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• 24 September 2024 – Kathina CeremonyJoin us for our annual Kathina Ceremony on Sunday, November 3rd at 10:00 AM. This special event marks the end of the Rains Retreat (Vassa) and is a time for the community to come together in celebration and generosity. The Kathina tradition was established by the Buddha over 2500 years ago and is the largest alms-giving ceremony of the…
• 26 June 2024 – Welcoming Anagarika Alex On Sunday, June 23rd, 2024, Alex received the Anagarika precepts in a joyous and heartfelt ceremony. We are delighted to welcome Alex into our monastic community as an Anagarika. Alex has been living with us for the past few months and has expressed his deep commitment to the Buddha’s teachings and our monastic way of life. The…
• 25th April 2024 – Abbotical SuccessionOn Sunday, March 3rd, we celebrated the transition of leadership at Bodhinyanarama Monastery. Ajahn Kusalo stepped down as abbot, and Ajahn Nandiyo was appointed as the new abbot. A joyful ceremony was held to mark this occasion, attended by both long-time friends and newcomers, monastics and laypeople from near and far. On the following day, we celebrated Ajahn Kusalo’s…
• 28th February 2024 – Change On Sunday the 3rd of March there will be two events of note; Ajahn Kusalo’s (72nd) birthday celebration and the role transition of Bodhinyanarama’s abbot. The first will take place around the meal offering with a few words shared and some general festivity associated with such an occasion. After lunch (about 12.30) there will be a semi-formal ceremony to…

• 15th December 2023 – New Year RetreatStarting on Sunday 26th December at 7pm and finishing at 4pm on Tuesday 3rd. Accommodation is full and we have started a wait list; which you are welcome to join. You are most welcome to join the retreat during the day or for evening puja and/or to join us on New Year’s eve. Overnight shared accommodation is available…
• 27th October 2023 – Kathina Season CelebrationBodhinyanarama will have its annual Kathina season celebration on November 12th; 09:45. The end of the vassa usually sees a change of energy, and people, in the monastery and Kathina is the biggest alms giving ceremony that heralds the start of a ‘new year’. This year we are looking toward getting the new nursing kuti facility started (see…
• 3rd August 2023 – AGMThe Annual General Meeting was held a few weeks ago and all went very smoothly. This is very much a reflection of the overall tone of the monastery; there is not much happening. The committee was re-elected with the various reports given and these, along with the general minutes, will be posted on the website soon. There is a link…
• 28th June 2023 – Annual General MeetingIt seems only a year ago that we had the last one 🙂 Sunday July 9th – 12:30pm (just after dana); an annual review of the year past and the election of the WTBA committee. Everyone is welcome to attend but you can only vote if you are a member. You can action your annual membership here. Monastery…
• 24th May 2023 – Vesak This Sunday, May 28th, 9.45am – a celebration of the life of the Buddha and all that has come as a result of his life. One of the biggest events on our annual calendar. The children’s Sunday School were here on Saturday and have put up Vesak lanterns so the cloister is looking very festive. We very much hope…
• 17th February 2023 – Happy New YearIt has been a while since the last update and now we are well into a new year. We hope that all is going well for you, current weather excepted, and that it is indeed proving to be a happy year. The first part of the year will be very busy at Bodhinyanarama with an unprecedented number of…

• 30th November 2022 – New Year RetreatAjahn Pasada has kindly offered to lead this retreat. Starting at 7pm on Monday 26th December and finishing on Tuesday 3rd January at 4pm. Many people have already booked so if you want accommodation please fill out the guest booking form. You are welcome to come through the day and join any part of the retreat. BruceBruce passed…
• 25th October 2022 – KathinaVassa is well over now and the Kathina season has another week+ remaining. Our celebration last Sunday was a very inspiring reminder of the underlying depth and strength of our wider community. What a warm, joyful and hearty gathering we had. The main offering of cloth was made by our long-term lay stewards, Suan, Bruce and Lindsay, and it was…
• 30th September 2022 – Kathina S.C.Kathina Season Celebration… October 16th, 9:45am. This occasion marks the end of the vassa and is the biggest alms giving ceremony of the year. Traditionally it is a time to be sure that monks have sufficient requisites before resuming wandering. These days, with monks more settled, it is directed more at the monastery generally – although there will be…
• 19th August 2022 – Vassa RetreatA combination of people’s continuing concerns with covid and the resident community’s ‘pulling back’ sees this year’s vassa as being very quiet. We are a week off half way now and several of the sangha have had, or are having their personal self-retreat. This is such a special time for us and we very much appreciate your support in…
• 15th June 2022 – June Meditation RetreatFriday 24th June, 7pm – Sunday 26th, 4pm. “The Present Moment” – let’s make it a gift, a present! It is always being offered but, perhaps, not always fully received; much of the joy in this gift is not appreciated. Led by Ajahn Kusalo. There is still accommodation: booking formIf you have applied but not received an email…
• 3rd June 2022 – VesakA many layered celebration. Dhamma Gavesi had theirs on the 14th (Bhante Jinalankara is in Sri Lanka so, obviously :), did not join). Bodhinyanarama revelled on the 22nd (unfortunately overlapping Wat Thai) and ATBA, in Auckland, had their event on the 29th. There was also a gathering at Bodhinyanarama on the 28th for the Sri Lankan Sunday School (lanterns, etc.).…
• 16th May 2022 – VesakOn Sunday the 22nd of May we will celebrate Vesak; focusing on the life of the Buddha. His birth, enlightenment and final passing took place on the full moon of the month of Vesak 2565 years ago. This day of celebration is an opportunity to bring forth a heart of gratitude and to reflect on the incredible legacy we have;…
• 31st March 2022 – We have been busy/distracted in a kind of way so it has been a while since the last update. There is plenty that has been happening so this one is quite long. There are quite a few photos … but time is a bit preoccupied so it may take a few more days to edit those and get them online.…
• 28th January 2022 – Happy New YearWe sincerely hope that all your days to come throughout this year are filled with calm, peace and all good things.The new year meditation retreat went extremely well with full attendance and several people coming through the day. New year’s eve was especially beautiful with clear skies and a good crowd; many extra just here for the evening.…

• 23rd December 2021 – New Year EventsThe retreat (26th to 3rd) is oversubscribed but you are welcome to come and join in for the day.On NY Eve we will have our usual pre-midnight ceremonies. This year we will move the planting of our ‘aspirations’ under the wishing-tree up to the stupa where we will start that part of the evening by planting a new…
• 3rd December 2021 – Covid + more covidThe traffic light system is in place. We are trying to be clear about our responsibilities and be compliant. Our range of activities presents numerous variations, not always with an obvious way to proceed. For the next while most of our events will be considered as ‘non-pass-required’ with the continuing emphasis on masks and distance. Please have…
• 6th November 2021 – Covid ProtocolsThe vassa has ended and we have reviewed monastery covid protocols with a view to making Bodhinyanarama more accessible for you all – as of Tuesday 9th. There are quite a few details, with the main standard being “masks and 1m distancing.” Please have a look at the website to read full protocol details. We have the cloister canopy…
• 31st August 2021 – LockdownI sincerely hope that you are all faring well during the current phase of C19. This human life has many challenges and we learn, over time, to deal with them. This particular one is relatively new for all of us, old and young, and we are all in the learning stage; which can be especially difficult. The Dhamma, the role…
