Dana List and Announcements

New Aruna Ratanagiri Website - New Blog

2009-10-07T10:34:00.007+01:00

We redesigned www.ratanagiri.org.uk , the 'Dana List and Announcements' has been moved to that website.

To see the blog, please click here.

To see the announcements, please click here.

To see the dana list, please click here.

The Final Week

2009-10-01T15:24:00.017+01:00

Ajahn Punnyo (by Ron Livingston)

Our rains retreat (or Vassa) has entered its final week and on Sunday it will come to a close with the Pavarana day, a traditional day to mark the occasion where monks invite their fellow monastics to offer admonishment regarding their behaviour over the last three months. This observance is aimed at fostering communal harmony within a monastery, which usually grows in members for the rains retreat, and it also serves as an important chance to reflect on our own deeds and how we relate to those around us. Shortly after Vassa many monasteries host a Kathina festival where the lay community gather to offer the Kathina robe, and this year Harnham’s is on the 11^th of October (click here for more details). Many guests are expected including Luang Por Sumedho and the Thai Ambassador, His Excellency Mr.Kitti Wasinondh. Our sister monasteries are also hosting Kathina’s - most on different days to ours - and information is on their websites. Back at Harnham, we were happy to be visited by our neighbours, Brian and Lindsey, this week. They had been growing potatoes and decided to offer a bagful as Dana to the monastery. It has been rather an active week all round including a mass visit to the dentist by 5 of us, an inspection of Yurts over at Burnlaw, virtual completion of the wi-fi downloading facility of Dhamma talks at Kusala House and Ajahn Munindo's sabbatical book project going off to the printers. Ajahns Abhinando and Punnyo visited Micky and Trudy for a night then walked three and half hours back to the monastery (a wee dander compared to Ajahn Punnyo's usual marathons to Hexham and back). And finally this week saw us join in for the big kitchen cleanup, where we made the larder, fridges and oven squeaky clean ready for the visitors at Kathina. Samanera Ariyo and Anagarika Gabor were especially diligent with cleaning the kitchen conservatory and oven, an area that is occasionally missed in the daily washing up. Ajahn Munindo has announced to the Sangha here that this Sunday evening's Dhamma talk will be different.Turns out it will be 8 talks - one from each community member. That will be different, and interesting!

Ajahn Punnyo's Retreat

2009-09-23T17:10:00.022+01:00

Bolam Lake

The days are becoming noticeably shorter but we are still enjoying these lovely late summer/early autumn weather. Ajahn Punnyo’s weekend retreat, which was held over the weekend, went very smoothly. Many of the retreatants were regular and experienced but for others this was their first retreat in Theravada meditation. The teachings were focused on mindfulness of the body and the breath, as well as discussing the theme of the ‘tools’ we can use in meditation to overcome specific hindrances. Immediately following the weekend the monastic community engaged in our own quiet time for a few days. We have now returned to normal schedule (although the on-line calendar indicated we were on retreat for longer. Can’t always believe what you read). The dry stone wall behind Kusala House is being repaired - damage from the time of installing the sewerage system had caused it to gradually lean over to one side looking perilously like it could collapse. A small new store room is being constructed by Samanera Ariyo behind the Dhamma hall. It is interesting (and at times challenging) to notice how apparently straight-forward tasks are not necessarily easy. This applies to the job of tidying up of our monastery address book. Not wanting to rely too much on computers we maintain a paper copy also. This apparently simple task has occupied our resident computer expert Anagarika Gabor for weeks. It seems we are there now. If any of you change your contact details please don’t hesitate to let us know.

