural showing three key people in the history of Bodhinyanarama; L-R. Luang Por Chah (lineage founder) Luang Por Sumedho (monastery founder) Luang Por Viradhammo (founding abbot). Sadhu!
A wee tree fern putting out fresh spring growth at the hermitage.
The reclining buddha rupa pavilion taking shape.
Lindsay starting on the finish paint for the two protectors - Hiri and Ottappa (moral shame and dread). Everything is looking very gold.
A winter cloud against a bright spring sky.
The south-end crew buckling up the marquee ready for Kathina.
The monks recently arrived at Wat Dhammaprateep visit us at Bodhinyanarama.
Umbrellas at rest. Their season is almost over.
Venerables Kusalacitto Dta and Phasuko working on the Kathina robe.
Almost there. A platform is being built to slide the rupa in under the roof onto the base.
The installation crew at the end of the four hour rupa placement.
Perfect balance and the way is being cleared.
The chain hoist is being set and the balance point is being sought.
The Buddha rupa is being released from the crate.
Simon and Gavin checking the alignment of the base slab.
The base slab for the rupa was delivered too small. Drastic adaptation is required.
On a ladder resting on planks which straddle the handrail our intrepid ajahn effects repairs.
The early morning view from the top of the stupa down Stokes Valley.
Craig stands roughly where the reclining buddha rupa will be set (much work needed 🙂
The old stone walls and concrete slab have been removed. The digger prepares the ground.
The new kitchen upstairs in the bhikkhu vihara.
Craig and Felix hard at work breaking up the concrete slab where the reclining buddha rupa will go.
A visit to Dhammagiri monastery to pay respects to Ajahn Jinalankara.
The Bodhinyanarama sangha visits Luang Por Poi.
A pre-vassa visit to Wat Thai in Newlands to pay respect to Ajahn Natawat.
Bruce working wonders in the downstairs bhikkhu vihara bathroom.
Felix working on cleaning the upper section of the stupa.
A light rain moistens the garden.
The stupa scaffold is all but down and now to the de-nailing.
The sangha ready to go on Sunday pindapat.
Everything that was born will eventually die - the scaffold being the current example.
The scaffold has served its purpose and can now be removed.
The rubble from the concrete slab and old stone wall is removed.
Dedicating merit on the occasion of the King of Thailands birthday.
The monastery committee after the 2018 AGM
Position permutations for paying respects to elders.
The first coat of paint on the stupa base. Not the best weather - but good enough.
Offerings made to the sangha.
Names burned in loving memory.
The sangha lead the sala circumambulation.
A cold south wind does not deter a circumambulation of the sala.
Ajahn Pum sprinkles a Vesak blessing.
Ajahn Pum and Venerable Kusalacitto make their way up to the Bhikkhu Vihara.
Space in the dana sala.
Venerables Thanavaro and Phasako sorting Vesak flags.
Monks and men move the Buddha to a higher place.
Well balanced.
One of the new shower stalls with a 2nd stall to the left next to the new bathroom. A far better use of the old space.
Bryce with machete poised ready to start clearing wheeled access to the vihara basement level.
Ajahn Kusalos kuti nestled in the forest.
The Sangha on pindapat.
Geoff and Quentin working of cross-drainage to ensure water erosion on the new road is minimal.
The main road up to the stupa has had a long overdue tidy up. Regraded and drained - let it rain!
Venerable Thanavaro holds an ice scimitar lifted from the tarp covering the stupa. Yes it was a cold morning.
Friends in Palmerston North gathered together to offer dana with a few still in the kitchen.
Keruru.
Early morning steam lifting off the handrail at the back of the sala.
At 1.2 tonne it is a slow journey up the hill from the carpark to the stupa.
There is not a lot of room to spare as Brendon carries the rupa crate into the stupa area.
Tucked in beside the stupa the Buddha rupa will rest for a while.
The Buddha rupa has arrived - and will rest for a while until the west-side is finished.
Once on the trailer moving the marquee is an easy 2 man job.
After drying in the sala for a week or so the marquee is finally put to rest - until Kathina.
Mr Som wishing the monks a happy and fruitful new year.
Ajahn Dta taking care of time.
Bruce on firewood work with Joe in the background on the mulcher.
Venerable Kusalacitto led a group of guests in cleaning around the Chao Khun kuti. The courtyard has been releveled along with access tracks.
Ajahn Kusalo repairing his kuti stove chimney.
The new garden shed at the stupa; intended for cleaning and gardening equipment.
We have been slowly working on the memorial garden. The pavilion area is almost done.
Two new shower stalls in the monks bathroom area. Tiling is underway.
The Sangha in the dana sala - new and old.
The water pouring vessels now have an official home on the shrine.
One of the knobs around the monastery sala. Rebuilt and repainted.
Ajahns Kusalo and Cunda in Palmerston North to celebrate Songkran.
Venerable Kusalacitto carrying mats into the hall for Songkran.
An early morning sky.
Starting the new year with a simple gesture of gratitude and respect.
Buddha Rupa - cleansing purification blessing... beautiful symbology.
The Buddha rupas from the four alcoves at the stupa being removed to safety during repair and painting.
Drew water blasting the stupa in preparation for painting.
The detailing is superb and the whole will be a gracious addition to the stupa surround.
The finished reclining rupa in the factory showroom.
Alms bowls. There was a week when we had to form a double line to fit 8 monks..
The bhikkhu vihara upstairs bathroom. An incredible transformation from the old space.
Vesak lanterns made by the Sri Lankan Sunday school.
A few of the lads at the end of a work session - waiting for lunch?
Luang Por Poi leads the Sangha.
A joyful crowd gathered together - despite the need for jackets against the cold.
Ajahn Dta adds relics under the buddha.
The stupa site is as ready as it will ever be.
Some of the bags prepared as gifts to remember the day by.
Monks arriving at the stupa.
Monks arriving at the stupa.
Monks assembled in front of the west side reclining buddha rupa.
The mural is unveiled.
The rupa has been unveiled and is ready for all the amulets relics and other sacred objects to be interred.
The buddha rupa is unveiled.
Flowers candles and incense for the monks.
The collection of sacred objects to be interred under the buddha rupa.
All the sangha added relics in turn.
The relics have all been added and blessings from the sky devas begin.
The sangha chants blessings.
And - thats pretty much it. Ajahn Kusalo and Simon enjoy the quiet shelter of the pavilion.
The lay community add their treasures and blessings at the head of the buddha.
Chang braves the rain to make offerings. Sadhu!
Dishes of rice being prepared for the pindapat.
Our illustrious MC Pat.
The coffee bar was busy. Sadhu to all for that.
A joyful tangle of generosity.
A happy day.
A young donor offers rice to Ajahn Kusalo.
Ajahn Natawat receiving alms.
Monks on pindapat.
Ajahns Tiradhammo Kalyano Dhammasiha and Khemavaro join in the chanting.
Ajahns Viradhammo and Kusalo add their voices to the chanting.
Ajahn Ki receiving offerings.
The east and west sides of the stupa before remodeling began.
Flowers being arranged.
There is no soup like this super soup.
The dana-sala sitting buddha gets a shining.
The days proceedings get underway.
The main sala at WPP.
Ajahn Thoom welcomed us and took time to show us around.
The new uposatha hall at Wat Tham Sang Phet.
The stone pillar on the site of Ajahn Chahs birth.
The stone pillar on the site of Ajahn Chahs birth.
Visiting one of the many stalls at Wat Pah Pong that offered free food. This one was in support of the new monastery being set up in Norway.
An aerial view of Luang Por Chahs stupa at Wat Pah Pong.
Three large stone panels surround the stone pillar depicting Luang Por Chahs life (work not finished). Center ajahn Chah with ajahn Sumedho and Khemmanando.
Several thousand people camped out in the monastery grounds.
Meditate.
Between events.
Luang Por Liam leaving the main dhamma hall.
The main hall at Wat Tham Sang Phet.
About 2000 monks process around the central stupa.
Some of the ladies who prepared the many thousands of flowers.
The Siladhara from Amaravati.
Flowers candles and incense as offerings.
The focus was in and around the stupa.
Monks and laity gather around the stupa.
An estimated 30000 plus people gathered to honour the life and memory of Luang Por Chah.
Floral tributes to a great man.
And at the end of it all there is the cleaning up to be done.
Making offerings and paying respects inside the stupa.
About 90% finished. Beautiful.
The kuti I stayed in at Anandagiri.
Ants. Lots of ants. Everywhere.
Late afternoon sky.
The view across the valley. The fans on the far side are turned on when it gets very hot 🙂
The stupa at Anandagiri slowly taking shape. The 4 lower panels representing the life of the Bduhha - birth enlightenment first teaching final passing.
Ajahn Viradhammo came by for a visit. Ajahn Achalo the abbot to his right.
The reclining buddha destined for our stupa.
A trip to Chiang Rai and a visit to the White Temple.
A wee burn-off to prepare for the next crop.
A small stupa at the rear of one of the monasteries in Chiang Rai.
The early morning coffee pot.
Sukanit the artist who will do the work on our terracotta mural working on a sketch of same.
The path to the end of the path.
My kuti at Wat Pah Nanachat.
Early morning preparations for the new moon recitation.
80 monks assembled for the patimokkha recitation.
Gekko on my kuti wall.
Afternoon tea at Wat Pah Nanachat.
Big bamboo.
Little frog on the bathroom wall.
Brooms in waiting.
Sth. Is.: Venerables Thanavaro and Phasuko on the wharf at the head of Lake Rotoiti.
Ladies in waiting.
Some of the rocks and relics and special things ready to go in the box to go under the moonstone.
The moonstone hangs in waiting while everyone gathers around.
The Sangha leads the procession up to the stupa.
Gathered in the Dhamma hall.
Sth. Is.: The sun is setting and the camp is being prepared.
Sth. Is.: At about 1600m the views are stunning.
Sth. Is.: A magic spot by the river. We are all alone.
Sth. Is.: Monks crossing to the other side.
Sth. Is.: River and limestone arch. Venerable Thanavaro just visible lower-center gives some sense of scale to this massive tunnel.
Sth. Is.: How many wekas are there in this photo?
Sth. Is.: The Tasman Sea.
Everyone adds their special item into the box.
Sth. Is.: A wayside lunch spot next to the river. A chance to air bedding and tents.
The 11-day sangha trip in the South Island.
The sangha overlook the foundation stone repository.
The tents form roughly the outline of the new dhamma hall. The shrine center-right is approximately where the final shrine will be.
Rice pindapat on the day of the foundation stone consecration.
Wind blown sandstone cave formations in the gorge.
The river which forms the back boundary of Bodhisaddha monastery. The monks tour.
The climb in and out of the gorge is not for the faint hearted.
Four abbots - Ajahn Anan Kusalo Varadhammo and Dhammasiha - having an after lunch chat.
Ajahn Kusalo repairing his kuti stove-chimney in preparation for colder days to come.
