New YearHappy New Year.! May the days ahead bring you much happiness and joy with the blessings of the Triple Gem and the protection of the Dhamma. It has been quite busy here so this is the first update of the year. Our retreat went very well with good attendance. view photos New year’s eve saw a delightful number come for the midnight vigil. NY day was wet and windy and pindapat down Stokes Valley was cancelled. Even so, about 200 people turned up to offer alms and welcome the year in the monastery. A great beginning.
Ajahn ChahWe celebrated the 25th anniversary of Luang Por Chah’s passing on the 16th. His life has been a blessing to the world with this monastery and all the opportunities it offers being a beautiful reflection of that. We remember Luang Por Chah with gratitude and draw inspiration from his example. view photos
NetworkingAs part of an overall plan to foster closer connection between the Australasian monasteries Venerable Bhuripanno will be coming from Dhammagiri in Brisbane to stay here for a month; arriving on the 23rd February. We very much look forward to his visit with us. There are also plans for local monks from Wat Dhammaprateep in Newlands and Dhamma Gavesi in Wainuiomata to come here for an extended stay. New Zealand is nicely on the fringe of the world but somewhat removed from the main monastic population so it is nice that we can build these friendships locally.
Ajahn RatanawannoWe are very happy to have Ajahn Ratanawanno coming to stay with us for 6 weeks. Originally from Thailand he has spent a lot of time at Wat Pah Nanachat, Abhayagiri and Amaravati so is very familiar with Western Buddhism. We haven’t finalised plans for his time here yet but will let you know as that takes shape. His Amaravati bio pic is such a nice smiley one 🙂 … view photos
Office PersonDo you have time to help out in the monastery office doing general admin duties? About 4-6 hours per week? There is a lot of flexibility with both time, days and the work to be done. If you are interested you could phone: 563 7193 or email