The Sangha Picnic

2009-09-16T17:44:00.012+01:00

Picnic at the Sneep Farm

Our annual Sangha picnic was held on Saturday at The Sneep, the home of Micky and Trudy Macgregor, which is about an hours drive from Harnham. The day started with a shared meal out in the garden where fortunately the sun shone persistently all day (hats and sun-cream were wisely worn). After the meal Ajahn Abhinando and Micky led the Sangha and many friends on a trek around the neighbouring countryside, up hills, through woods and over streams and after three and a half hours (seven and a half miles) we returned to the garden for a cup of tea. The following day Harnham Monastery was paid a visit from Peter Harvey, the Buddhist scholar and Professor at Sunderland University. He led a day of study on the suttas, focusing on the Mahasatipatthana Sutta of the Digha Nikaya. In this crucial discourse The Buddha expounded the four foundations of mindfulness as a means to liberation. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Professor Harvey for his time and effort and we eagerly await his next study day. Ajahn Munindo reached the age of 58 this Wednesday. Abramina offered a full Dana to commemorate the day, and also her last day at the Monastery as she leaves for The Netherlands on Thursday. We wish her a safe journey and hope she returns soon.

On Friday Ajahn Punnyo’s weekend retreat begins in which 20 or so meditators are expected to join in a few days of mindfulness and reflection, and at the same time Ajahn Abhinando is visiting Edinburgh to also lead a retreat for the weekend. This union of meditation joining the two countries is an inspiring thing to witness and we hope to see many people attending.

Aerial Antics in our Attic

2009-09-10T16:54:00.013+01:00

going forth

After weeks of preparation, rehearsals and sowing, the Pabbajja (going forth) took place on Sunday morning. Anagarika Skipper is now Samanera Ariyo and Anagarika Michael is now Samanera Bodhinando. (For more photos from the ordination please click here.) We are all very happy to see them living the holy life once again. We had mixed reactions on Monday to the discovery that we have at least three new residents who have taken lodgings in the attic of our Main house. They are of course… Bats! Plans to renovate our roof required sensitivity to all the residents. The bats are from three completely different species, and it’s inspiring to see them coexisting so serenely in such a small space. This in some way mirrors our own international Sangha which is still peaceful and content. On Tuesday Ajahn Vajiro and Ajahn Achalo arrived to stay at Harnham for three nights, travelling up from Amaravati. On Wednesday the junior monks were given a talk from Ajahn Vajiro which has surely inspired diligence.

Old Friends and New Beginnings

2009-09-03T11:10:00.016+01:00

fit for a samana

We are now in our final month of the (very) Rainy Season Retreat (vassa). Kathina preparations are underway, guests continue to visit and share in the quietude of the monastery and Harnham’s resident community is still evolving. On Monday Ajahn Munindo went to Amaravati to pay his respects and spend time with Luang Por Sumedho. On the same day Ajahn Abhinando returned refreshed from leading a retreat in Spain. On the horizon is Sunday’s Pabbajja, in which Anagarikas Michael and Skipper will become Novice monks (Sameneras). All are invited to this very auspicious event and witness the precept ceremony which will begin at 9:30 am. Final preparations are underway, and both applicants are pleased to have their sowing finished and their new robes ready. Many friends will be here for the occasion. We’re delighted that Andrew, our since retired Kusala House Manager, will be coming up from Hull to see his friends enter a new stage of their lives. An international crowd also arrived on Thursday, with Abramina arriving from the Netherlands to stay for a fortnight. Ajahn Abhinando’s mother is likewise staying for two weeks. We may not have the European weather to share with our visitors but we trust they will find other joys during their stay.

Splitting Ignorance Asunder

2009-08-26T15:14:00.024+01:00

our contemplative artist in residence

On Monday, this week’s quiet day, the Sangha went to Holy Island, the historical home of Saint Cuthbert. Dana was offered by Mame, Maureen, Daeng, Kath and Penny. After the picnic the community went exploring, fortunately all managed to return to the mainland before the tide came swooping in.