Joe giving the mulcher a workout.
Summer has come to an end. An early morning autumn sky.
The entry step and buddha rupa base making their way to the stupa forecourt entrance.
Dr. Strangelove (aka Slim Pickens) riding the bomb? No just Bruce on a roll.
Steady does it down the hill!
All gathered to lower the pole in the west corner of the stupa enclosure. Many strings attached.
It was a rather comical conveyancing but the way was found.
It was not quite as easy as we thought but there were no injuries.
The reclining buddha destined for our stupa. See all images here
80 monks assembled for the patimokkha recitation. See all images here
The stone pillar on the site of Ajahn Chahs birth. See all images here
Luang Por Liam leaving the main dhamma hall. See all images here
Monks and laity gather around the stupa. See all images here
The reclining rupa which will be installed in the memorial grove pavillion.
Fresh out of the box from Sri Lanka. What a delightful joy!
The design has changed many times and this is the current sketch - done by Sukanit a Korat artist. Sise: 5m x 1.8m
The reclining rupa base on its way to the west side. There is not much room to spare.
After some tight maneuvering the moonstone is about as close at it can get by machine.
The moonstone slowly crawls up the hill. The entrance is very tight but we have done the maths and the machine will fit through.
Initial set up to position the entry step.
A final push and a wiggle and it is ready to be lowered into its final position.
At 1.5 tonne the moonstone is slow to move. We almost have it level and over the final spot. Next...remove the wood and test the bed.
Venerable Kusalacitto quietly reading in the monks dana sala kitchen.
Peter (bravely) prepares the hole to receive the box of relics and sacred objects that will go under the moonstone.
The stone is down and the Sangha looks on.
The box has been set under the stone and Simon sets to lowering the stone.
Rock chain and blessing water.
The Sangha chant paritta while the box of blessings is filled.
Ajahn Natawat a regular visitor to Bodhinyanarama receives an offering.
I cant remember exactly but can imagine a voice bubble saying: "And thats it!"
And there are always dishes to be washed but with a willing and helpful team it takes but a while.
Focused attention given to the offering.
Offerings are made at the stupa after the circumambulation.
A majestic arising amongst the fluttering flags.
Arrival at the stupa. The new north wall is just visible (right).
A clear sky and a gentle breeze carries us around the stupa.
Ajahn Narado in fine form heading up to the stupa.
The Sangha leads the procession from the sala up to the stupa.
Libations for all.
Flowers candles and incense being prepared for the circumambulation of the stupa.
The assembled Sangha - 13 monks from local Wellington temples. Sadhu!
The day begins with chanting.
Bhante Jinalankara an old friend of the monastery adds his presence and voice to the blessing.
Setting up for the Paritta chanting. Ajahn looks happy.
And between events the coffee team do a great service to the many folk.
There are no shortage of offerings and good-hearted sharing.
Luang Por Poi receives a robe.
Vassa civara are offered by the laity to the Sangha.
The Sangha chants blessings.
Orada and Yee preparing offerings.
The cloth is offered to the Sangha.
The Palmerston North Group reciting the dedication of forest cloth.
Lionel leads the Palmerston North carrying the forest cloth to be offered to the Sanga. Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu Anumodami.
The Three Refuges and Five Precepts are taken.
The north wall of the stupa forecourt is about half way done.
Ajahn Dta putting his electric skills to good use.
Monks reflecting. The early morning light.
Monks visiting from the temple in Tawa.
A winter sky over leafless trees.
Venerable Phasuko with an empty gas bottle from his kuti.
Fingers of morning light fall into the dana sala.
The glass going into the Chao Khun kuti window.
The south wall of the stupa forecourt. Light and shadow.
Looking down Stokes Valley from the monastery. The rectangle of light bottom is our dana sala skylight.
Ajahn Dta in metal-man mode working on the new donation box.
10:25 am - lunch is an imminent possibility. Venerable Phasuko puts on his robe in preparation.
Looking up Stokes Valley to the monastery. The stupa can be seen low-centre with the hills rolling back into a winters mist.
Franks sublime halo behind a serene Buddha.
A crescent moon hangs over the Eastern hills.
Students from Kapiti College at the end of their visit.
Children from Kapiti College offer alms.
1:30 am - Irene is in the office keeping up with admin duties. Sadhu!
For some reason Tuesday is especially Aunties day. Sophie is in Oz welcoming her first grandchild.
Ajahn Dta in Palmerston North.
Still somewhat a construction site the end is in sight. The cones will be replaced by a handrail. An extra step at the entrance (plus moonstone) and the entrance (right) will have a single-stone carved step.
The north wall - almost done. Artistry.
A schematic of the stupa "West Side" showing the reclining rupa (white marble) and darker base (not decided yet) with the terracotta tile mural behind. There will be a floating roof over.
The marble with some basic outlines drawn ready for cutting. The reclining buddha rupa is reclining within.
The dhamma hall shrine glows.
Sachini (left) giving guidance to the financial team (Christina Irene & Hwa). The photo is a bit out of focus but they are all very focussed.
Rock stars! Gavin on lead guitar and Simon on drums. The north wall rocks.
1990? Young(er) people posing on the porch.
Bruce with a plywood model of the reclining Buddha rupa; the marble reality to be installed on the west-side of the stupa.
An overview of the forecourt with the surrounding stone work almost complete.
Ajahn Dta and Kusalo enjoy the view of the Kapiti coast on the way to Palmerston North with Indranath.
Bruce - the builder - and Aunty Suan on the porch of the newly renovated Chao Khun Kuti.
The dana sala Buddha rupa.
Monks on pindapat.
The stupa entry moonstone taking shape. Solid granite!
Work has begun on the moonstone being made in Sri Lanka.
The entry step for the stupa being marked out.
Rocks from around the world to be interred under the new stupa moonstone.
Old friends of Ajahn Kusalo. Al has managed the farm for decades. Pauline was visiting for a few days. The dogs were waiting for pigs. The monks had not long had tea.
The new Chao Khun kuti kitchen.
A bright and spacious new bathroom.
Arriving at Okiwi airstrip. The reception terminal had recently been painted green.
The coast track from Okiwi to Haratonga lead to many a grand view.
Ajahn Narado fords the stream.
Haratonga beach. We camped at the far end - away from the crowds.
Haratonga early morning. Off shore islands greet the dawn.
Time to break camp and head south.
The door to the Chao Khun kuti is illuminated.
Early morning mists over Kaitoke swamp.
Kayaking in Schooner Bay.
Lunch at the old graveyard overlooking Haratonga.
The emerging new bathroom in the Chao Khun kuti.
Gavin begins work on the northern arc of the forecourt wall.
The newly formed Chao Khun kuti kitchen. A lot more work require still.
The finished Buddha after Ajahn Kongrits gilding. A lovely piece of work.
The view out the new picture window of the extended Chao Khun kuti. Bruce (Kilroy) waz ere.
Simon and Gavin getting ready to move on to the final lower wall of the stupa forecourt.
A wee sprinkle of rain on an elegantly curving wall.
A hearty anumodana chant from the assembled sangha.
The full crew at Amaravati for the 2017 sangha gathering.
Leaving the dhamma hall.
Amaravati from the air.
The Amaravati stupa.
Ajahn Cunda (with coffee) and venerable Tithapunyo ready to board the train.
Waiting for our ride outside Newcastle train station.
Tis a rocky spot atop the hill.
Fields adjacent to Harnham. An English idyll.
Ajahn Cunda in the monks dormitory at Durham Cathedral.
The great hall in Durham Cathedral.
A boat rests in the River Wear next to Durham Cathedral.
Two monks under a bridge.
A warm and cheery welcome to Luang Por Promsithi the abbot of Wat Saket in Bangkok.
Breaking rocks and building dreams.
Logic says it should start. Reality often has other plans. Experts confer and diagnose.
Two flat tyres. Police and all the fun of samsara. The view is very nice.
Visiting Burmese monks drop by to inspect progress on the stupa.
And isnt that pile of what-ever-it-is always in the place that you dont want it?
The front walls and old garden surrounds succumb to the future.
James and Daniel mixing concrete for the deck support foundations as part of the Chao Khun kuti renovation. Bruce watches from above.
Bhante Silananda the second monk at Bhavana Society in W. Virginia joined us for lunch and a tour of the monastery.
The 2017 Vesak tent team (minus Sam on camera). All up in record time - about two hours! Well done and anumodana.
Paul on the mixer and Gavin on the move. The stupa emerges.
The south side of the stupa forecourt. Simon hard at work. Those stones are not small.
Matching up the new with the old is quite difficult but time skill and patience sees it done.
A revised concept drawing showing entry step and simple reclining buddha pavilion.
A colour rendition of the original concept drawing.
A detail of the west-side reclining buddha rupa.
Sun-dried alms bowls.
One of those "guess what it is?" photos. Lindsay has been dividing time between the kitchen and the new dana box door. Eventually you will see the whole picture.
Venerable Bhuripanyo (center) about to head off to Oz. A resident sangha of 7 is somewhat of a record.
The Tisarana 10th anniversary book has been well reviewed; to the extent that the binding fell apart. Ven. Bhuripanyo manually rebinds.
The resident sangha meeting with Luang Por Promsithi and the Thai ambassador.
The stupa is quite the construction site with broken stone everywhere. It is still a place of great beauty and delight.
The dhamma sala attic has been a collection point for many things over many years. During the building of a storage system many forgotten treasures have been uncovered.
Ajahn Kongrit applying the first layer of gold leaf to the buddha.
"The Union of Thai Sangha in Oceania." Most of the monks attending stand in front of the main dhamma hall.
A tree planting ceremony.
The senior delegates attending UTO.
The meeting is almost ready to start.
UTO Breakfast in Christchurch. Not hot.
Kicking the odd rock into place is sometimes the best technology. Not for this one I suspect.
Paul uses the electric drill to start the concrete mixer. Hmmm whatever works.
Simon making great progress on the southern arc. It really is looking like a wall now.
A walk in Colombo with my friend Mr. Attanayika. Here in Independence Square.
The streets of Colombo are busy with Vesak preparations. An army commando team building a lantern.
Lights and lanterns and so many people in white. There is a pervasive feeling of celebration.
A night-time stupa.
TukTuks thread their way through the congested streets. At least the way is well lit.
The main group of friends who have helped so much to coordinate so much of my trip.
A visit to Bhante Subodhis temple. There is no shortage of light.
The Buddha left more than one footprint in Sri Lanka. One on the river bed and this barge marks the spot (if I understood the explanation).
The first day of the United Nations Vesak conference. Delegates from over 70 countries gather.
A conference tea break in the main lobby.
The front entrance to the conference hall. Vesak lotuses cover the lawn.
Colombo harbour from my hotel window on the 16th floor.
An evening UN delegates tour of international Vesak lights. A lightly armed gaurd - gaurds us from... something?
Hot air balloons being prepared. The sky was dotted with light.