• 23rd July 2021 – VassaThe full moon of Asalha is on Saturday 24th and it marks the beginning of the monastery’s three month winter retreat. We have a very solid group of people committed to being here for this time and to making the extra efforts with practice and study that this time traditonally encourages. The first week will be unscheduled, the second will…
• 24th June 2021 – Level 2And it just won’t go away! But… it will change. For now we are on level 2 and must limit gatherings to 100 people and maintain 1m distancing. You are most welcome to come to the monastery but – be distance aware. Unfortunately we have to cancel the upcoming retreat; see below.Weekend RetreatIt was to have started this Friday,…
• 13th May 2021 – Vesak CelebrationSunday, May 30th – 9:45am. To celebrate the birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha. Come and join us on this auspicious occasion. We will be putting the (hopefully new) marquee up so there will be plenty of room. Precepts, rice pindapat, sharing of merit, shared meal, Dhamma talk, cirumambulation, blessings… etc. You are invited to join us…
• 25th March 2021 – 2021 RetreatsTwo weekends have been set for retreats:April 16-18 led by Venerable KusalacittoJune 25-27 led by Ajahn KusaloAn opportunity to establish, or extend, your meditation practice. Accommodation at the monastery is limited. Make a booking and put ‘retreat’ in the comments box. These are both ‘open’ retreats and, if you are not resident, you can come and join during the…
• 24th February 2021 – VesakTo honour the life of the Buddha! To bring a grateful focus to the blessings we receive as a result of his life. It is still a couple of months away but just to get the date into your calendar: Sunday, May 30th.Taupo TudongA couple of weeks ago Ajahns Kusalo, Thitasippo and Buddhisaro hitch-hiked and walked to Taupo and back.…
• 10th January 2021 – New YearThe annual meditation retreat went very well with a good attendance. All our lay bed-spaces (22) were used and other spaces, like the library, added another 5 people. It was quite cosy. Several people came through the day – with little disturbance – so the overall feeling was very still and settled. Many thanks to all those who brought…

• 22nd December 2020 – Happy Present Moment”Tis the season to be jolly… ” and the year’s end (and xmas) is a traditional time for happiness. So… much happiness all round! And kindness and good-will to you – and all beings – always. All of us here at Bodhinyanarama wish you many blessings and all good things for the new year ahead and thank you…
• 27th November 2020 – Dana RosterAunty Suan is preparing the meal-dana roster for next year. If you would like to offer dana at any specific time please contact her. This could be just for one day of the year, or twice a year, or monthly or weekly… there are any number of options available. Please make your interest known to Aunty.Monk RetreatsFour monks are…
• 31st October 2020 – Monks on TudongAjahns Sudhiro and Thitasippo are spending a couple of weeks wandering the South Island. As well as just ‘going walkabout’ they will be visiting the four Thai temples down that way. They also have support from Paul, Viphavadee and Kloy Jai and, all going well, they should be back in a week or so. We have had no…
• 26th September 2020 – KathinaSunday, 11th October: 9:30am. Now at level one we are able to meet together. Yay! The vassa this year has been an excellent one with a large and well committed sangha. We very much appreciate all the support that you offered through this time. To mark the end of vassa and the start of the year ahead we will gather…
• 18th August 2020 – Sunday ProgramSunday has traditionally been our main, regular day of events. The standard program (in the main hall) is:meditation at 10:00the meal offering at 10:30meditation 1:30 until 4:30pmevening puja (chanting, meditation, talk) at 6pmWe do occasionally experiment with different formats – trying to find what works best for you. As of the 23rd Aug. we will be trying a Q&A…
• 17th July 2020 – Samanera OrdinationSunday, July 19th, 1:00pm. After over a year with us as an anagarika Jet will take pappaja (going forth as a samanera); transitioning from white into the brown robe. This is a very auspicious event and of significance for the monastery as, while there have been a few anagarikas coming and going over the last few years, there has…
• 2nd July 2020 – July 5th CelebrationSunday, July 5th, 9:45am. This is the full moon of Asalha Puja, the beginning of the vassa. As this will be our first community gathering for 2020 there are so many other reasons to celebrate. It will be a delight to see you all.Annual General MeetingThis was held last Sunday and went very smoothly. It was especially notable…
• 22nd June 2020 – The BIG CelebrationSunday, July 5th, 9:45am. We have been in isolation for quite some time and several of our regular celebration events have been cancelled. And now, there are at least SEVEN reasons to come together to celebrate… 1: Vesak (the main one),2: Songkran (Asian New Year), 3: Khao Pansa (entering the rains retreat), 4: the Full Moon is on…
• 26th May 2020 – Vesak: rebrandedAs most of you have probably concluded we are NOT having a Vesak celebration on the 31st May. Unfortunately the government radically changed the assembly rules for level 2 so it is not feasible to think in terms of meeting together until we get to level 1. So… the current plan is to look toward a celebration event to…
• 6th May 2020 – Vesak ThoughtsToday is the full moon of May – Vesakah Puja! – and we are sequestered here in our little monastic bubble; as you are in yours. Which way will the wind blow tomorrow? We are very much hoping that we will be in level 2 in the next week or so. According to level 2 conditions we can have…
• 28th March 2020 – Sri Lanka ImagesAjahn Kusalo has sifted photos from his Sri Lankan trip and you can view these here. There are plans to write a journal but – don’t hold your breath. What a superb time it was with a manageable range of challenges – and returning to NZ just before the lockdown. Yay!Bodhinyanarama & CaronaVisit the website to view our…
• 12th March 2020 – Ajahn Kusalo Tudong TalkAfter his trip in January to Thailand for Luang Por Chah’s memorial Ajahn Kusalo then travelled to Sri Lanka where he wandered for 6 weeks with two other monks walking from Polonnaruwa south for 3 weeks then various buses, trains, tuk-tuks, and such down to Situlpawa monastery in Yala National Park. Many photos were taken along the…

• 23rd December 2019 – Luang Por SupotLuang Por arrived on Thursday and will be staying with us for three weeks. We have invited him to give a dhamma talk this coming Sunday evening, 29th; puja starts at 6pm. The talk will be in Thai with English translation. Do come and take this opportunity to hear teachings from a senior ajahn of the forest tradition.Landslide…
• 9th December 2019 – Busy BodhinyanaramaThere always seems to be a busy ‘rush’ after vassa ends. Also the ‘Christmas is Coming!’ energy flows in as well. The long spell of dry weather has meant we have been especially busy outdoors. So… there hasn’t a news update for quite a while; no shortage of news just not enough time to share it with you. The…
• 30th October 2019 – Kathina SeasonIt has been over a week prior but the delight and warmth of our kathina season celebration here at Bodhinyanarama lingers on. There were so many factors that added to the smooth running and joy of the day. The weather, lots of monks (16), a good number of lay friends (about 400), the support of the Thai embassy, the…
• 16th October 2019 – Kathina SCSunday, October 20th. We start at 9:45am with a short meditation, then some chanting, and the day’s programme unfolds from there. The weather forecast looks good for the day! We are pleased to have Ajahn Hasapannyo coming from Melbourne to join us for this occasion as well as our local sanghas. This year the robe-cloth will be offered by…
• 3rd October 2019 – Saturday WorkshopWith the vassa almost over, and summer on the way!, we are getting back up to speed with our general activities. As usual, the first Saturday of every month, 1-5pm, we meet for meditation. There is a general introduction to begin, with increasing silence and space for practice as the afternoon progresses.Kathina SCAfter an incredible vassa we are looking…
• 6th August 2019 – VassaOur annual winter retreat is well underway. We had a week of group meditation and this was well attended, both by residents and visitors just here for the day. This gets ‘the meditative ball rolling’ and the sangha has now started a cycle of self-retreats so there will be various monastics not visible at different times; not to say that…