Kusala house is host to an abundance of guests this week, including Tan Nyanamoli’s mother, Mrs Molnar, who has come from Serbia and KH manager Myke’s big sister, Helena, who has come from Wales. Also Ben (of Friday 7th August blog entry) is back with us after spending time at a School of Mystics just north of the border. Our old friend Martin Reilly is arriving on Thursday (he will come from Amulree) to consult on Dhamma and dry stone walling. We are hoping he will be pleased to see the work we have performed on his Kusala House sign (with text now highlighted by Skipper) and the ‘splitting ignorance asunder while I sit on the mountaintop’ inscription, which is now visible to the left of the Dhamma Hall. The inscription is taken from the Theragatha (v. 544) and is attributed to King Asoka's nephew Kaludayin, post-enlightenment, in reference to his determination in pursuing the goal.

Ajahn Abhinando left on Tuesday with Cesare for the airport, where he heads south for Spain to lead a retreat. Cesare returned to his homeland of Italy and we eagerly look forward to his next visit. Ajahn Punnyo has returned to Yorkshire to visit his parents and will be meeting with the Leeds group, Dhammapala, on Friday.

The future is holding many auspicious events for Harnham. On Sunday the sixth of September Anagarikas Michael and Skipper will go forth as novice monks in a double pabbajja. They are working hard to put the finishing touches on their robes with the help of Ajahn Sawaeng. The date for Kathina has also been decided and we are delighted to confirm that Luang Por Sumedho (Tan Chao Khun Raja Sumedhajahn) and the Thai Ambassador (His Excellency Mr.Kitti Wasinondh) will be attending. All are welcome and we hope to see many new friends as well as old.

Silent Week

2009-08-20T17:31:00.014+01:00

Quietude pervades Harnham

At Harnham for the week ending 22nd August we are taking part in what we call our silent practice week where work projects and group gatherings are reduced allowing community members the space and time to attend responsibly to their own personal practice, whether it be meditation or study or whatever else calls them (the two applicants for Samanera pabbajja are sewing robes, quietly).

The kitchen still remains a busy part of the monastery, where Anagarika Michael has temporarily returned to his post as kitchen manager with the help of Gabor while Tomas is at home following the passing away of his grandfather. These two cooks also had some quiet time as several danas were offered this week, the first by the Sri Lankan community on Monday. Mame arrived with full dana on Tuesday and Cesare, our long term guest and friend, prepared many Italian dishes on Wednesday. With such an abundance of guests the kitchen has certainly not been empty but everyone has done their best to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that silent week brings.

We are also delighted to report that Ajahn Jayanto's retreat was greatly appreciated by the 19 male retreatants who participated. He made his way back to Amaravati on Sunday and arrived safely. He kindly accepted an invitation to return next year; and while talking about such matters, we have had confirmation that Ajahn Tiradhammo (April), Ajahn Sucitto (May), and Ajahn Amaro (October) will also be leading retreats here next year.

Ajahn Jayanto's Retreat

2009-08-13T09:39:00.015+01:00

Tan Nyanamoli and the new porch

This week Harnham has been hosting a silent meditation retreat, led by Ajahn Jayanto, who has travelled from Amaravati to offer his guidance to twenty committed meditators who have filled our retreat house. For Myke this is the first retreat as Kusala House Caretaker and so far he is doing a wonderful job in caring for the house and its silent guests.

Our front porch has finally come to completion thanks to the diligent and tireless efforts of Tan Nyanamoli. The hefty Northumberland weather had slowly worn down areas of the porch which have since been replaced and painted. The new work compliments Jeff Jackson’s new door resulting in a completely renovated porch ready to welcome all to the main house of Harnham.

Meanwhile the mysterious midnight screeching puzzle has been solved. A few weeks ago it was mentioned in the blog that it was a pair of barn owls that were providing nocturnal accompaniment to our midnight sittings, but the barn owls were wrongly blamed and it was in fact a pair of tawny owls – somewhat smaller, more common and considerably more elusive.

Ajahn Abhinando and Ajahn Punnyo engaged in the noble tradition of alms-round this Tuesday and trekked to Morpeth, a whole twelve miles away. They received offerings from six different people, some old friends and some who were completely new to Buddhism. Sadly the walk back was sullied by Northumbrian rain, but spirits were not dampened.