A light shower - of rain - didnt deter the onlookers.
The Chinese illuminated pavilion.
The entrance to the hotel where I stayed.
Mahayana monks chant a blessing for the gathered assembly. I couldnt photograph the Theravada group as I was in it.
The forecourt of the conference hall. Pink is a bit of a theme.
A panel presentation on day2 after the small-group sessions.
The last day of the conference was a chartered train trip to Kandy. Gaurds are ever vigilant and I felt very gaurded.
Traffic waits patiently as our train rattles its way to Kandy.
The train slowly climbs through lush countryside.
Rice bananas coconuts trees and sky. It looks idylic.
Kandy the entrance to the Temple of the Tooth. An awful crush; women fainting children screaming monks get no preference.
The rear of the tooth temple; a tad calmer and respectful.
The further from the tooth the more serene it becomes.
The very back of the temple. A few monks meet to chat.
The Queens Hotel. Her room on the right. I was offered a room to rest - at the end of the corridor left.
After a hotel nap I joined the crowd in the street to watch the perahera. Elephants lights drums and dancing flooded the senses.
A kind policeman took me to the official UN delegates pavillion. Quite a bit more spacious.
After the conference it was down to serious moonstone business. A big stone saw at the factory.
Roshini in the foreground of a wonderfully derelict crane. Equipment was generally pretty basic.
One of the workers next to a large makara (guardians - half terrestrial animal half aquatic). Safety gear was minimal with steel toe-cap boots optional.
Mr. Attanayika ever present next to a buddha rupa in progress. Hand-held angle grinders seem to do most of the work.
Henry Ford would have appreciated the production line approach.
The quarry.
A single stone - but only half of the full work. Ours will be a bit smaller.
Meeting with monks at Dhammachethiya Monastery Anuradhapura.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in the Mahamewna Gardens Anuradhapura. Planted in 288BC.
Mahathupa (Ruwanwelisaya) built about 140BC. One of the worlds tallest monuments at 103m.
Mahathupa - with a circumference of 290m - big is a word that came to my mind.
The spire is lost against the sweeping mass of the dome.
A night at Dhammachethiya Monastery Anuradhapura. One of the monks joins me for tea.
I was tempted to enquire about space in my bag for this buddha mold.
Flower vases waiting for flowers.
A walk in the countryside.
Isurumuniya temple; 300BC. Built for 500 newly ordained samanas.
The massive reclining Buddha at Isurumuniya.
Chinthaka using his powers to make sure the rock didnt fall on me.
The very elegant stupa at Isurumuniya.
The first stupa to be built 200BC after the arrival of Asokas son Mahinda. Originally fully roofed Thuparamaya enshrines a collar bone of the Buddha.
The oldest and considered by some as the most elegant moonstone. The building behind was the first to house the tooth relic.
Lankarama stupa built in the 1st century BC by King Vattagamini Abaya.
Chinthaka and Bandu pose with me on the approach to Abhayagiri vihara one of the most extensive ruins in the world.
The large water tank in front of the central stupa.
The original was 122m high. It is no less imposing on account of the broken spire.
One of the most loved and revered buddha images in Sri Lanka.
Kuttam Pokuna probably the finest bathing tanks in Sri Lanka. Two ponds each about 30m long and 5m deep. A wonder of hydrological engineering and architectural elegance.
Mahintale - where Mahinda Bhikkhu (son of King Asoka) met King Devanampiyatissa beginning the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. We were welcomed.
Why is it that so many sacred places involve lots of steps and climbing up?
Soldiers hand bagging gravel up the steps and along the way to the construction site. It was hot work.
From the summit of Mahintale.
Aradhana Gala - the summit at Mahintale.
Work was started about 2000 years ago. Perhaps a union strike? Lack of funds? Either way this is as far as it got.
The cave (behind bushes. left) where Mahina stayed.
Water ponds are a big feature of so many temples. You can see the remains of the water channel; center right 1/3.
Sigiriya a rock fortress built about 500CE. Some of the caves show signs of monastic habitation 300BCE. This view from the back side.
An artists view of what Sigiriya may have looked like. The ruins are pretty remarkable.
Part of the original wall protecting the access track. Steel has replaced most of the earlier paths.
This level area is about half way up the rock. There was a massive lion enclosing the entrance. Only the paws remain.
The front entrance with water ponds and garden areas still visible.
The view down onto the lions paw entrance. The small figure (toward photo top) gives some sense of the scale. The rusty steel railings were indeed strong enough.
Kumari Chinthaka Ajahn Bandu Gita and Manel - our little tour group.
With more than 80 documented caves in the area Dambulla is a wonder. The main focus is these 5 caves with over 150 Buddha images enshrined.
The wall to the left encloses the cave proper.
As well as many buddha images there are over 2000sq meters of murals depicting various scenes from the Buddhas life.
As well as the solid under-earth energy centuries of worship imbue a feeling of calm and serenity.
The Bodhi tree at Dambulla.
The west-side being cleared for the new pavilion.
The new road - not quite ready for traffic.
Ajahn and Bruce - building - again 🙂
Rocks being moved in preparation for the new road.
The forecourt and road starting to look like the vision.
Dirt - there is always dirt to moved - and then moved again.
The Buddha rupa has arrived. It will wait quite some months before being installed in the pavilion.
Visiting monks - amidst the rubble.
Birth requires death. The break up of the old for the arising of the new.
Excavation of the forecourt.
The Buddha rupa in the factory in Thailand.
Visiting and resident monks.
One of the first concept sketches. Quite a few details have changed but the overall plan is such.
One rock at a time.
The entry step under construction in Sri Lanka.
The moonstone at 1.5 tonne is a delicate manoeuvre. And the way is very tight.
Gentle persuasion sees the handrail drop into place.
The forecourt almost half finished.
2016 - how the entrance had been for many years prior to the extension.
Still quite raw but very majestic.
Most of the detailing is done.
Detail is being added and it begins to take on a beauty.
A ceremony.
A collage of the site at the start of construction.
The Burmese craftsmen working on the entry lions.
Relics and sacred objects being added to the stupa.
Restoration and renovation; 2018
The first stupa on the site. Build by the Dhamma Class kids in Wellington and Palmerston North.
The west-side pavilion for the reclining buddha rupa taking shape.
The terracotta mural being made in Thailand. This will be the backdrop for the reclining rupa on the west-side.
It more or less ended up like this. The pavilion was much simplified.
The forecourt moonstone being made in Sri Lanka.
Initial clearing of the roadside 2017 to make way for the new forecourt.
A later sketch of the west-side pavilion.
Visiting monks. The stupa is a very popular attraction.
The retaining wall being set for the new road outside the forecourt.
The garden beside the kitchen about to receive a transplant.
The back of the dhamma hall in blossom.
Ajahn Ratanawanno - due here in February.
Ajahn Narado - a monk of many talents. Is this the 6th attempt at fixing this? Dedication and determination!
Sun and rain - and then some sun and rain. The grass grows - Paul mows.
Newly elevated buddha rupas; no more hiding behind the flowers. Another Lindsay creation.
Venerable monks attract a following in Upper Hutt.
Luang Por Liam and Luang Por Sumedho at Wat Pah Pong for the 25th anniversary of Luang Por Chahs passing.
Venerable Kondanyo about to head of on tudong in the South Island.
The old book store cupboard - now the bedding store. Lindsay rebuilds the shelves to suit.
A bit more work at the stupa; clearing the way for greater things.
The sangha welcomes Sayadaw U Panna Vamsa visiting from Auckland with a Sayadaw from New York.
A rough sketch of first thoughts for the reclining buddha rupa at the stupa.
Monks with a mission.
The sangha sits in front of the yet-to-be-installed Memorial Garden pavilion. This rupa is temporary with the final one yet to be sourced.
Bodhinyanaramas beautiful buddha factory.
Ajahn Samachai (Nelson - L.) and Samath (Auckland - R.) making a tour of the monastery with ajahn Kusalo.
Monks from all around New Zealand gathered to offer blessing on the 100th day anniversary of King Bhumibol.
Replete with halo (lens flare?) Ajahn Narado giving the office window a good clean.
Venerables Kondanyo Kongrit and Phasuko walking through a delightfully dappled day from the Bhikkhu vihara to the dana sala.
Ajahn Kongrit introducing venerable Kusalacitto to the craft of robe-making.
"These are the roots of trees they are empty places. Meditate do not be negligent or else you will regret it later." SN 47.10
Forest monks stand atop an ancient fallen rimu.
We took Ajahn Kongrit on a visit to Kaitoke reserve - Rivendell. The elves had moved on and we were the most faerie like creatures on site. A beautiful day.
The digger about to remove the stone wall (in shadow). A face off between machine and dragon?
Venerable Bhuripanyo just arrived from Australia helping out with the retaining wall. Sadhu.!
Setting steel restraining rods. Having the wall fall over is best avoided.
The first retaining wall post being driven in. Brian on the level Kevin in the digger.
Stanford University in the sun.
Venerable Kondanyo inspecting the new monks lockers in the Bhikkhu vihara. The stairs to the loft over the common room to right.
Things are looking up. There is blue in the sky.
Ajahn Nattawat hosts a gathering at the new Thai temple in Newlands. We sincerely hope all the forces of goodness support the move to the new residence.
A touch of winter white. Mostly hail but there was a wee sprinkle of snow amongst the flurries.
The standing Buddha rupa in the forecourt.
A sign of Spring.
Airport reflection.
Some initial clearing at the stupa ready for the road realignment.
Ajahn Sona Kusalo Jayanto Jotipalo. All the wise men.
The Jetavana chainsaw collection. Ajahn Jivako - ready to rock.
Stanford stone.
San Francisco.
The new hall at Abhayagiri.
Pat puts the final touches to the "Rupa on a Rock".
Enjoyment can be a risky business.
San Francisco - sun drenched forest monks.
Monks at the Thai embassy celebrating the life of the King.
A recent visit to Wat Thai in Newlands. It is nice to see both sanghas doing well.
A small manuka hangs on the cliff face outside the bhikkhu vihara. Nature is tenacious.
New steps down to the sauna pond. Clean clear and bright.
Excavating debris and generally restoring the sauna pond.
Ajahn Narado and venerable Kondanyo stripping out the rot and rubbish in the old sauna.
A new screen fence for the old sauna. Bench and chair sun and shade.
Lindsay at work on yet another created art work. A pavilion for a small reclining buddha rupa to go in the memorial garden.
Venerable Phasuko visits Palmerston North. M.U.B.A. recently celebrated 30 years as a group. Sadhu!
Venerable Kondanyo organising a flight for Ajahn Kongrit with Drew all ready as steward.
Most of the new year retreatants. A great crew.
Dana for Lily Ajahn Nyanadipos neice her first birthday.
Sister Rohini clearing the moss and debris on the sala ramp.
The stupa forecourt is leveled and the road landscaped all ready for surfacing.