• 11th July 2019 – RetreatThe June retreat went very well. The new short-weekend format seems to be much appreciated; there are already bookings for November. We may experiment with over-booking because sickness, work, family and such meant cancellations which meant we could have accommodated more. Even so we were at least 30 on Saturday. Very nice.AGMOur meeting went very well with a new committee…
• 27th June 2019 – RetreatFriday 28th to Sunday 30th June. Starts tomorrow; 7pm. With cancellations there is now some accommodation available. Use the booking form; specify ‘retreat’ in the comment box. booking form You are welcome to join the retreat during all or part of the day and return home in the evening.AGMSunday, 7th July, 1pm. All are welcome but if you want to…
• 11th June 2019 – AGM ooopsMy bad! It has been ‘discovered’ that the June meditation retreat and the advertised AGM date are on the same weekend… no can do. I think the complex committments of those coming for the retreat must take precedence. So… let’s have the AGM the following weekend – Sunday, 7th July, 1pm.This allows more time for you to fill out…
• 22nd May 2019 – VesakSunday, 26th May, 9:45. The marquee is up, the lanterns are hung and flags are at the ready. A few more items still need to be added and all we need then is for you to join us in celebrating the birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha. This is probably the biggest event on the Buddhist calendar when…
• 12th May 2019 – VesakSunday, 26th May, 9:45am. Join us to celebrate the birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha; probably the biggest event on the Buddhist calendar. We will honour the life of this great being, without who none of this would be possible; the monastery, the sangha… Buddhism. An opportunity for celebration, gratitude, dhamma, friendship… joy. This day is about community…
• 17th April 2019 – SongkranSunday 21st April. We will celebrate S.E. Asian New year this Sunday. Starting at about 9:45 the program will include a short meditation, group chanting, rice pindapat, Five Precepts, offering of requisites and – after lunch – Dhamma talk, Sangha paritta chanting and water blessing of laity and all our Buddha rupas (statues) – and the monks. If you have…
• 21st March 2019 – Peace DemonstrationThis Saturday, Wellington, Civic Square, 1pm until… everyone is peaceful? The sangha will meditate together (at least until 3pm) and you are all welcome to join us at any time in silent prayer, blessings, merit sharing, peaceful public coexistence, as support for all those who are suffering in the context of the Christchurch shooting. Even your just coming for…
• 28th February 2019 – Meditation WorkshopThis Saturday, 2nd March, 1-5pm. This is the second workshop this year and it will be led by Ajahn Vajiro who is with us until March 11th. This is a good opportunity to hear a fresh voice and new perspective on meditation with an opportunity to ask questions. Suitable for beginners and experienced meditators. Retreat ScheduleYou may have been…
• 20th February 2019 – Ajahn VajiroAjahn was the abbot here at Bodhinyanarama back in 1994+ and is currently the abbot at Sumedharama Monastery in Portugal. He will be arriving here on Saturday 23rd and staying for about three weeks. He will be leading a good number of our regular teaching events; Sunday evening puja (24th, 3rd), meditation workshop (2nd). He is very generous in…

• 28th November 2018 – Kathina PhotosIt has been a while since we had this event but the days have been well filled preparing for the stupa dedication. You may want to view photos from that day. Many thanks to Jiri, Tomasz and Euan for the photos. And many thanks to all of you for making that such a lovely day. Working BeeThe weather ran…
• 14th November 2018 – Stupa DedicationSunday, December 2nd. 9:45 start. Most information is on the website Dedication Detail page. A brief outline of that:Stupa: Offerings Bring something special, beautiful, personal, auspicious to place at the head of the Buddha.Stupa: Dhamma Our visiting ajahns will be offering dhamma. Starting Saturday 24th, 1pm: Ajahn Viradhammo + 6pm Sunday. Then Thursday 29th, Friday 30th, Saturday 1st: 2…
• 30th October 2018 – KathinaSunday, November 4th. 9:45 start. After a very harmonious and fruitful rains retreat the community will celebrate the end of the vassa. The Kathina tradition was established by the Buddha over 2500 years ago and is the largest alms-giving ceremony of the Buddhist year. The focus is on the offering of robe cloth to the sangha with the event generally…
• 11th October 2018 – Labour W’end RetreatFriday, October 19th to Monday 22nd. “A matter of Life and Death.” It really is… Life is a matter of death and death a matter of life – and we are all doing it. How well? Bringing clarity to the mind through meditation allows us to develop a full and effective perspective. Please use the booking form and…
• 14th September 2018 – VassaLast Sunday was the new moon which marked the half-way point of the vassa. We have been receiving very few residential guests so the monastery has been very quiet with almost no work projects. We are basically five monks plus our three long-term stewards and the atmosphere is extremely peaceful. Visitors continue to come regularly either to offer dana or…
• 2nd August 2018 – Working BeeLast weekend was the King of Thailand’s birthday. The Embassy staff and others in the Thai community organized a working bee at the monastery to celebrate the occasion and to dedicate merits to his majesty. The stupa was the main focus but gardening and cleaning work also got done. It was a very happy and friendly time – as…
• 27th June 2018 – Buddha Rupa ArrivesAfter over a year of planning and coordinating the reclining marble buddha rupa from Thailand has arrived. Being less in weight (1.1 tonne) with more manageable dimensions than the moonstone transporting it up the hill from the carpark was comparatively easy. We had an excavator on site so it was a fairly easy matter to hang it off…
• 12th June 2018 – Working BeeThis Saturday, 16th June, after lunch ~ 12:30. The main focus will be clearing the Bhikkhu Vihara basement – known by some as ‘The Cardinals Palace.’ There are thoughts to better utilise this space. Currently it is full of ‘stuff’ that we would like to clear and shift down to the workshop. A secondary focus is the marquee. With…
• 31st May 2018 – VesakWe had a delightful gathering on Sunday. A combination of both Wat Thai and Wat Cambodia having their celebration on the same day, as well as a bitter wind from the south, meant there were less gathered than might be considered usual for such an occasion. The joy and warm hearts more than brought balance to the chill. If anything…
• 11th May 2018 – VesakMay 27th… Vesak is one of the biggest Buddhist events of the year when we celebrate the birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha. A time to express our gratitude to the Buddha and our appreciation of the Dhamma that he taught and the Sangha that he established. A time to confirm our connection with the monastery and celebrate…
• 20th April 2018 – SongkranThere was a joyous gathering at Bodhinyanarama last Sunday to celebrate Songkran; S.E. Asian new year. There was an excellent turnout with good numbers representing all cultures. The absolutely perfect weather may have been a supporting factor. There are many factors at work within such an event – generosity, a love of Dhamma, an appreciation of Sangha, culture and tradition,…
• 30th March 2018 – South IslandBhikkhus Kusalo, Thanavaro and Phasuko travelled with Pat and Daniel for eleven days in the northern part of the South Island. From the ferry they headed west along highway 63 through Murchison to Westport then north to Kohaihai. This is the end of the road that meets the end of the Heaphy track and there were lots of excellent…
• 2nd March 2018 – Quiet MonasteryAnd how things change. As of Monday venerable Kusalacitto will be the only, thus senior, monk at Bodhinyanarama. See details next item. The schedule will remain more or less unchanged. It is a blessing that we have as many monks as we do and that venerable is willing to take the lead. Just so you know in case you…