Saturday will mark the end of the retreat, where we will bring the week to a close with the sharing of blessings. The community at Harnham would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to Ajahn Jayanto for his time and effort in leading this retreat, and we would also like to thank the wider monastic and lay community who have all helped to make this retreat possible.

Pilgrims

2009-08-07T09:15:00.012+01:00

Ben and Bill on Pilgrimage

Jeff Jackson has been helping the monastery recently with repairing the two main front doors, which over the years have suffered in the Northumberland weather. At the weekend Robert and Tina came up from the warmer South to experience some Northumbrian quiet and Kim returned to Denmark.

Tun Hiriko's parents Marjan and Marina returned to Slovenia after having been introduced to the sights of the North east and after a week with us Patrick headed back down South.

Having set off on a Pilgrimage around Britain in May, Ben and Bill came to stay with us for four days. They had trekked down from Lindisfarne and after Kusala House they would be walking into Throssel Hole Priory to try out the rigours of a Zen retreat. On Wednesday Ajahn Sawaeng returned from the Tort Pah Bah at Santacittarama in Italy and Bernd arrived to help celebrate Anagarika Micheal's birthday on Thursday.

On Friday Maria Isabel is returning to Spain after having taught many of us some Spanish language and shown the Anagarikas Catalan dishes. Her lively presence has been appreciated by many over these last three weeks. In the afternoon a large interfaith group of ladies coming with the Bishop of Newcastle's adviser will be talking with Ajahn Punnyo.

European takeover

2009-08-01T08:59:00.014+01:00

Tan Hiriko with his parents

Strange unearthly screeching noises have been heard behind the monastery most nights this week. After some uncertainty it was decided that it was a pair of Barn Owls calling to each other as they hunt together. Vlad confirmed that they live amongst the trees and crags up beyond Harnham Hall.

Ajahn Abhinando visited the Leeds Meditation Group at the end of last week and on Saturday a dozen senior citizens from St.Hugh's Church in Gosforth came to talk with Ajahn Punnyo and were very impressed with the simplicity and beauty of the monastery and its gardens. After the committee meeting on Sunday Anna Portaro stayed over for the night and Kim Parfitt from Denmark came to stay for a week. Early in the week the two Peters left: Peter Kraszna returned to Hungary and Peter Dolan returned to Gateshead.

Many of you will remember Vlad from the Czech Republic who has joined us for a couple of weeks. On Tuesday Tun Hiriko's parents, Marijan and Marina arrived after a long journey from Slovenia to visit for a week. Mame, Maureen and Kath are helping to guide them round the many sights & holy sites of Northumbria. Also a regular from Chithurst, Patrick Butler came for a week of Northumbrian spirituality. On Wednesday, whilst the Slovenians where on Lindisfarne, Ajahn Punnyo and Myke headed over to Carlisle to spread the Dhamma amongst the Cumbrians.

On Friday Ajahn Sawaeng flew over to Italy to take part in a Tort Pah Bah with Luang Por Sumedho, which Nam Tip has been helping to organise. To compensate for Ajahn Sawaeng's absence Cesare flew over from Italy to be with us for much of August. In the evening Gabor took the eight precepts to become an anagarika and Ajahn Munindo delivered a rousing exhortation on renunciation and practice to welcome Anagarika Gabor into the Community. His themes were focus, consistency, renunciation, intensity and kindness.

Also on Friday Ajahn Abhinando and Tun Nyanavisuddhi attended the recommended daylong course on first aid. And on Saturday Ajahn Abhinando will be hosting a Renga Afternoon in Kusala House from 1pm to 7pm.