Vegetation trimmed from around the Chao Khun kuti is fed into the new mulcher.
Delivering the new mulcher to its first monastery mission.
The transition of getting admin activity moved from the bhikkhu vihara to the main office continues.
Sunyo Cristian and Daniel preparing the foundations for the memorial grove pavilion.
The memorial grove pavilion being carried in from the main track.
A welcome cup of tea at Hughs on the way back to the monastery.
Back at the car park after walking the forest loop.
A pause by a small stream on our Otaki walk.
Ajahn Dta making a clean sweep of the car park.
Half-way up the hill we take a break in an open clearing.
Venerables Kusalacitto and Phasuko start the Fenceline walk in Otaki Gorge.
Ajahn Dta - on his birthday - cleaning the dana sala windows.
With rails fitted and posts positioned a bit of final persuasion sees the whole drop into place.
Ajahn Kusalo and Lindsay working on the posts for the stupa safety rail. A boring job 🙂
Ajahn Dta working on the new dhamma hall lighting controller.
Daniel taking the bodhi tree outdoors for some direct sunlight.
The dana sala shrine.
Luang Por Poi visiting with monks from Auckland.
The memorial garden pavilion in place - chainsaw enshrined. The Buddha rupa should be here soon.
The Wan Hai 501 Can you spot our stupa stones in there? Sailed: 13.12.2017 - Due: x.x.2018
Kaitoke. The entire monastery plus 4 on the bridge to Rivendell.
Kaitoke. Root rock and river.
Kaitoke. Ajahn Narado down by the riverside.
Venerable Thanavaro - a forest monk.
Under a clear sky the Sangha circumambulates the stupa.
How many monastics does it take to patch one tent?
Reach for the sky.
New landscaping in the garden area in front of the kitchen.
Two rocks nicely placed. There is still some work to be done but it still looks very nice.
Blooming lovely.
At the feet of the Buddha.
A Bodhinyanarama resident - not too sure about this encroaching monk.
Human too close for comfort - "Im outa here."
Wat Thai - Kathina 2017. No shortage of offerings and joy and faith.
Robes being offered at the Thai temple in Newlands as a part of their Kathina.
Wat Thai Newlands - Kathina 2017.
Nature sends out tender fingers to greet the sun.
![The Palmerston North Group offer the vassa forest cloth to the Sangha. [see the <a href="photos.php?album=2017-93-kathina-x">Kathina Gallery</a>]](https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/eh-PN-4.jpg)
The Palmerston North Group offer the vassa forest cloth to the Sangha. [see the Kathina Gallery]
The macrocarpa lotus buds that adorned the two entrance gate posts are quite badly rotten. They will be replaced - and painted.
The Sangha gathered at Bodhinyanarama waiting for the laity to assemble.
The clay model which will become the reclining Buddha rupa in the memorial grove.
The entry step. The motif echoes the foliage band of the moonstone.
The lotus at the center of the moonstone. The detail of workmanship is impressive.
The moonstone is complete! It looks stunning in a photo and one can only imagine viewing the full-size stone. 2.7 meters left to right. Big and beautiful.
Shunyo stacking firewood.
Lindsay preparing the workshop entrance for a long awaited patch of concrete.
The pot on the corner of the kitchen entrance has finally been moved. Heavier than it looks.
Ajahn Dta in the stupa forecourt setting a few level points for the digger. The clay is almost as hard as the rock.
The final placement of the central stones and raking of the gravel sees the kitchen garden looking resplendent.
Christian clearing the vegetation around the existing stonework on the west side of the stupa. This view will change dramatically over the next several months.
Ajahn Kusalo testing the new memorial bench in the sala courtyard.
Khun Tho and her family have been long-term monastery supporters. Offering the forest-cloth is a fitting symbol of her dedication.
Many hands help with the washing up after our shared meal.
Offerings being made at the stupa. The monks chant rounds of Itipi so...
The Sangha processes around the stupa chanting blessings.
Bhante Jinalankara offers a water blessing to all.
Mr Som has lead events at the monastery for over 20 years. Anumodana.
The Thai Ambassador and his wife joined us for our celebration.
A little dhamma.
The line of both monks and laity extended for some distance.
Flags at the stupa flying across a blue sky.
Khun Tho waiting quietly to offer the forest-cloth.
Rice pindapat.
Ladies in waiting.
Simon rings the bell to invite everyone to assemble in the hall.
Earth air fire and water. The Sangha chants blessings.
We gather back in the hall after lunch and prepare to make offerings.
Gifts are offered to the Sangha.
Joy and delight.
The view from the main entrance to the dormitory area. Porches paint landscaping and general tidy up still to come - as well as window cleaning!
A strange creature of the night outside the bhikkhu vihara.
After dana in Napier.
A happy breakfast kitchen at Wat Patum Napier.
The new monks toilet - behind the dhamma sala.
Sebastian and Anna begin painting the new monks toilet.
The new hermitage deck. The foreground triangle where a senior ajahn fell the main front where tea will be drunk.
The Bodhi tree resplendently green and bright enjoying the warm sun in the dana sala.
The view from the service area of the space under the workshop.
Soft shadows on the kuti wall.
Venerable Issaro on the workshop roof fixing the light.
Julienne and Katie-Jayne shoveling gravel to go on the access track and service area under the workshop.
The new book display in the sala vestibule.
As much a photo of the new planer and sander in action as of Bruce putting finishing touches to the new book display.
Winter is here. A dark cloud mountain hangs over Stokes Valley.
The new shrine glass. Lets not burn down the sala.
The view from the industrial side of the dormitory.
Venerable Issaro and Bruce working on the new dormitory.
Fifty students from Kapiti College offer alms to the sangha as part of their recent visit.
The Little Pig... all bright and shiny new ready to warm hermits over the vassa.
A visit to the Island Bay monastery to pay respects to Ajahn Maha Sutep before vassa. We are standing in front of their new pavilion made for the Ankhor Wat model.
Venerable Issaro working his magic with final touches to the new dormitory wiring.
Bruce cuts a 65 year old cake - him not the cake. Another milestone another day another dana... one step closer to nibbana!
The front of the stupa. A bit rough? Room for improvement?
The rock at the edge of the lower carpark - with Buddha.
Two lads (front L&R) spend holiday time at the monastery and join the monks for pindapat in Stokes Valley.
More birthday cake. Aunty Suan passes another year - with many more to come.
The back side (West) of the stupa. An open hole that leaks into the bush.
The workshop basement never looked better. Foreground panels are the central removeable wall.
On alms round in Bung Wai the village adjacent to Wat Pah Nanachat.
A nostalgic flashback... the summer of 93. The pyramid lives again - on the lawn below the library.
Resurrection.
Drew testing the new single-grade track to the Chao Khun kuti. Public access used to be along the arrow. The kuti is much more private now.
The Buddha behind a bee on a sunflower.
Lindsay working on the new fireproof incense store.
The hermitage kuti will get an upgrade before winter. Extended safer deck + wood stove. Bruce taking a few measurements.
The pine trees above the sala taking leave. The forest will have more space.
Tony putting the finishing touch to the entrance car park.
A tidy trellis under the stairs up to the dana sala. Fuchsia in the foreground.
Aaron Bruce and Mark working on the step-less access to Ajahn Kusalos kuti.
Putting the marquee up is always a task. Having a good crew of helpers makes it so much easier.
Patimokkha at Wat Saket Bangkok.
Outside the uposatha hall at Wat Saket.
The new uposatha hall at Wat Citta Bhavana -- Luang Por Piaks monastery.
Venerable Aruno in front of Luang Por Chahs chedi.
L-R: Ajahn Kusalo Sucitto Aruno - inside Luang Por Chahs chedi infront of his reliquary.
The stupa at Nakhon Phanom beside the Mekong River. Its origins as old as 2500 years ago.
The new stone Buddha rupa on the second level of Ajahn Aneks new uposatha hall.
A delightful meeting with Ajahn Anek.
A bug on a leaf.
Most of the New-Year retreatants greeting... the New Year. Happy 2016!
Willing hands place the new Buddha against the wall of the Chao Khun meditation path. Sadhu!
The workshop studio (right) tucked in under the workshop porch roof.
Ajahn Kalyano and venerable Kovido visiting from Melbourne.
Bruce Neil Katia ven KC & Julien in the workshop studio extension.
An illustrious gathering of senior monks. Three dhamma talks and several reflections were much appreciated by all.
The workshop basement - minus junk. This will become a kids shrine room (right) and bunk room (left). The access will be down the path (behind). The foreground will be leveled as a service area (junk storage :).
Ajahn Kusalo and ven. Kusalacitto traveled with Luang Por Sumedho to Wat Bodhivana Melbourne. The weekend gathering.
A sunny visit from Ajahn Khemapanyo and the monks from Napier.
The new Buddha — all bright and shiny.
Three forest monks at the root of a tree (redwood forest outside Rotorua).
The "international robe cloth" under the cloister marquee. A colorful addition to Ajahn Sumedhos visit.
The Sangha shares a happy visit from Khun Tho. She has been a devoted supporter since the monastery began.
At the foot of the stairs.
Monks in Auckland. Surrounded by youthful disciples - or a coincidental school group. Or both?
Bodhinyanarama sangha and residents visiting Ajahn Nantawat at the new Wat Dhammapadip residence in Newlands.
Bruce passing the privacy screen to enter the new Chao Khun kuti courtyard. The meditation walking path (left) yet to be walled and roofed. A bit more landscaping to come.
Lads on legs lumping lumber up to the hermitage. Deck improvements.
The Sri Lankan Consul General Wellington (left) visiting with the newly appointed High Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand.
A beautiful Bruce Box.
Summer is impermanent. Winter is not so far away.
Pete the plumber installing the basin in the new loo. Almost ready for action.
Shrine building in the Bhikkhu vihara. Ajahn Medhino leads the way.
Blackbird singing - against the early morning sky.
Water in a rock. Clarity and stillness. Emptiness and form.
Drainage and electrical have been trenched. We are waiting for the digger to fill in and level the site.
The back of the sala - a widened moat to provide resident access to the back kutis. A union meeting to negotiate tea terms.
A very windy day at the Kapiti lookout.
Mark and Melissa restoring the old track that ran below the Chao Khun kuti (just visible at rear right).
The workshop in action. Lindsay and Ajahn Medhino hard at work.
The two-Ajahn tudong. Taking leave of the sangha about to head north. Ajahn Sucitto on his way to Malaysia via Auckland. Aj Kusalo on a round-trip.
Tudong: our first night on the west coast. Estuary in foreground and sea over the dunes. This is just before the rain.
Tudong: stopping for a cup of tea to consider the next move. Manawapou beach in the distance.
Tudong: our 2nd night Manawapou beach.
Tudong: Mt. Taranaki looking very serene powerful awesome.
Tudong: walking the slopes of Mt. Taranaki. We camped not far from here.
Tudong: our 4th night. A bit of a doer-upper but very cosy inside.