• 21st February 2018 – M & M DayOn Sunday the 25th we will celebrate Magha Puja. Sometimes called “Sangha Day” it commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 arahants around the Buddha. We will also celebrate the final placement of the Moonstone at the stupa. This will include the internment of various sacred objects and relics under the stone. If you have ‘special’ things you…
• 31st January 2018 – NY RetreatWe had 27 retreatants in residence with several people coming for the day. We had more than double that number on new year’s eve, meditating until midnight with a few simple rituals to farewell the old and welcome the new. The theme of ‘The End of the World’ was well explored; as a teaching, in discussion, in ritual and,…

• 19th December 2017 – New Year RetreatDec. 26 to Jan. 3rd. “The End of the World.” Not annihilation but cessation – transcendence. From where to what? That is the question; which can’t be conventionally answered, only directly experienced. Let’s do that! Accommodation is pretty tight but do apply if you want to join. Camping is an option. Otherwise you can come during the day…
• 29th November 2017 – Monthly ReminderMeditation is the study, training and understanding of the mind. “All phenomena are preceded by, ruled by and made by the mind.” Dhammapada #1. Two monthly events. 1st Saturday 2nd Dec. = meditation workshop; 1-5pm at the monastery. + 1st Monday 4th = city meditation; 6-7.30pm, Quaker House, Moncrief St.Venerable ThanavaroVenerable Thanavaro, born in Hungary and ordained in UK,…
• 12th November 2017 – New Year RetreatDecember 26th to January 3rd – “The End of the World.” An exploration of experiential definitions of the world, its extent, our experience of it and its ending. The transition into the new year marks a point of change. You can make some changes. The retreat is semi-residential so do join for all or part of the time.…
• 24th October 2017 – Kathina SeasonA joyous time of celebration. There were reciprocal visits between DhammaGavesi, Wat Dhammapradeep and Bodhinyanarama for our respective Kathina events. All were well attended, well organized and happy times. It is also nice to see the mutual support with many people attending not just their own cultural function. There are a few photos of the Wat Thai Kathina and…
• 26th September 2017 – Awk PansaOctober 1st. A traditional S.E. Asian ceremony to mark the ending of vassa. A day of festivity as a preparatory approach to the Kathina season celebration. KATHINA SEASON CELEBRATIONOctober 15th. We will be celebrating the end of our vassa retreat on Sunday 15th. A joyful gathering to share in the virtue of Dhamma and to express our gratitude to…
• 24th August 2017 – VassaWe celebrated the new moon on Monday. This marks the half-way point of the vassa. Ajahn Kusalo begins his self-retreat and the resident community generally maintains a quiet and meditative schedule. We all often reflect on the blessing of this opportunity; to be able to cultivate the Buddha’s teaching with such inspiring support from the wider community. Sadhu! With not…
• 30th July 2017 – VassaWe are now nearly three weeks into our vassa, winter retreat. We are four monks and four lay stewards in residence and are flowing along nicely having just finished a week of group practice. There are still a few ongoing projects but nothing too demanding (see below). With no short-term overnight guests the energy in the monastery is very stable…
• 26th June 2017 – Annual General MeetingYou are welcome to join us on Sunday July 2nd, 1:00pm for our AGM. This is a public meeting with only WTBA members able to vote. We will have the abbot’s, president’s and treasurer’s reports, elect a new committee, vote on a small change to the constitution (see text below) and generally review development over the year past.…
• 3rd May 2017 – VesakWe invite you to join us on Sunday May 7th, 9:45am, to honour and respect the many blessings that we have received from the Buddha. Vesak is the most significant event on the Buddhist calendar celebrating the life of Gotama the Buddha; his birth, enlightenment and final passing. A most worthy cause for celebration.All are welcome.Saturday Meditation WorkshopThis Saturday, 6th…
• 22nd April 2017 – SongkranDespite all of the other viharas having an event on the same day we were delighted to welcome nearly 200 friends to share the new year celebration at Bodhinyanarama. The weather was gentle and sunny throughout proceedings. Literally – as the last monk had his hands blessed – the sky devas could hold back their joy no longer and their…
• 13th April 2017 – SongkranWe will celebrate S.E. Asian New year this Sunday, 16th April. Starting at about 9:45 the program will include short meditation, group chanting, rice pindapat, Five Precepts, offering of requisites and – after lunch – Dhamma talk, Sangha paritta chanting and water blessing of laity and all our Buddha rupas (statues). If you have a favourite rupa do bring it…
• 24th March 2017 – Tent ThanksMany thanks to all those who offered the use of tents for the monks’ tudong. Unfortunately one of the monks was sick, our driver had a funeral and the weather was awful. We did the Palmerston part of the plan but got two flat tyres on the way back. view photos With all this we got the feeling that…
• 2nd March 2017 – Stupa UpdateWe have had an excavation machine on site for the last few days and the new road and forecourt have been formed. The next step is to get the stone work done and the final levels set. Good progress has been made sourcing a granite moonstone in Sri Lanka. The UN has invited Ajahn Kusalo to Sri Lanka to…
• 2nd February 2017 – Upcoming EventsThe new year is warming up 🙂 with regular events back to normal.Saturday Workshop: 1st Saturday of the month – 4th Feb, Monastery, 1-5pmCity Meditation: 1st Monday – 6th Feb. Quaker House, 7 Moncrieff St, 6-8pmStupa ProgressNot a lot of work has been done on site but concept and planning details are firming up. Over $15k has been specifically…
• 17th January 2017 – 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…

• 21st December 2016 – New Year RetreatDecember 26th > January 3rd. Enter the new year with added clarity and joy. Accommodation is very limited; booking form. The retreat is semi-residential so you can come for all or part, come through the day and return home.Event TransitionsWith the busyness of the season some events vary.City Meditation: Next meeting – Monday, February 7thSaturday Workshop: As usual…
• 30th November 2016 – Ajahn’s TravelsAfter a month of travelling I am back in the monastery. The trip was very rewarding with visits to 3 monasteries and time with my son. First stop was San Francisco, a meeting point for several other monks: ajahns Viradhammo, Soma and Jayanto. Ajahn Punnadhammo had arrived earlier. Once met we then headed up to Abhayagiri, about 3 hours…
• 19th October 2016 – CondolencesHis Majesty King Bhumibol of Thailand passed away on the afternoon of 13th of October aged 88. Bodhinyanarama has its roots in Thailand and the loss of such a prominent person is felt by us all. So many people were connected in so many different ways to His Majesty and the monastery offers its sincere condolences to all. May he…
• 5th October 2016 – Kathina S.C.Our Kathina Season Celebration starts at 9:45am on Sunday the 16th of October – not far away. For over 2500 years supporters of Theravadin monasteries have gathered to mark the end of vassa; the largest alms-giving ceremony of the year. The marquee is already up and preparations have begun. We are blessed in that almost all of the local…
• 23rd August 2016 – Vassa UpdateIt is now just over a month into the winter retreat and things are going extremely well. The resident lay team are taking turns supporting the sangha, seeing to various duties as well as giving time to their own study and practice. Venerable Kondanyo recently arrived and is settling into the routine. Venerable Kusalacitto is on self-retreat for another…
• 20th July 2016 – Super SundayJuly 17th, an 11 hour run, beginning at 9:30 with the start of Khao Pansa. Considering all the other monasteries were also celebrating on this day we were delighted to have nearly 100 people join us to welcome the start of the vassa. A very joyful gathering.It was then pretty much straight into the AGM. Also well attended with…
• 1st July 2016 – Annual General MeetingWTBA’s Annual General Meeting: July 17th, 12:30. The agenda:1. Welcome and Apologies2. AGM Minutes of 28th June 20153. Matters Arising4. Sangha Report 5. President’s Report (by Vice-President)6. Treasurer’s Report7. Committee elections: Any financial WTBA member may stand. Interest in standing has been received from: a) Ajahn Kusalo for President (current)b) Simon Fern for Vice-President (current)c) Sachini Wijesekera for…