Doing and not-doing

2009-07-24T09:29:00.015+01:00

morning pindapat (almsround)

As usual our week started with Monday being a quiet day. Ajahn Punnyo took the opportunity to leave early in the morning and walk pindapat in Hexham. Google Earth says that Harnham to Hexham is a distance of about 21 miles and should take about 35 minutes. Since he was not in any hurry Ajahn Punnyo took about 9 hours to get there; getting back took perhaps a little longer. (BTW, the nice photo is not of Ajahn Punnyo and it is not North-east England, but probably our friend Ajahn Siripannyo in Thailand).
Peripatetic seekers of Truth are not often seen wandering the roads of Northumberland these days, but in older times they were not a rare sight. They were visible reminders of the inner journey. As they maintained a commitment to their own inner work, these seekers showed others that contentment is not necessarily linked to accumulation. When we get caught up in doing things to get more all the time, we lose perspective and forget about not-doing. We feel like if we stop doing things something will go wrong. The Buddha's teachings point to the middle way; the place of balance. Ajahn Chah told us to 'make doing the same as not-doing'.
It is a joy to find plenty of seekers of Truth coming to stay at the monastery to be reminded. At the beginning of the week Muriel and Ursula came from Edinburgh. Peter was here from Hungry, also Maria Isabel and Juan from Spain and Stephane from France. At the end of the week we were joined by a group from the Church of England.
We are looking forward to next week having Tun Hiriko's mother and father join us from Slovenia, also our dear friend Cesare from Milano. We aim to inspire them to do very little. In fact encourage them how to do nothing at all.

The Harnham Rainy Season

2009-07-16T09:00:00.010+01:00

Tan Nyanavisuddhi

Having left Harnham in June as Samanera Visuddhi to travel to Amaravati to prepare for the Upasampada, Tan Nyanavisuddhi (Purified Knowledge) joined the rest of the community in determining the three month Vassa period last week. Traditionally this is a period of intensification of practice and many monks take on personal practices and make vows. It was introduced in Asia because this is the rice growing season and wandering monks might damage the crops, as well as getting caught in the monsoon. So the Buddha had the community determine to stay in one place for the Rainy Season.

In Britain this corresponds with our summer, which is of course the ideal time for travel. So the monastery receives many visitors and this is a time of increased activity. This means that the traditional Rainy Season Retreat is observed in a very different manner here in the West.

However there are some small and slightly charming cross-cultural correspondences, and our little semi-flooded paddy behind Kusala House has been enjoying the traditional British rainy summer season and the reed crop is very much thriving. Hunched figures can be seen transpanting seedlings into the water. Even a few mosquitoes have been spotted searching for someone to bite. East meets West on the Hill.

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Teak Oil Transmission

2009-07-09T17:35:00.017+01:00

Andrew initiates Mike in the arts of care-taking.

Having taken over this week, Mike Evans, the new Kusala House caretaker has hit the ground running. Andrew has given him the transmission, and together they have been taking advantage of the fine weather to spruce up the garden furniture and exterior woodwork. Andrew took his leave on Wednesday. With much appreciation and gratitude for the fine job he did over the last year, the Community wishes him the very best in his journey to the East.

Also this week, on Saturday, the Bhikkhu Sangha accepted four new monks into its ranks, one from each of the branch monasteries in England. Having said goodbye to Samanera Visuddhi, the Community welcomes Bhikkhu Nyanavisuddhi, who, along with the rest of the Sangha entered the Vassa Rainy Season Retreat here on the hilltop on Wednesday.

In Thailand this is an important festival, and here in Northumberland Nam Tip together with a group of fellow Thais came to celebrate the day and were led in the traditional chanting and offering by Ajahn Sawaeng. Also, fortuitously and with perfect timing, Penny Holden and her friend came to generously offer homegrown and homebaked gifts.

Canny Job

2009-07-01T21:17:00.012+01:00

Terry finishing the Kusala House fire escape

This is Andrew's last week as Kusala House Caretaker and all agree he has done an excellent job as the first person in the post. We all wish him well in his planned onward journey to Thailand. Currently he is introducing Mike Evans to the intricacies of looking after the Retreat House.