Tudong: a superb bit of Kiwi ingenuity to keep the sheep dry.
The new cushion storage bin ready for varnish. It will go in the dana sala. Thanks to Lindsay.
Venerable Kusalacitto meeting with a new guest to outline monastery life.
Ajahn Medhino and Aj. Kusalo on the side of the Turikino road below Mt. Ruapehu on the way south to Bodhinyanarama.
Terry in the digger widening the track which runs alongside the stream to by-pass the Chao Khun kuti. There has been quite a bit of landscaping around the new loo.
Sebastian preparing flags for our Kathina season celebration.
Lim carrying books. Young and May getting the coffee cart ready. New handrail - at right - ready and waiting.
Bruce - ready to polish the Buddha; and anything else that needs a shine. Sadhu.
Tara carefully selecting flowers.
Luang Por Poi leads the sangha on pindapat. The sun shines on us all.
The sangha chant blessings.
The monastery committee carry the robe cloth as a collective offering to the sangha.
All break for lunch.
After the Kathina season celebration we take Ajahns Sucitto and Khemavaro on a 2-day tour. On the dunes at Foxton.
An overnight camp above the Rangitikei River. A warm fire under a clear sky.
The banks of the Rangitikei River.
Mount Ruapehu in the background as we stand on the side of a small back road.
The main sala at Wat Buddha Dhamma where Ajahn Kusalo spent a week with Ajahn Khemavaro and the sangha there.
Ajahn Medhino sits under the broad cave-like overhang. Warm and dry.
Overlooking the Hawkesbury River. The Wisemans Ferry is just visible.
Ajahn Kusalos last day with the sangha at Wat Buddha Dhamma.
The new loo - looking from the back corner of the sala.
The new woodshed compost and incinerator - just next to the workshop below the library.
The new chanting books.
The monastery back yard.
A spring fern frond ready to unfurl.
Fresh green shoots.
The new handrail taking shape.
A sitting place.
Camellias enjoying the sun.
The early morning sky flows over the hill tops.
A bench among the beeches.
Winter walking meditation.
Walking meditation in the rainy season.
The wood store under the library. What a difference a Bruce makes.
The recent shipment of books - including the new chanting book. How did Santa Claus get all this on the sled? A wonderful gift. Anumodana to all concerned.
The birds love to dig up the soft soil at the base of the tree. The bhikkhu-coloured covering looks delightful and will hopefully keep that inside the rocks - inside the rocks.
A sketch of the new handrail for the ramp between the kitchen and the dhamma hall.
A rough sketch of the new bhikkhu toilet to go at the rear of the dhamma hall.
The ten-day retreat is almost finished. Many thanks to all concerned.
Could this be Wellington in winter? A day at the beach as part of a visit with Chao Khun Maha Sutep in Island Bay.
Marcel and Sebastian working on the final details of the pit toilet at Two-bridge kuti.
Ajahn Kusalo looking down a meditation path gladly.
The new false ceiling in the common room of the Bhikkhu Vihara.
Venerable Aruno and Lam Nam tidying and adding to our firewood supply.
Ajahn Kusalo working on the new false ceiling in the Bhikkhu vihara common room.
Sebastian and Marcel trimming back the bank at the Chao Khun kuti to clear a straight line for the meditation walking path.
A Sangha tea party to celebrate the warm and happy installation of a wood stove in Ajahn Kusalos kuti.
The kettle is on 🙂
Sebastian Brian Viphavadee Vahn and Marcel setting out access tracks in the memorial garden (white arrows).
Venerable Aruno George and Hannah almost ready to pour concrete around the posts of the privacy screen at the Chao Khun kuti.
Drew pouring a bucket of concrete into a hole in the ground.
Venerable Aruno making a clean sweep.
The Sangha assembled ready to begin the Magha puja ceremonies.
The community shares the Magha puja meal.
Sunshine food Buddhas friends... what more could one ask for?
Ajahn Sucitto leads the sangha and the laity in a circumambulation of the sala.
Chanting "Itipi so... " we file through the cloister.
Chanting paritta auspicious blessings and dedicating the goodness and all the meritorious kamma of our day together.
With ceremonies completed – a welcome cuppa.
Simon working on the last stages of the plinth that will support the shiny buddha rupa.
The Thai ambassador (center) with his wife and son joined by other friends.
The Sangha silently reflecting at meal time.
The posts in the cloister get a new coat of colour.
Experimenting with the position for the sitting Buddha rupa outside the dana sala.
Kevin Gunn plasterer sublime. A start to some of the repairs needed at the stupa.
Marcus Drew and venerable Kusalacitto working on the redirected access to kuti #3.
Earl Eve and Marcello working on fixing the meditation walking path deck.
Rick Hanson and Ajahn Kusalo in the forecourt.
There is one thing about white and time - they both change. Cleaning is a constant event.
A sub-division plan 1974. Rakau Grove (red) and Kamahi Street (blue) give scale to what might have been.
The scale of statuary is incredible. Perhaps we dont get one quite this big?
A 2.7m standing Buddha. Ajahn with venerable Rocano at the foundry.
The back of the main sala at Ratanawan with an ancient bodhi tree at right.
Art work in abundance. Any style any size any finish.
Whos a pretty boy then?
Underneath Ajahn Chahs kuti.
Out front of Ajahn Chahs stupa at Wat Pah Pong.
Monks gathering for evening tea at Wat Pah Pong.
The pillar being erected on the site of Ajahn Chahs birth. Thats one single piece of stone.
The guys from C&S Civil working on sealing the monastery entrance.
Radiant solar blessings shower down on devotion.
When in doubt... read the manual.
Lyndsay braving the cold of the workshop to finish crafting his lovely sign roof.
The Chao Khun kuti privacy screen almost finished.
The finished sign at the top of the car park.
![The end of Vesak. Another solar blessing if a bit bleachy. The Thai Ambassador and his wife [left] with the Malaysian High Commissioner and her husband.](https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/xu-vesak9.jpg)
The end of Vesak. Another solar blessing if a bit bleachy. The Thai Ambassador and his wife [left] with the Malaysian High Commissioner and her husband.
Bhante Buddharakhita joined us for Sunday evening puja.
The buddha rupa is finally installed atop the beautiful stone plinth.
The sangha chants auspicious verses to bless the new buddha rupa.
The sangha.
Everyone pours a little water on the new rupa to offer their blessing.
Axel & Sebastian join in with the finishing stage of the new meditation path.
The office is slowly evolving. A window has been added to the door.
Miriam Brian and Rob make a start on Ajahn Kusalos walking meditation path.
Most of the Queens Birthday retreatants just before heading home.
Hot and busy work. The end result is a delight. Sadhu!
The sign painted by John is looking for a place to be positioned.
Wellington Civic Square.
The trees obscuring the stupa have been trimmed. We will try and keep them better hedged.
The remodeled Garden of Remembrance. Thanks Gavin.
Adrian delicately leveling off the entrance to the Memorial Grove.
The plinth at the entrance to the dana sala - ready for the shiny Buddha installation - May 3rd.
The crew - at Taumaranui - about to head of down the Whanganui River.
Despite the dry summer there is plenty of depth and flow to the river.
Our first camp - morning.
The sun is rising and the sky is clearing.
The river runs down hill - all the way.
On the outskirts of Whanganui. Our gear strewn all over the grass.
Read the full story here
A segment of the North Island (inset) shows the extent of the river. Camps along the way are marked as blue squares.
Cherry Grove Taumaranui - 13th March 2015. The crew has had its briefing and is packed and ready to go.
And away they go. There is no turning back now. It looks calm enough but there are rapids ahead and the first submerging not far away.
Breaking camp at Ohinepane. We are all still quite unfamiliar with our barrel storage system and it takes a long time to pack.
Breakfast in the early morning mist at Ohinepane. A big pot of porridge to start the day.
The day clears beautifully and the scenery is sublime.
A typical camp site with a small shelter. The stairs at right lead up to the sink and water pump. The ground is (almost) flat.
Lunch preparations at the riverside cafe. Every stop involves unloading the barrels and finding what is required - food pots plates knives etc. We got quite good at it by the end.
Just above Ohauora camp site is cave named after Tamatea-pōkaiwhenua a great early explorer of the Whanganui River - captain of the Tākitimu canoe.
Evening tea at Mangapapa. After a hard days paddling energy is not at peak. A quiet and settled affair.
Venerable Aruno quietly contemplates the main flow of the river from a side inlet.
Paddling in unison through the gorge.
Cyclone Pam mostly passed us by but we had rain on the 17th and took lunch on a small gravel beach. Large driftwood logs gave fixing points to rig a roof.
With the river rising in flood up to ten meters all camp sites are quite a climb above usual levels. This view from Mangawaiiti. All our gear had to be hauled up the hill.
Tieke Kainga Marae.
March 19th was the new moon and Tieke Kainga Marae hosted probably the first Theravada Upostha in history on the river.
The chefs hard at work.
Ajahn Sucitto doing dishes. Note the band of duck tape on his foot. This was a common medical solution during the trip.
A sandy beach and a lone canoe catch the edge of late afternoon sunlight .
Ajahn Kusalo passes one of many waterfalls.
Venerable Aruno and Pat about to enter the rapids.
The white cliffs of... this part of the river.
Yet another beautiful riverside beach with sun and views and all the makings for lunch.
Evening slowly closing in on Jerusalem once an important fishing village. A Catholic mission was established in 1854. Poet James K. Baxter and many of his followers formed a community at Jerusalem in 1970. We camped in the gravel yard down stream.
There are no photos of us shooting the rapids. This shot is post-submersion. Get the canoe upright and empty out the water.
Thomas Downes (b. 1868) oversaw river navigation systems from 1934+ using this hut as his H.Q. It is said that he knew the full length of the Whanganui River better than any other European.
A more picturesque dunny site would be hard to find.
Piles of pasta and various bits fuel the river crew staying Downes hut.
Arriving at Hipango Park the tide is in. The landing was rebuilt by the army in 1970 with the tiered construction to accommodate varying flood levels.
The previous photo shows the river level at the 2nd step down. As we prepare to leave the tide is now going out - in our direction!
After 2 days in Downes hut it is back on the river.
The close of our last camp. Living life out of a boat and a barrel is about to end.
Evening rest.
The tide was in when we arrived. A drop of nearly 2 meters meant carving a slot between trunk and bank. A rather muddy exit.
Hoani Hipango an influential chief among Wanganui tribes in the 1800s; traveled in 1855 to England where Queen Victoria received him in private audience. During the Hauhau wars he was mortally wounded in 1865. His son Wata presented Hipango Park to the citizens of Wanganui.
Our pick-up point at Aramoho where we can spread out our life on a freshly cut lawn.
Craig and Drew working hard tidying up the grounds ready for Kathina. The new mower shines.
Alan and Alex getting ready to paint the remodeled #1 kuti. The recycled ply on the unkinked corner can be seen on the left. New glass in the windows.