• 1st June 2016 – Queen’s Birthday RetreatJune 3-6. “The Moment of Awakening” – is imminently accessible (in just a few days :). Accommodation is almost full. You are most welcome to come any time during the day 5:45am through til 7pm evening puja. Book accommodation using the booking form Please add the comment ‘Queen’s Birthday Retreat’. Saturday WorkshopThe first Saturday of the month coincides…
• 12th May 2016 – VesakSunday, 22nd May — 9:45am. Celebrate the birth, enlightenment and final passing of the Buddha. Ajahn Tiradhammo and monks from other temples in the area will be with us. A powerful reflection on the primary factors that makes our journey to nibbana possible. A joyous and uplifting day with connections made on so many levels; dhamma, sila, social, cultural, culinary…
• 28th April 2016 – City MeditationThe first Monday of every month; May 2nd. At the Quaker meeting house, 7 Moncrieff St. – 6-8pm. A more informal version of the monastery Sunday program. Lots of opportunity for questions and discussion. PhotosWe try and keep these in synch with updates but it has been a very busy time with much coming and going. There are a…
• 11th April 2016 – SongkranSunday 17th April. Songkran is from the Sanskrit ‘sankranti’ and refers to the Southeast Asian New Year celebrated when the sun transits the constellation of Aries, the first astrological sign in the Zodiac. We will bless/bathe the monastery Buddha statues and the hands of the monks. Starting about 9.45am with chanting, offerings, precepts, a meal, blessings + blessings. And more.…
• 1st March 2016 – Ajahn KalyanoOne night only! Ajahn will be visiting us just for a few days and will give a dhamma talk on Thursday, 10th March 7pm in the main dhamma hall. The marquee is up so there is plenty of sitting space but parking may be limited so allow time for that. Luang Por SumedhoJoyful Dhamma…Do enjoy Luang Por’s visit (17-23…
• 10th February 2016 – Luang Por SumedhoJoyful Dhamma…We invite you to take part in Luang Por’s visit (17th-23rd March) details online. There are 4 scheduled events:Friday 18th; Talk at Te Papa, 6pmIf you would like to display a flyer for this eventSaturday 19th; Meal dhamma, 10:30amSunday 20th; Meal dhamma, 10:00amSunday 20th; Evening Puja, 6pmIf you are thinking to stay here please let us know…
• 28th January 2016 – City MeditationThe first Monday of every month; February 1st at the Quaker Meeting House; 7 Moncrieff St (off Elizabeth; off Kent Terrace); 6-8pm. The format is a simplified version of our regular Sunday format. Short chanting, meditation instruction, meditation, dhamma talk, discussion. It would help if you bring a cushion.ThailandIt was estimated that on the 16th January there were 800…
• 6th January 2016 – Happy New YearWith all good wishes to you for a peaceful and rewarding new year. May the days for you and your family be happy and trouble free. The Bhikkhu sangha and committee would like to sincerely thank you for all your kindness and generous support over the last year. We very much look forward to seeing you through 2016.…

• 23rd December 2015 – New Year Retreat26th December – 3rd January; Upadana: Grasping. Letting go; release and renewal. details Accommodation is fully booked (barring last-minute cancellations) but you are welcome to come for all or part of any day. You would be most welcome to join for New Year’s Eve when we will have several ceremonies to enter 2016. Evening Puja starts at 7pm.…
• 13th December 2015 – New Year Retreat26th December – 3rd January; Upadana: Grasping; literally ‘fuel.’ What is it that fuels your suffering? The transition into the new year is a good opportunity to let all that go. Out with the old and welcome the new; release and renewal. booking formTudongTudong (Thai) is derived from the 13 austerities or ascetic practices (Pali: dhutanga). One of…
• 26th November 2015 – New Year Retreat26th December – 3rd January; Upadana: Grasping (and non-grasping). The transition into the new year is a good opportunity for letting go of the old and welcoming the new – release and renewal. booking formAjahn Sucitto FarewellAjahn Sucitto came to Bodhinyanarama nearly a year ago. His time with us has been very much valued but… all good things…
• 3rd November 2015 – KATHINA SeasonCelebration. THIS Sunday, November 8th. A joyful gathering to share in the goodness of Dhamma and specifically the ending of the Vassa and the unique opportunity that it represents. A time to meet with old friends and look to meet new. We aim to begin at 9:45am. The main robe offering will be immediately after the meal. All are…
• 19th October 2015 – Labour Weekend RetreatOctober 23th – 26th. “4 Brahma Viharas” The classic ‘heart teachings’ of the Buddha. booking form Vassa EndThe full moon is on the 26th – just after the W’end retreat – and the community will continue the energy of the retreat meditating together through until mid-night on the 26th. You are welcome to join us at any time.…
• 29th September 2015 – Labour Weekend RetreatOctober 23th – 26th. “4 Brahma Viharas” Love, Compassion, Joy & Equanimity. The classic ‘heart teachings’ of the Buddha. Explore the ability to connect, unconditionally, with the full range of human emotion/experience. Admin is a little slow during the vassa but… booking form Dhamma DanaWe have just received a new shipment of dhamma books for free distribution. The…
• 10th September 2015 – Labour Weekend RetreatFriday, October 23th – Monday, October 26th. “4 Brahma Viharas” Love, Compassion, Joy & Equanimity. A ‘vihara’ is a place of abode, a dwelling. The Brahma realm is the highest deva world. These beautiful qualities of experience will be explored through the general theme of empathy. booking form 10-day RetreatA report: The core group saw much growth in…
• 23rd August 2015 – 10-day RetreatFriday, August 28th – Sunday, September 6th. “Knowledge in Samadhi-Sati”. One full-term bed still available. Part-term sharing options. booking form Dana ReceiptsThe processing of financial donations to the monastery is surprisingly complex. It is an area requiring obvious care and responsibility and this takes time. Over the last year we have been working on a new system to make…
• 4th August 2015 – Monastic RetreatThe community is on retreat following the standard retreat-schedule until Tuesday 11th. You are welcome to come and join any part of this between 5:15am and ~9pm. 10-day RetreatFriday, August 28th – Sunday, September 6th. “Knowledge in Samadhi-Sati”. Digging into the practice couplet of concentration-mindfulness or tranquillity-insight. Knowledge (vijja) is innate and holds the key to freedom from suffering.…
• 22nd July 2015 – Khao PansaThis Sunday, 26th. This public celebration marks the beginning of the rains retreat. The Vassa is a very important time in the monastic calendar and the lay community comes together to acknowledge this. A very joyful, “Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!” kind of thing. We should be so lucky! Begins at 10:00am and finishes around 1:30pm. All are welcome. VassaThe full…
• 7th July 2015 – Working BeeThis coming Saturday – 11th July. Come for breakfast for a good start at 8:30am. Come for puja on Friday evening and stay the night. The basic work period will be 8:30 > 2:30(ish). This is “phase one” and will mostly involve cleaning, gardening and generally tidy up. Come for lunch..? just come 🙂 – anytime. Annual General MeetingThis…
• 18th June 2015 – Annual General MeetingSunday, June 28th, 12:30. The agenda, in brief: Minutes of last AGM, Reports (Sangha, President, Treasurer), Committee election, Business, Tea. You are all most welcome but remember that only financial members can vote. Membership form download VESAKCould not have gone better. We put up the marquee to make sure it didn’t rain – although it was very crisp…
• 20th May 2015 – VESAKThis Sunday… May 24th. Ajahn Tiradhammo and other visiting monks will join us as will the Thai Ambassador and his family. We are also hoping (not yet confirmed) that the Malaysian High Commissioner will attend. We celebrate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and final passing which presents a powerful reflection on the main factor that makes our journey to nibbana possible.…
