Friday 19 December 2008

Peace and Goodwill




Sāmanera Visuddhi's blessing

With the 'Quiet Week' over we've returned this week to our regular routine of early morning and evening pujas plus morning work around the monastery before the meal. This stable foundation, upon which we practice, supports our calm hilltop refuge which in turn attracts visitors from afar. So this week Kusala House has begun to fill up with guests looking to share our peaceful haven over the festive season. Not for them the illuminated high streets crowded with seasonal shoppers, just our simple country lane accompanied by the flocks of jackdaws above and the occasional passing bhikkhu.

Also settling back into a routine has been Ajahn Punnyo; home now and back at the heart of things Ajahn Punnyo has been kept active, even going so far as Carlisle to visit the group there. And despite being thousands of miles away in Asia Ajahn Munindo also has been keeping a busy schedule although he finds time to send us all goodwill (and remind us how warm it is in Thailand). With Samanera Visuddhi returning from 'woodworking duty' at Chithurst next Tuesday and even more guests gathering at Kusala House, the community here is preparing for a harmonious and joyful end to December.