Monday morning on the mixer. Gavin prepares a batch for the stairway walling. A few more days and it will be finished.
John cuts a hole in the end of the dana sala for the new office window. Let there be light.!
Monks setting out on alms round down Stokes Valley. A nice walk for Ajahn Dhammasiha on his last day at Bodhinyanarama.
Considering the inflexible nature of stone Simon has produced a beautiful curve at the bottom of the stairs.
The Bodhi tree pushing out shiny green leaves to greet the spring.
John about to wall up the new un-kinked back corner of the Ketu kuti.The extra space will add -- extra space.
Like all things trees are born and trees die. This one now spans the gully below the electric kuti making a very nice bridge.
Snow on the hillside opposite Stokes Valley. It only sat there for an hour or so but... snow in November! What will the possums be thinking?
The two ajahns. AjKusalo making a short visit to see AjChandako and also venerable Kusalacitto who returns to Bodhinyanarama in a week.
Craig and Julian preparing the footings for the stair stonwork.
Simon carefully placing a corner stone at the bottom of the stairs.
Gavin making the connection between the new transition step and the side wall.
Dana in Palmerston North. This was Venerable Arunos first trip north since the vassa.
Simon here in his role as stonemason getting underway to finish the wall alongside the stairs up to the carpark.
A lovely patch of foxgloves providing cover for the native seedlings planted beside the kuti by-pass track that was put in last year.
Nuk gives concentrated attention to create beautiful flower arrangements for Kathina.
The Sangha applying effort to make the Buddha shine.
Simon and members of the monastery committee carry the Kathina-season cloth forward to present to the Sangha.
Ben making an offering to Ajahn Kusalo.
The ceremonies are brought to a conclusion with the Sangha chanting auspicious paritta verses.
The Sangha chants "Anicca vata sankhara..." while the names of departed loved ones are burnt. May they realise nibbana.
Ajahn Nantawat showers holy water blessings.
Ajahn Chandako about to end his Kathina visit with us. Venerable Kusalacitto left with him to spend a few weeks at Vimutti monastery.
Bhante Sugatavamsa (center) and Jinalankara visit Bodhinyanarama to formally determine their Kathina robe.
Monks at the Dhammagavesi Kathina
The entrance to the monastery with a photo projection of a large Buddha image. There are many choices to be made as to the final.
On rice pindapat at Dhammagavesi Monastery as part of their Kathina.
The Buddha patiently waits outside the dana sala - both to be polished and to have a finished stone plinth to sit on.
The Labour weekend retreatants (minus 5 who had to leave after lunch).
A ladders-eye view of the back corner of the sala with trees and other foliage gone. The wood breathes.
Ajahn Kusalo gives a blessed thread to Eve.
Vivienne and Claire help load the trailer to deliver gravel for the new hermitage track.
The crew working on the mediation walking path at one-bridge kuti.
Simon applies the final grouting to the end of the stair wall. It is bright enough for a sun hat!
The laity gathered in the main sala at Wat Pah Pong.
Alms round down Stokes Valley Road.
Outside Deniss house. New Years day.
Sticky rice dropped into the bowl.
Ajahn Sucitto bending low for an offering of rice.
New Years day – lunch about to begin.
The final ritual: planting our aspirations for the new year.
All aspirations interred – a sprinkling of holy water.
James delivers twelve hearty blows to the bell to ring in the new year.
The retreat has almost ended. The Sangha chant blessings.
The sala shrine on new years day festooned with flowers.
Nature slowly consumes everything. The garden around the stupa is well due for a serious trim.
New Years day... setting out on alms round.
The new year retreat participants (almost all) about to head off home.
Alex posing in a very much "not quite ready for anagarika ordination" mode.
Alex taking anagarika precepts with Ajahn Kusalo. Very auspicious and delightful.
The assembled sangha ready for the summer of 2015.
John leading work on repairing and raising the entrance gates ready for the new asphalt. The road surface is really rough and long due for a rebuild (next year).
Venerables Aruno and Kusalacitto chant a blessing while on pindapat in Stokes Valley.
How many samanas does it take to pull one post? There was a plan to have lights on top but it was agreed as not necessary.
Out of time sequence but here is the marquee crew posing at the half-way stage of erecting the canvas for Kathina. What a team!
Ben working on removing an old stump to make room for the stone edging and plinth for the Buddha rupa outside the dana sala.
Benni and Craig put finishing touches to the water tank stand at one of the new kutis. And isnt it wonderful that we have all this rain? Hah!
Simon and Gavin lifting a major stone onto the top of the new stairway wall. Built to last.
After a morning spent raking and graveling the surface of the new hermitage track.
Ajahn Dhammasiha and the Bodhinyanarama sangha make a visit to Dhammagavesi to pay respects to Bhante Sugatavamsa and Jinalankara.
The sangha inspecting the site for the proposed kuti at Dhammagavesi Monastery.
The 2 new kutis are nearing completion.
In the Dhamma Hall at Amaravati. The Sangha is gathering. There are many meetings.
John and Chris maneuvering a ceiling panel into place. Only just enough room.
John and Finn working late to get the new kutis finished.
Craig giving some loving care to the lower carpark. This area will get a bit more attention after vassa.
A four-shot pano of the Songkran gathering. 250 people happily packed into the hall. Lovely.
Many of the monastery Buddha images (rear) being bathed while venerable Kusalacitto receives a blessing.
Ajahn Kusalo joined the Thai community to celebrate New Year - Songkran.
A small part of the group lined up on Sunday to offer rice to the Sangha.
Girls from St. James School visited the monastery as a part of their studies.
Battersea Peace Pagoda.
The Maha Sangha gathers to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Dhamma Gavesi.
About 70 students from Koranui school came to visit the monastery. Lots of questions and interest in the place and our life.
Ajahn Kusalo and venerable Kusalacitto testing the new floor of the lower kuti.
Our wheelbarrow has had a hernia.
The new lower kuti about to get walls. Clare and Justine help to set out the frames.
John fixing the finished walls together on the lower kuti with Craig and Justin lending a steady hand.
The roofing sheets are too long to take up on the quad trailer. Good old fashioned manual labour does the trick.
The roof is almost on and the final rafter is fitted. Aunty Suan keeps an eye on progress.
The upper kuti is much steeper; not such an easy site. Clare delivers floor insulation while John puts concrete in the foundations.
Two of the senior teachers with Ajahn Kusalo at the Samatha Center in Manchester.
Venerable Aruno trying out the set up in the new office. It is still a bit bare but the basics are pretty much in place. The bell tower is visible in the back window.
The full circular glory of Mt. Taranaki casts a long early morning shadow.
The back sala store room. Lots more space for books and bedding.
The 2014-15 committee: Theja Aru Lim AJ Ajahn Simon Janet Su Mon Ros. What a team!
The Hall of Divinity part of Oxfords Bodleian Library.
Our intrepid monks make a final entry back into New Zealand.
A final farewell after Ajahn Kusalos day of meditation at the Oxford Buddhist Centre.
The superb cloister at New College Oxford where the venerables attended evensong in the adjacent chapel.
Samanera Aranubo a local Mancunian meeting with Ajahn in Manchester.
A wee bit of inner city culture for two forest monks.
The Sangha assembled in the temple at Amaravati.
Ajahn Sumedho offering Ajahn Khemadhammo a robe.
Two monks working on fixing a door with a portrait of Ajahn Sucitto on the wall.
Ajahn Tithadhammo at the entrance to his kuti.
The travelers arrive in the big city. If the clock is correct there is still time for lunch.
Outside the V&A. A bit dizzy after a 3 museum tour.
Inside one of those museums.
In the Supreme Court. Judge plaintiff or Venerable?
A post-lunch pre-meeting gathering in Windsor. Spotty robes? Drippy skies. (this is England 🙂
Under a clear and sunny sky the sangha goes pindapat.
After everything is over the marquee is dropped folded bagged and here loaded onto the trailer to go back into storage ready for Vesak next year.
A well deserved cuppa at the end of a beautiful day.
The Sangha leads the circumambulation around the sala.
One section of the crowd circumambulating the main sala shrine.
The Sangha – visiting and resident.
Simon vice-president of the monastery committee at the head of an international group ready to proceed into the sala to offer the robe cloth.
The Buddhas dispensation is two-fold – dhamma and vinaya. And nice lunch. And peace to you all.
Ajahn Kalyano collects rice on pindapat.
Final details being discussed.
The sangha takes their place ready to begin the various ceremonies.
Ajahn Kalyano (center) with resident and visiting sangha.
Su Mon our treasurer taking care of the donation table.
The day before – with the marquee up the cloister is dry and the carpets go down.
The food stalls donation table and book distribution table starting to get a few visitors.
Days before the event sangha and friends erect the marquee over the cloister.
The meal blessing the day before with visiting sangha.
People starting to gather in the hall ready for proceedings to begin.
Lunch is ready. The quickest way in is?
No damage - just a bent trellis and a few car parts.
No damage - just a bent trellis and a few car parts.
The start of the hermitage track just below the existing Vivek kuti.
The newly repaired and repainted gaurdian lion in front of the stupa. Many thanks Cara!
Mattresses from the upper house make their way down to the recently cleared space in the Dhamma sala to make way for stuff from the kitchen store to make way for the new office.
An empty shelf stands empty while Ajahn Ariyasilo and Venerable Hiriko ponder the fate of remaining remains in the Dhamma sala store.
Monks on alms round in Stokes Valley.
Ajahn Kusalo and Rocano returning from the monthly visit to Palmerston North.
Ajahn Rocano exploring his new forest environment in New Zealand.
The early morning sun rising over the hills to shine on the hermitage kuti.
The Sangha visits venerable Thitavijjos at the end of his self-retreat in the hermitage kuti.
Not only did Dave repair the mower but he gave the lawn its first cut of the season. Spring is here.
Ajahn Kusalo with the teens at the end of their weekend retreat in Kuala Lumpur.
After the dana at Palmerston North just prior to the kids class.
About half of the monks gathered in the assembly hall to mark Ajahn Chahs birthday. There were many hundreds more monks outside as well as a large crowd of lay people. Very inspiring.
Kids from the Stokes Valley playcenter meet a monk for the first time.
A last minute photo at the end of the day of meditation in Christchurch. A new(ish) group with lots of enthusiasm. Very nice
Dana in Palmerston North.
The Garden kuti; a waterproof deck and walking meditation path all in one.
Natlie and Karmon Won give a #1 trim to the vegetation alongside the sala.
Three wise men working on the trellis out back of the sala built to give a more emphatic sense of privacy for the kuti.
The kids dhamma class busy making pages for their work book. The dhamma wheel was the theme for this day.
Kids from the Tawa dhamma school stand infront of their Vesak lanterns. A bright lot indeed - kids and lanterns.
David and Leslie (with hose) putting some time into cleaning the concrete work around the sala.