• 7th May 2015 – VESAKSunday, May 24th. Ajahn Tiradhammo and other visiting monks will join us to celebrate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and final passing. This time presents a powerful reflection on the main factor that makes our journey to nibbana possible. A joyful community gathering to express our gratitude and generate blessings. Ajahn TiradhammoAjahn will be staying at Bodhinyanarama from the 19th to…
• 17th April 2015 – SongkranThis Sunday April 19th – 9.45am. Southeast Asian New Year. A new beginning. Starting about 9.45am with chanting, offerings, a meal, blessings, bathing the buddha rupa and blessing the monks. And more.Queen’s Birthday RetreatAn exploration of non-perception. A semi-residential retreat; stay at the monastery or come for the day and return home in the evening. A chance to be silent…
• 2nd April 2015 – SongkranSunday April 19th – 9.45am. Songkran is from the Sanskrit ‘sankranti’ and refers to the Southeast Asian New Year celebrated when the sun transits the constellation of Aries, the first astrological sign in the Zodiac. Water is involved 🙂 – most respectfully, bathing the monastery Buddha statues and the hands of the monks. There may well be other libations :)Saturday…
• 9th March 2015 – Magha PujaWe celebrated this event last Sunday week and many things conspired to make it a happy and inspiring time. As always, the main ingredient was the people; plenty of them and all in good spirits. The weather was (yet another) superb summer’s day. We were also happy to welcome the new Thai ambassador to Bodhinyanarama. He has only been…
• 18th February 2015 – Magha PujaMarch 1st. Sometimes called “Sangha Day” this commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 arahants with the Buddha. It was on this occasion that the Buddha delivered the “Ovada Patimokkha” the foundation of the uposatha recitation. The full moon is on the 4th and we will celebrate on Sunday 1st.Work CoordinatorThe plan has always been to develop a monastery works…
• 30th January 2015 – ThailandAjahn Kusalo is back just over a week now. The first few days were in Bangkok with dentist, a bit of shopping for the monastery and a visit to a couple of statuary foundries [see below]. Then a few days at Ratanawan monastery visiting Ajahn Nynanadhammo and spending some time with Luang Por Sumedho. Then up to Ubon to stay…
• 4th January 2015 – New Year The passing of the xmas / new year season has been a very joyous, happy and fruitful one. The retreat was very well attended by a good mix of new and experienced meditators. New Year’s eve saw the hall tidily packed, with many staying on to join the rituals and ceremonies through the evening ending at midnight. January…

• 28th December 2014 – New Year’s Day Pindapat:JANUARY 1ST…. The Sangha will set out from the monastery at around 9:30 and walk down Stokes Valley Road (to about George Street) then walk back up collecting alms along the way.New Year’s Eve:Peacefully abide in the Garden of Enlightened Knowing: Bodhinyanarama. Let go of the old and cultivate the new. 7pm ’til 12+ All are welcome.…
• 19th December 2014 – Ajahn Sucitto:Arrived safely and is getting the hang of the weather and a new time zone. He will be available to meet with guests and visitors at tea time this Sunday 21st, 5pm, before the regular evening puja at 6pm. He will also give the dhamma talk on new year’s eve. view photosAnagarika Ordination:Alex took his anagarika precepts on the…
• 3rd December 2014 – Anagarika Ordination:Alex from Blenheim will be taking anagarkika ordination this Saturday, 6th December; the full moon. He wants to dedicate a three month period of monastic practice and training for his mother’s well-being and happiness. The ceremony will start at 7pm as a part of our regular evening observance. You would be most welcome to come and meet Alex and…
• 25th November 2014 – Ajahn Dhammasiha:Ajahn Dhammasiha, the abbot of Dhammagiri Monastery in Brisbane, will be visiting us for a week; arriving on the 27th of November. He will give a Dhamma talk on Sunday 30th, 6pm. It is always nice to hear a fresh perspective so do join us. You are welcome at any time to come and meet with him during his…
• 11th November 2014 – Kathina Season:This was a very warm-hearted and uplifiting time at Bodhinyanarama. The weather was not so warm but this brought everyone together inside which was lovely and cosy. We had many visiting monks with Dhamma talks by Ajahn Jinalankara and Ajahn Chandako. The formal offering of robe cloth went well this year. Many people have commented on how smoothly everything…
• 29th October 2014 – Kathina Season:2ND NOVEMBER. The offering of robe cloth is a key element of the monastic life. Making this offering at the end of the vassa is a tradition established by the Buddha nearly 2600 years ago and it is celebrated every year in monasteries throughout the world. We come together to celebrate our community at many levels. Monks from many…
• 15th October 2014 – Retreat:Labour Weekend: Oct. 24th – 27th “Love & Joy” – a common element of the Buddha’s teaching, often seen as Metta & Mudita in the Four Brahma Viharas (divine abidings). The arising of any one state requires the cessation of some other; life and death. True divinity is an empathy with all aspects of this cycle, the transition of all…
• 25th September 2014 – Vassa Ending:The 8th of October is the full moon marking the end of vassa. Ajahn Kusalo finishes his self-retreat this Sunday 28th Sep. and will resume teaching and general sangha events. The community will begin a week of group meditation on the half-moon of 1st Oct.; finishing on the 8th.Saturday Meditation Workshop:The next workshop will be on Saturday 4th October…
• 4th September 2014 – Vassa:Venerables Aruno and Kusalacitto have both finished their self-retreats. Ajahn will now take a few weeks in the hermitage. News? Every moment is new. Ideally also noteworthy. On the average – peace and calm prevails with worldly conditions in balance.Saturday Workshop:The next is tomorrow: 6th Sept. = THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH. The 3rd Saturday has had an erratic…
• 15th August 2014 – August Retreat:Friday 15th to Sunday 24th. The Satipatthana Sutta, “The Four Foundations of Awareness.” You are welcome to join for all or part of the time or come by the day and head home in the evening. For accommodation (very limited), register using the Guest Application form on the web site – comment: “Winter Retreat”.Saturday Workshop / Sunday Sutta:These will…
• 7th August 2014 – Sunday Sutta:The Dhammacakka Sutta; the Buddha’s first teaching. Week 1: history, brief overview. Week 2: The 8-fold Path. THIS WEEK: The 4 Noble Truths. Next week: 4 Truths times 3 factors. Sunday 6pm. The sutta can be downloaded here[print page 1,2 turn over, print page 3,4].August Retreat:Friday 15th to Sunday 24th. Themed on the Satipatthana Sutta, considered by many as…
• 24th July 2014 – Sunday Sutta:The format for the next few Sunday evenings will focus on the Dhammacakka Sutta – the Buddha’s first teaching. Chanting it (in digestible sections), meditating on it and then Ajahn will offer reflections on each section prior to discussion. A copy of the sutta (Pali-Engl) can be downloaded and printed here [print page 1,2 then turn over and print…
• 17th June 2014 – Monks Return:A brief outline of the closing story: The meetings at Amaravati were highlighted by the patimokkha recitation on the new-moon uposatha with 82 monks present. Very powerful. Venerable Kusalacitto stayed on at ABM while Ajahn Kusalo headed to Manchester to visit the Samatha Center for a few days with meetings most evenings and extended dhamma-danas each day. Then to…
• 28th May 2014 – Monks Abroad:Ajahn Kusalo and Venerable Kusalacitto arrived at Heathrow safely on the 15th and were whisked off to Chithurst Monastery where they spent a few days with the community. It was then to London meeting with various dhamma friends and seeing a few sights – climbing the 528 steps to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral not the least. Seeing…
• 14th May 2014 – Monks Away:Ajahn Kusalo and Venerable Kusalacitto are leaving today for a four week trip to England. This means there will be no monks at Bodhinyanarama until mid-June. There will be a small group of people living at the monastery and the usual schedule will be maintained. The only event cancelled is the Saturday meditation workshops. These will resume on the…
• 4th May 2014 – Veask:This is the big one! The Buddha’s birthday. The Buddha’s enlightenment. The Buddha’s final passing. A day to honour a great being and a day of celebrating his life and legacy. Come in the morning 9:45. Precepts, rice pindapat, sharing of merit, shared meal, Dhamma talk, cirumambulation, blessings… etc. Ajahn Karuniko from Chithurst, UK, will be with us along with…
• 26th April 2014 – Songkran:A well attended and joyous event. We set the sala up allowing for quite marginal weather but come lunch time the sun shone down into the cloister and the wind dropped. Auspicious indeed. Ajahn Natawat joined us for the day. Many of the monastery Buddha images were bathed and blessed – as were the monks. view photosNew Kutis:Ready for paint.…
• 16th April 2014 – Songkran – New Year:Sunday April 20th – 9.45am. Songkran is a celebration of the Southeast Asian New Year. Water is involved 🙂 – most respectfully, bathing the monastery Buddha statues and the hands of the monks. There may well be other libations. Ajahn Kusalo joined the Thai community last Sunday for their celebration view photosNew Kutis:The weather has turned. Rain.…
• 1st April 2014 – New Kutis:The weather – and the builder both – have been very kind to us. Work is going well and the roof is on the one-bridge kuti and it won’t be long before the floor is done at two-bridge. There have been lots of people, monks, guests and visitors, coming by to offer help. John is the consistent driving force…
• 20th March 2014 – Tudong:Ajahn Kusalo and Venerable Hiriko set out on Feb. 28th to wander around the East Cape. Meeting with Ajahn Chandako in Rotorua we spent a very fruitful 12 days. There was a good mix of time together and time alone. We didn’t meet many people along the way but those we did were all happy to meet monks. The many…
• 26th February 2014 – Saturday Workshop:Half the Sangha will be on tudong and this coming Saturday afternoon meditation workshop [March 1st] is cancelled. You are of course welcome to come and meditate. Any time. The next meditation workshop will be on the 15th March. The web site calendar is mostly up to date with all these events.Tudong:Ajahn Kusalo and Venerable Hiriko will be heading…
• 18th February 2014 – Magha Puja:Last Friday was the full moon of Magha. view photos Not long after the Buddha’s enlightenment 1250 arahants spontaneously gathered around the Buddha. This day is recalled as Sangha day. We reflected on the event as part of our evening puja under a bright moon and celebrated it on Sunday with circumambulation and blessings under a bright sun.Kutis:Much thought…
• 4th February 2014 – Gravel:There are two parts to this item. The first is that gravel was delivered and that the two new kuti tracks have been superbly surfaced. view photos Discussion with a builder is underway. The second, less visible, in fact ‘invisible’, is that the loaded delivery truck weighed 13.5 tonnes and its journey across the carpark left no impression. No dents,…
• 19th January 2014 – Drivers:There are times when monks need to go out (danas, dentist, etc.) or small items (paint, tools, maintenance items, etc.) need to be purchased. We are building a list of people available at various times to drive either the monastery van or their own car. It happens infrequently and having a few people we could contact when it does would…
• 4th January 2014 – Happy New YearMay the forthcoming year be happy and fruitful for you with minimum problems and maximum success.New Year Eve/Day:In the evening about 50+ people joined together to bring in the new year at Bodhinyanarama. We were especially blessed with a starry sky for the circumambulation of the stupa after the meditation and Dhamma talk and again for the planting…

• 29th December 2013 – Season’s Greetings:We wish you every happiness today, tomorrow… and on and on. Many blessings to you and your family and friends. Peace and goodwill to all beings.New Year’s Eve:Tuesday 31st December. The theme will be “Release and Renewal.” A letting go of the old and unwanted and a (re)establishemt of the fresh and wholesome. 7pm chanting, meditation, Dhamma talk. Walking…
• 10th December 2013 – Working BEE:What aBuzz aGoGo. About 40 people turned up through the day and the hoped for was attained; two tracks to two cleared kuti sites. There were some steep parts, some flat bits, some trees in the way, a couple of streams to cross and various other natural botlergurtabs – you know those bits? The furry ones with knobs on.…
• 1st December 2013 – Working BEE:Sunday 8th December.! We have booked a fine day and are gathering tools to clear tracks and sites for two new lay kutis. Come in the morning for breakfast at 7am. Work ’til lunch in the sala at 10:30. Start again at 1pm. We need tea wallahs, chainsaw swingers, leaf lifters, log lumpers, dirt diggers… and more. Buzz off…
• 28th November 2013 – Working BEE:Sunday 8th December.! The main project will be clearing tracks and sites for two new lay kutis. If you can lift a leaf you can help. Come in the morning for breakfast, 7am. Work up ’til lunch in the sala at 10:30. Start again at 1pm. We need tea wallahs, chainsaw swingers, leaf lifters, log lumpers, dirt diggers… and…
• 12th November 2013 – Kathina Season:Amazing. A traditional time of giving which presented us with so many opportunities to be grateful. So many of you helped make it a wonderful day for all. Setting up, the food stalls, book stand and donation table, generous food offerings and other requisites. So many (14) monks joined with us and a lot (maybe 400+) of people added…
• 28th October 2013 – Kathina Season:The robe offering at Bodhinyanarama will on November 3rd. That’s this coming Sunday. We hope to start the program at 9:30. We are expecting quite a crowd so come early for car parking and a place to sit. As I write the roading machines are whirring away in the carpark below finishing the asphalt work ready for your car.…
• 15th October 2013 – Group Meditation:We will be practising together in the Dhamma Hall until Saturday evening, 19th October. This is the full-moon and the end of vassa. You are welcome to join for any part of the day.Marquee, Tuesday:Kathina season is not far away and we need to get the marquee over the cloister. The following weekend is Labour Weekend Retreat so it…
• 8th October 2013 – Group Meditation:We will be practising together in the Dhamma Hall for the last week of vassa, 12-19th October. There will be walking and sitting meditation through the day (8.30-10.30; 2-5) with the usual morning and evening pujas. You are welcome to join for any part of this schedule.Monks:Ajahn Ariyasilo will be coming to live at Bodhinyanarama for an indefinite period…
• 2nd September 2013 – As Usual:As in… schedule at the Monastery. We have passed the first month of vassa with Venerable Hiriko doing a self-retreat and Ajahn Kusalo currently doing same. While aiming to keep things quiet and overall un-busy we are maintaining most of the usual scheduled events; Saturday meditation workshops, Sunday talks, danas, morning and evening pujas, etc. See the calendar for…
• 7th July 2013 – Annual General Meeting:This was held in the monastery sala on Sunday June 9th with about thirty people attending. The committee was re-elected, with the exception of Bounchan who stood down for work related reasons. Sern-ty Lim was welcomed as a new c’tee member. There are now nine on the c’tee. The ongoing review of the constitution took up much of…
• 7th June 2013 – Annual General Meeting:In the monastery main sala on June 9th at 3pm. Agenda items include: financial report, sangha report, ratify final Memorandum (draft agreed last AGM) for constitution, development plans for 2013/14 and the election of the committee. We are delighted that almost the entire existing committee is happy to continue for another year. All are welcome.Queen’s Birthday Retreat:A wonderful…
• 25th May 2013 – Queen’s Birthday Retreat:From 7pm Friday 31st to 3pm Monday 3rd. A wonderful opportunity to further explore the teachings and your own mind. There are still two accommodation spaces (use the guest booking form). You are welcome to join all or part of this time we just ask that you respect the silence as you come and go.Vesak:A lovely crowd of…
• 14th May 2013 – Vesak – Vesakha Puja:Sunday 19th May – 9.30am. Celebrate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and final passing. Ajahn Tiradhammo and monks from other temples in the area will be with us. That’s this Sunday – yes, that’s right, the 19th! We have put the marquee up so there is plenty of room regardless of weather. Precepts, rice pindapat, sharing of merit,…