A few of the lanterns made by the kids of the Tawa dhamma school. Such an event brings a lovely energy to the monastery.
A misty shroud envelopes the festive Vesak decorations in the monastery courtyard.
The marquee glows above the sala and cloister ready to receive everyone to celebrate Vesak 2013.
Ajahn Nantawat amidst the happy throng filling the cloister to offer rice pindapat.
Ajahn Tiradhammo gives the Vesak dhamma talk.
Part of the circumambulation leaving the sala to walk around the Buddha three times - Buddha Dhamma Sangha.
A cool hose on a hot carpark confirms the cross-fall grade into the drain.
A bridge across the stream at the entry point to the new kuti track.
Several pongas were used to build a retaining wall on a particularly steep part of the track.
Getting ready to enter the forest at the beginning of the working bee. There is a kuti site in there somewhere.
The steep part of the track being built up.
More pongas being placed along the edge of the track to stabilise the soil.
A small group gathered at the bridge just before heading home.
Bhante Sugatavamsa (nearest Buddha) joins us for dana and a week-long self retreat at Bodhinyanarama.
After dana bowls are washed and sun dried.
Bhante Sugatavamsa and Kusalacitto heading out to Stokes valley on alms round.
With a few trees removed Ajahn Ariyasilo can enjoy the new view from the upper house patio.
Work begins on preparing the monastery carpark for asphalting.
The carpark is almost graded and ready for basecourse.
And down goes the hot asphalt.
The access track to the kuti is taking shape. Almost ready.
The carpark gets some white stripes.
The new office space adjacent to the dana sala is looking very spacious.
New moon observance.
Stores from what is now the new office have moved to the back of the dhamma hall. To make room the monks sewing room left the dhamma hall and is here being reassembled in the upper house.
Viang has almost finished clearing the tree that was crowding the totara.
The back of the main sala at Bodhivana. An early morning view across the pond from Ajahns Kuti.
Feeding King Parrots and Roselas at a sanctuary not far from Bodhivana.
Bowl washing after lunch at Bodhivana Monastery.
![An array of abbots: [L-R] Ajahns Prayad Jundee Kalyano Kusalo Dhammasiha.](https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/yv-bMonks.jpg)
An array of abbots: [L-R] Ajahns Prayad Jundee Kalyano Kusalo Dhammasiha.
A lakeside fox watching Ajahn Kusalo on the porch of his kuti. She has three cubs but they were very shy.
Venerable Jivako dwarfed by towering redwoods.
Ajahn Kusalo crossing to the other shore.
A warm morning sun lifts mist from the valley floor. This view from the main sala with the workshop left and dana sala out of view to right.
Work begins on taking out the crown of the of the loop track just below the upper house.
The camera shy caterpillar smoking his hookah most likely just left before this sun speckled photo was taken.
Richard and Oliver fitting the bottom rails for the new trellis at the back of the kitchen.
Richard and Indranath fixing the trellis battens cut by Oliver. The fence is almost finished - ready for the asphalt.
The Buddha as an element in nature; that which knows knows the nature of (human) nature.
The flat area across the stream below the library is now much more clear and open. Well done Andrew.!
The alms bowl and robe are signs of the renunciant life. Letting go.
The sala by-pass crew rest in the shade at the bottom of the new track.
The track just below the upper house is now a gentle rise and downward slope.
The track will be split just below the upper house to lower the very steep up-and-then-down on the longer loop track. The area in green will be removed.
The group that attended the day-long retreat led by Sharda Rogell. It was nice to see some new faces.
The shrine is a place of focus; our attention turns inward.
Dawn Angie Aroha and John digging a drainage channel alongside the new road work. The rain will be here soon enough!
The late afternoon light bathing both plant and stone.
Christine and Angie working on planting the bare earth edges of the the new sala by-pass road.
All those attending the day-long retreat got to choose a Buddha. Such a lovely symbol.
![A recent visit from Ajahn Sudhiro [left].](https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ze-sudhiro.jpg)
A recent visit from Ajahn Sudhiro [left].
![The view from hermitage base camp X [code name: Nowhere] through the upper foliage of a large Rewarewa tree. Thats the Viveka kuti underlined in red to the left.](https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ze-hermitage1.jpg)
The view from hermitage base camp X [code name: Nowhere] through the upper foliage of a large Rewarewa tree. Thats the Viveka kuti underlined in red to the left.
A view from the road at the very top of the monastery property.
Thats Stokes Valley in the background left.
Thats Stokes Valley in the background left.
Elliot gets ready to fix the first rafter for the table storage unit on the west side of the cloister.
Heavy rain carved large ruts in the driveway and car park. All going well this will be sealed next month.
The kitchen fence area being prepped ready for concreting and trellis.
A wee slice of elven-like magic nestled in the dappled woods at Bodhinyanarama.
Cameron preparing the foundations for the dana table store. Tidiness is next to the fire hose.
The frame has been there for a while. A trellis is not too far away. As is asphalt for the driveway.!
Monks from most of the Wellington viharas gathered at the invitation of the Thai Embassy to offer blessings in the new building.
Cameron and Stefan concreting in the posts for the new garden kuti privacy screen.
A very muted but spiritually bright candlelit procession from the sala to the Giving Garden in front of the kitchen where all our aspirations were planted under the spreading kanuka.
Friends lined up outside the monastery entrance on New Years morning to offer alms to the Sangha.
Offering alms to the Sangha.
Everyone makes their way up to the sala to prepare for the main meal.
The entrance to the Thai Temple in Christchurch.
![Ajahn Kusalo (center) visiting Wat BuddhaSamakhee in Christchurch. One of the resident monks (right) and a monk from the Sri Lankan vihara. [names not recorded]](https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/zm-trip1.jpg)
Ajahn Kusalo (center) visiting Wat BuddhaSamakhee in Christchurch. One of the resident monks (right) and a monk from the Sri Lankan vihara. [names not recorded]
The monastery Buddhas along with many that friends brought get blessed many times over.
How many Theravadins does it take to clear a drain?
Circumambulation of the stupa under the full moon of Vesak. The incense the candles the lights of Stokes Valley in the distance. Nice.
Ajahn Tiradhammo joyfully sprinkling holy water over the assembled crowd of monastery supporters. Sadhu sadhu sadhu.
Autumn leaves strewn across the lawn. The changing colours so mark the changing seasons.
The sangha chanting at the stupa. Thats venerable Hiriko our new resident on the left. An auspicious start to his stay at Bodhinyanarama.
Natalie fills in the interstices between the new drive-courtyard transition grid.
A group of guests who enjoyed staying so much they extended their visit - to the extent that this became the "class of mid-May." Many happy times.
The dana offering at Wat Samakhee in Christchurch during Ajahn Kusalos visit there.
Sunset at Wat Samakhee - Christchurch.
The stupa gets a good cleaning... as preparation for Vesak its a good thing to keep religious objects clean keep all things clean... and such a nice group activity in the sun.
Heidi trimming the hedge at the stupa ensuring the stunning view of Stokes Valley is maintained. Right view? To be sure.
Ajahn Ariyasilo leads the Sangha chanting the anumodana.
![Bhante Jinalankara [L1] with Bhante Sugatavamsa [L3] who recently arrived in NZ to stay at Dhammagavesi. Bhante Wimalananda [L2] is from Auckland.](https://bodhinyanarama.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/zd-bhantes.jpg)
Bhante Jinalankara [L1] with Bhante Sugatavamsa [L3] who recently arrived in NZ to stay at Dhammagavesi. Bhante Wimalananda [L2] is from Auckland.
All the Buddhas lined up in the cloister ready to be blessed.
The crowd gathering in the sala ready to begin the New Year festivities.
At the end of the circumambulation offerings are made at the shrine in the cloister.
The Sangha going pindapat around the cloister with the community lined up three or more deep on all four sides.
Ajahn Kusalo and Venerable Thitavijjo have their hands blessed - and again - and again. Awash with joy.
Grandma giving instruction on making offerings to the standing Buddha shrine in the courtyard.
The Sangha (more around the corner) chanting blessings on the occasion of the opening of the new Dhammagavesi property in Wainuiomata. Much joy and happiness.
The road crew breaking rocks in preparation for the car park asphalt edging.
The eldest Elder blessing the Buddhas in Palmerston North as part of the new year celebration.
Ajahn Kusalo receives a blessing in Palmerston North.
Part of the long queue in Palmerston North to bless the Buddha statues.
The buttressed entrance to the monastery.
A late Autumn sky casts a sharp line around the forest.
The morning sun bathes a quiet resting place.
The verdant greens of summer surround the Buddha.
Some of the monastery guests working on the driveway in preparation for the asphalt.
Children and parents from the Tawa dhamma school join for the meal offering.
The garden kuti continues to get the upgrade with the latest addition being a patio area adjacent to the deck.
Suan and Patsy silhouetted against the bright summer sky.
Peter and Clare carrying buckets along the new kuti track.
Ajahn Kusalo painting the underside of the bed-thing for his new kuti (renovated triplex).
Venerable Hiriko applying finishing touches to the door of the renovated triplex.
Ajahn fine tuning a brace on the new patio retaining wall.
Luke Peter and Josh working on the new patio wall.
Chainsaw samadhi.
The upper house patio being enjoyed by Ven. Hiriko. The Buddha supervises the retaining wall work.
James and venerable Hiriko at the beach.
Ajahn Ariyasilo looking ahead.
The monks at the Paekakariki Hill lookout.
Venerable Kusalacitto between logs and sea and Kapiti Island.
With a chainsaw in each hand James makes his way to the hermitage track.
Gravel is loaded into buckets ready for the trip to the new kuti track.
New Year morning. Friends gathered to offer dana.
Lunch at Bodhinyanarama - the fresh flowers (for the bird) not the bird.
Ajahn Ariyasilo receiving rice at the end of the New Years day pindapat.
The base of the Wishing Tree glowing with illumination and gifts.
Making offerings at the base of the stupa.
Sharing the light. A focussed transmission.
Flowers candles and incense as offerings on New Years eve.
The new year retreat core group (a few missing) just prior to the closing ceremony. Release and Renewal.
The retreat is over. Nice.
At the root of a tree. Part of John Johns legacy.
Vieng clearing the top of the bank at the upper house in preparation for the formation of the new patio area.
Ajahn Bunku (left of Buddha) visiting from Thailand with Ajahn Natawat from Wianuiomata.
John our kuti builder doing a quick site level check to order the foundation timbers.
Cape Trip: We took the 2 WD track in for a few kilometers to get closer to the mountains.
Summer draws to a close. The skies are clear and bright.
Cape Trip: Our first breakfast together with Ajahn Chandako on the outskirts of Rotorua.
Cape Trip: Imagine the winds that shaped this tree close to Lottin Point one of the easterly most points of New Zealand. The East Cape.
Cape Trip: On the Ohope peninsular. Ajahn Chandakos tent in dappled light just opposite the golf course. Sunset.