• 9th May 2013 – Ajahn Tiradhammo:Ajahn arrived yesterday from Australia and will be with us until the 25th. This means that he will be able to join us for our Vesak celebration on the 19th which is a delight. He will be in Palmerston North this weekend but here for the remainder of his visit in New Zealand. Probably the best time to meet…
• 17th April 2013 – Ajahn Ariyasilo:Ajahn arrived on Monday and will be staying with us until the 27th. No special events have been organised around his visit but we are hoping that he will offer teachings on some of the regular, scheduled events. You are encouraged to come to these and take advantage of this opportunity. view photos See calendar for details.New Year -…
• 2nd April 2013 – Saturday 6th April:The official opening of the new Dhammagavesi property! You are all welcome. 115A COAST RD. WAINUIOMATA. 9:30 start. Both Ajahn Kusalo and Venerable Thitavijjo will be attending so won’t be at Bodhinyanarama for the dana on this day. The afternoon meditation workshop at the monastery will continue as scheduled. 1pm start.Ajahn Sudhiro:We were delighted to have an unexpected…
• 20th March 2013 – Ajahn Ariyasilo:Some of you may remember this monk from when he was living here during the ’90s. He is currently in Auckland and we are organising a visit for him to spend some time here. At the moment suggested dates are the 15th to 27th of April. We look forward to having him here and to sharing some of his…
• 5th March 2013 – Day-long Retreat:This Saturday, the 9th, led by Sharda Rogell a lay woman meditation teacher based at Spirit Rock California. The theme will be “Knowing One Taste.” Start 9:00am and end at 4:00pm. Lunch will be at 12:00. Bring a dish. All are welcome but you need to attend the entire day.Children’s Dhamma:The first class will be on the 17th. Join…
• 22nd February 2013 – Land Swap:The continuing discussion… The current suggestion is to swap the minimum amount of land that has the council track for the triangle with our track and we pay for the area difference – about 15 acres. Have a look at the web site: News>Future. The notable saving here is that existing survey points can be used. Land valuation has…
• 11th February 2013 – Day-long Retreat:Saturday, March 9th. This is a full day of teaching and meditation led by Sharda Rogell a lay woman meditation teacher at Spirit Rock California as well as other centers worldwide. The theme will be “Knowing One Taste” and sessions will start at 8:30am and end at 4:00pm. Lunch will be at 12:00. Bring a dish. All are welcome,…
• 30th January 2013 – Children’s Dhamma:Is there interest in a regular dhamma class for children at the B. (Bodhinyanarama)? See last weeks update. There were only 2 replies to this which is not very encouraging.Boundaries:Also following on from last week’s update… It has been known for a while that one of our walking tracks enters onto council land. A recent meeting with Hutt City…
• 22nd January 2013 – Children’s Dhamma:The fortnightly Wednesday evening class has been discontinued. The thought for 2013 is to cater for children within the 5-13+ age range, probably once a month, probably on a Sunday, probably after the dana. There are several variables and it is important that you express your interest and preferences – even if you are not sure if you can…
• 15th January 2013 – New Year Vigil:About thirty five people gathered in the sala at 7pm for chanting and meditation. The theme of “Aspiration and Forgiveness” was explored and through the evening everyone wrote down their aspirations for the new year. On a separate piece of paper everything requiring forgiveness, letting go of, was written. We came together just after eleven and with the…

• 24th December 2012 – Aj. Kusalo Travel Report:I am currently in Australia after a few weeks of wandering. Christchurch was first with a public talk on Friday night. About 30 or more attended and the day of meditation the next day saw about the same number. There was a meeting at Wat BuddhaSamakee that night. view photos There was a lot of interest and…
• 29th November 2012 – New Year Vigil:What better way to enter the new year than riding aboard Bodhinyanarama’s dhamma vehicle? The evening starts at 7pm – that’s Monday 31st December – with chanting, meditation and a dhamma talk. The overall theme will be “Aspiration and Forgiveness.” You can reflect on and give energy to all those things you would like the new year to…
• 21st November 2012 – Kathina Season Celebration:What a glorious day it was. We had a sangha of nine bhikkus representing seven nationalities and about 300 people, all to take part in the robe offering to celebrate the end of vassa. There were dhamma talks in Thai, Sinhalese and English and a variety of rituals and activities to include everyone. The event closed with blessings…
• 16th November 2012 – Kathina Season Celebration:Our robe offering is this Sunday, the 18th of November. Precepts at 10.15am. Come early to get a park and a seat. This event could be bigger than the premiere of the Hobbit.Marquee Up:With a splendid turn out of friends to help, the erection of the marquee was a breeze. view photos The forecast is for sun this…
• 1st November 2012 – Labour W’end Retreat:Almost everyone arrived on Friday night which got things off to a nice solid start. The overall theme of the Four Brahma Viharas (Divine Abidings) wove through periods of walking and sitting meditation and gradually built a lovely group energy. view photos Accommodation was a bit squeezy in parts but with such an abundance of metta, karuna, mudita…
• 17th October 2012 – Working Bee:The weather on Sunday morning was pretty miserable but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of at least 20 people who came to help tidy up around the monastery. The main area of activity was around the workshop which had accumulated many accumulations over the past several years. Swish and flick – view photos Many thanks to all those who…
• 8th October 2012 – Working Bee:Have you ventured recently into the realm below the library? If you’re looking for junk and mess it might be a good idea. If you’re looking for order and calm – not a good idea. view photos This is about to change. There will be a working bee on October 14th to tidy up this whole area: the workshop,…
• 4th September 2012 – Visa:The good news is that Colin has been granted a visa extension so can stay on for the full term of his anagarika training. We are delighted with this as he is doing very well in his life with us.Garden Kuti:For those of you who have stayed in the Garden Kuti there may be memories of dark and damp. Nature…
• 15th August 2012 – Vassa:The community has finished just over a week of group meditation and is spending a couple of days without much scheduled activity. The new moon is on Friday and some will begin periods of personal retreat using the topmost kuti. We will generally be keeping Noble Silence. The sangha will start a series of vinaya studies, revising our existing knowledge…
• 3rd August 2012 – AGM:This was held on Sunday 29th July. About 40 people attended with a good cross-section of nationalities represented. view photos The tone of the meeting was very congenial and harmonious. Business progressed evenly with good discussions and clear resolutions. The main items were: membership fee now a standard $10 per year (tax year: April to April); the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’…
• 29th July 2012 – AGM:This was held on Sunday 29th July. About 50 people attended with a good cross-section of nationalities represented. The tone of the meeting was very congenial and harmonious. Business progressed evenly with some good discussions and clear resolutions. The main items were: membership fee now a standard $10 per year (April to April); the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ was tabled and…
• 25th July 2012 – AGM:The meeting is on Sunday, July 29th starting at 3pm. Read the invitation and agenda
• 16th July 2012 – Ordination:Some of you may have already met Colin who has been staying with us for a couple of months now. He has been inspired by the life here at Bodhinyanarama and will take anagarika ordination as part of the new moon puja this Wednesday evening, 18th July. His intention is to commit to one years training. You are welcome to…
• 23rd June 2012 – Updates:PPS – The formal AGM announcement is available on the Event Calendar notice. Or, you can view it hereThese updates will get into synch shortly. Sorry if this is a bit messy.PS – I sent an email using the monastery mail list but a combination of a new host and a new script environment and the database being a bit…