Cape Trip: Pat and Ajahn Kusalo scan the spacious foreshore of Rangitukia Beach looking for a camp spot - one that wont get the van stuck in the sand!
Cape Trip: Ajahn Kusalo opted for beach camping at Rangitukia. The hot sun required some creative robe adjustments.
Cape Trip: With our splendid hosts at Anaura Bay. Hearty hospitality and a superb meal on our last day there. Sadhu.!
Cape Trip: At the side of some road somewhere up high as we make our way to Mahia Peninsular. Those dark clouds gave a little but they barely dampened our sun hats.
Ajahn Ariyasilo finishing off the top end of the fence alongside the kitchen.
A drying kitchen glove gives a rocky benediction.
Cutting across the moat of emptiness - one pipe. Chris hard at work burying the beast.
Cape Trip: Breakfast just off Kaiwaka Street beside the Tokaanu Tailrace canal the outfeed from the 240 MW power station.
John assisted by Finn (student on work placement) set the foundation posts for the first kuti.
Ajahn Kusalos son (left) helps with the installing of the new cabinets. Suan is right.
A detail of the new cushion rack in the downstairs eating area.
Ajahn Chah oversees a sewing demo.
A small contingent of the Taita Girl Guides visiting the monastery.
First light. The early morning view from Ajahns new kuti.
A quick Pshop rendition of how the Buddha image might look.
The full moon of Magha rises in the East.
Everyone came to inspect the end of the patio earth moving. Pick up a tool and look like workers :)- LP & J sure were.
With the earth work finished the patio area is gravelled.
Rob counting out the last of the small stuff.
John and Benjamin fixing the wheel stops in the upper car park.
Bodhinyanaramas Flying Circus? Rope stays are secured to the pole centre to prevent flex under high winds (and we do have them in S.Valley)
Northern-hemisphere types may sometimes wonder "where is Bodhinyanarama?" It is part of the middle way - two islands and we are in the middle. Hobbits have yet to be seen attending pujas.
Ajahn Kusalo attending the Kathina at Dhamma Gavesi. Lots of monks lots of lay people lots of devotion and joy. Sadhu.
With the ever present threat of pestilence and fire a conference was recently held. Our ever vigilant rooster presided over one of the better attended meetings.
The marquee is positioned ready for erection.
Sunday lunch at Bodhinyanarama. Fuel for the workers before the marquee erection.
Ropes and straps - plenty of both are required.
The first edge is strapped in place.
The ground crew get the last edge ready for raising. Be careful of that copper gutter.
All four sides are just about secured.
And UP it GoEs..!
The Sangha gathered from around Wellington. Cambodia Burmese Laos Thai Kiwi Sri Lankan Malaysian - and the lay group was even more diverse.
The pole is positioned and raised.
Locally made Buddhas as an offering to all the participants of the Labour Weekend Retreat.
At the end of the Labour Weekend retreat blessing everyone got a Buddha image.
Anagarika Colin having a hearty precepts discussion with that rooster.
The weather for the working bee was a bit damp but enthusiasm was hot. SO much was achieved.
Ajahn Kusalo chatting with a group of visitors from St. Francis Xavier church.
One of the messier parts of the area around the workshop and under the library. The working bee on Oct. 14th will fix this.
Heidi and Cameron tending the new garden area just below the upper house. A branch of Johns tree sweeps across the foreground.
Not quite a seven headed naga but this fern seems intent on offering shelter to the Buddha.
Ajahn Kusalo visiting Bhante Dhammasiha at Dhammagiri Monastery west of Brisbane. Very sunny very warm. Both the weather and the welcome.
The view across the pond to the new sala at Wat PahAmpawan.
Ajahn Jayasaro and Ajahn Kusalo in front of one of the carved decorations in the new sala at Wat PahAmpawan.
Monks preparing for the meal as part of the celebrations over several days at Wat PahAmpawan in Chonburi Thailand.
Ajahn Sumedho (left) taking part in the final dedication of the new sala. Ajahn Pasanno is just in behind him but not visible here.
The end of the 5-day retreat at BUBS in Kuala Lumpur.
An active demonstration of paticca samupada. Each of the 50 teenagers seats is dependent on the knee of the one in front. The fun and laughter was dependent on a lack of timing. And we all fall down.
A communication exercise. Build by verbal instruction only. These two girls got it 100% correct. Well done.
The end of the teen retreat at BUBS in Kuala Lumpur.
The teens gave a performance at the end of the 2-day retreat to show parents and friends what they had been doing.
Visitors to Dhammagiri Monastery with Aj Kusalo and Bhante Dhammasiha.
Ajahn Ki and Kusalo and Tan Ari having a drink out back of the sala.
Ajahn Kusalo Chao Khun Maha Suthep and venerable Thitavijjo standing in front of the stupa at the Island Bay Monastery.
The main shrine at Bodhinyanarama festooned with flowers.
Cameron and Eliot cementing in the plaque-board in the Kitchen Commemoration Garden. The final touch to this lovely area at the entrance to the monastery.
The cloister shrine set up for our Kathina-season celebration.
Spring is sprung.
The Buddha in the dana sala - sitting under the Bodhi tree. New season new leaves.
Not a lot of space left in either the hall or the cloister. What a wonderful space! place! community!
One space left for a small pair of shoes.
The back wall of the main sala opened up ready for the crowd. Big and heavy - just need a system is all.
The Venerable Sangha chanting paritta. The blessings of the Buddha Dhamma and Sangha.
Children and adults alike listening to Ajahns explanation on the symbology of the Buddha rupa - prior to making lots of them.
The view up the Hutt Valley. Yes thats snow on the Rimutaka Hills in the background.
The view from the Electric kuti.
Cleaning out the moat around the sala.
Receiving alms with focus and gratitude.
The crowd begins to assemble for Vesak.
Venerable Elders circumambulating the main shrine hall.
The forecourt garden. Growing and nicely groomed.
Ajahn Kusalo leading the mantra -
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhasa.
Homage to the Buddha on his birthday.
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhasa.
Homage to the Buddha on his birthday.
Kuti decor.
The faithful laity line the cloister ready to offer pindapat to the monks.
Alms round in the Palmerston North shopping mall.
Looking toward the lower house on the way to morning puja. Stokes Valley lies in the distance.
Kuti detail.
Ajahn Chandako visiting Bodhinyanarama for a couple of days prior to his departure to Abhayagiri Monastery California for the Vassa.
The small shrine in the cloister set up for Vesak.
A vertical line of auspicious symbols.
Someone suggested that this was the reincarnation of Bob Robinson who worked in the Accounts Department at Woolworths. Others have suggested otherwise. This is not an easy call.
Richard and Colin get ready to open up the view from the topmost kuti.
The view from the topmost kuti slowly revealing itself.
Water vessels for the sharing of merit shine in the early morning sun on the base of the main sala shrine.
A dappled wooden gate.
Those remaining after the AGM. The sun was shining on us all.
The final layer of white stone being added to the kitchen garden.
Adding yet another nice touch to his beautiful stone walled garden Simon rakes out the first layer of white stone.
Cameron and Anagarika Colin making a start on moving the new shipment of books.
Ian about to launch a branch into the undergrowth as part of the tidy up around his kuti.
The Garden Kuti now has a visible view. The raw patches will be grassed.
Students from St. Mathews school in Masterton visiting the monastery.
Another piece of spring springs forth. The ground is carpeted with these guys. Manuka?
The newly elected WTBA committee. Have a look here for details
A spring territorial dispute? Or...?
One of the local kereru has been crashing into the dana sala windows.
Who is at who here?
One of the local kereru has been crashing into the dana sala windows.
Who is at who here?
Rats ate a hole in the upper house kitchen plumbing. Glen is visiting us from Dunedin and kindly offered to make repairs.
Our new guest collecting alms from Sinjira. And such a nice shade of brown 🙂
A shrines eye view of half the AGM assembly.
Ajahn Kusalo attended the vassa entry ceremony for Wat Thai at the Wainuiomata local hall.
Colin offering a tray of flowers candles and incense to Ajahn Kusalo prior to requesting the Anagarika precepts.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!
An island of sanity nestled at the top of Stokes Valley.
Anagarika Colin takes his place with the Sangha.
Forest path.
One of the monastery elders hugging the side of the hill.
Ajahn Boonchuay visiting from Wat Purithat Patitharam in Pathum Thani braving the weather in Stokes Valley. A lovely visit.
Walking the labyrinth at Lower Hutt Hospital after a talk on walking meditation.
The entrance to the Garden of Enlightened Knowing. Very welcoming.
Teamwork ensures that the commemorative plaques are installed upright and level.
Blessing threads are given and received with great joy.
Venerable is... ummmm stepping out in style? Showing the devas the vitarka mudra? Looking through a lens lightly? Happy?
Most of the walking tracks at Bodhinyanarama are either up or down the hill. Grand views usually come in both directions.
Fire? What fire? There is nowhere much to go and no great hurry to get there.
Alms round in Stokes Valley.
On alms round in Stokes Valley.
The kitchen garden is almost finished with the commemorative plaques being one of the final additions.
Venerable Thitavijjo sweeping his walking meditation path.
Ajahn Kusalo shaping the support posts for the board bearing the plaques to commemorate those who supported the construction of the kitchen.
The stupa holds the head of Stokes Valley.
Having received alms in the kitchen Venerable Thitavijjo heads up to the dana sala to chant the anumodana.
Alms round in Stokes Valley.
Slow down - not too fast - got to make the morning last.
Slow down - not too fast - got to make the morning last.
Alms round in Stokes Valley.
Where there are people there are usually twice as many feet. A narrow walkway leads into the cloister.
The Sangha goes on rice pindapat around the cloister on Kathina day 2012. The light of the marquee casts a soft ocher light.
A devotional offering.
Offerings at the feet of the Buddha.
The Sangha circumambulates the sala with several hundred lay people following behind.
The front wall of the old kitchen is removed.
The end wall has been left as it has all the electrics.
The roof is off and walls are falling.
The lower block work has been finished and work begins on the upper floor.
Mess - and more mess.
What was the toilet lean-to.
The high ceiling makes for quite a job of plastering the gib board.
Finishing work is well under way with a serious team of guys.
The upper floor kitchen toilet and bathroom pipe work tucks into the floor framing.
The driveway retaining wall has been formed and the drive is being filled.
The front sun porch being framed.
The main structure is complete. Finishing details slowly get done.
And... the roof is on.
With steel in place the wood framing starts to take shape.
Roof frames being craned into position.
Steel uprights in place with walls off to one side.
The interior is slowly stripped out.
And even more concrete.
And slowly the walls rise.
The floor is finished and ready for blockwork.
And more concrete.
Excavation foundations concrete.
More foundations.
Foundations.
Excavations for the front sun porch.
The front sun porch being framed and ready for glazing.
The downstairs kitchen installed and being tested.
The end wall is almost finished. Simon has yet to begin his stonework.