On Saturday Ajahn Punnyo and Rolf joined in a Peace Walk starting at the Hindu Temple and ending at the Sikh Gurdwara on Westgate in Newcastle, having proceeded via the Venerable Bede's Anglican Church and the Central Mosque. The organiser's intention is to initiate a multi-faith website called "City for Peace" on 10th July. Rita, Gabrielle & Trish also joined in with the inter-faith peace initiative.

On Wednesday Tan Tejananda flew back to his native city, Paris, where he intends to enter the Rains Retreat at the Sri Lankan International Vihara. The Community wished him the very best in his endeavour.

Along with Tan Hiriko, Samanera Visuddhi is already at Amaravati preparing and practicing for his Upasampada (Higher Ordination) on Saturday 4th July at 2pm. All are welcome to attend. Ajahns Abhinando and Punnyo, & perhaps Tan Nyalamoli along with Andrew are planning to travel down to Amaravati on Friday in order to be at the ceremony on Saturday.

After the July full moon on the 7th, the community of eleven will all be back on Harnham Hill and entering the Rainy Season Retreat on Wednesday the 8th.

The Dhamma of Sewing

2009-06-26T20:28:00.009+01:00

Ajahn Saweang and Ajahn Go

Having spent most of June with us, tomorrow Ajahn Go is heading down to Amaravati along with Tan Hiriko and Samanera Visuddhi, who has been working hard in preparation for his coming ordination as a monk. Ajahn Go very generously spent most of his time teaching and helping Samanera Visuddhi and Tan Tejananda to sew robes and jackets. We are all very grateful for his selfless help.
In a little over a week Samenera Visuddhi will be returning as Tan Nyanavisuddhi. His ordination or "upasampada" is due to be on Saturday 4th July in the Amaravati Temple and everyone is welcome to attend.
The community was very happy to welcome Ajahn Saweang back to Harnham on Sunday and he is settling in and adjusting to our British Summer Time and British summer weather.

Returning

2009-06-20T17:41:00.008+01:00

Ajahn Munindo, Ajahn Achalo and Tan Nyanamoli in Cumbria

This week Ajahn Munindo, Tan Nyanamoli and Skipper returned via Cumbria from their travels down South and on Wednesday we celebrated what would have been Luang Por Chah's 91st birthday.

David Barker's Health and Heritage walking group came to visit and A.Punnyo explained the monastery to them. Also the county council biannual Bolam Lake walk was led by Francis Povey and Ajahn Abhinando with Brian Povey and Ajahn Punnyo as back markers. Some years there can be as many as seventy people, the line of walkers streching across the fields. However this year, due to inclement weather there were only about ten.

We look forward to Ajahn Sawaeng arriving this weekend to spend the vassa with us.

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Silent Week

2009-06-13T08:05:00.015+01:00

Ajahn Achalo visiting the Hill

The Community has been on silence this week so there has been very little of the usual external activity. An exception was made for Samanera Visuddhi and Tan Tejananda who have been using the time to sew their bhikkhu robes under the expert tutelage of Ajahn Go, who has kindly travelled over from Italy to help them.

Ajahn Munindo and Anagarika Skipper have returned from their 3 week tour of the Southern monasteries and brought up Ajahn Achalo, an Australian Thera who trained in Thailand, from Amaravati to visit for a few days.

Also Ajahn Abhinando and Anagarika Michael have returned from their time in Germany visiting their respective parents. So the monastery is full again with a community of thirteen sat around the breakfast table.

The New Kusala Fire Escape

2009-06-05T07:42:00.017+01:00

Safety First

Over the weekend Alex Ewing came down from Scotland to work on the computers and brought his son Simon. They returned after the Committee Meeting on Sunday. Along with the rest of the country the community was sweltering in Monday's exceptional heat, and feeling connected to our sub-tropical Asian roots. Having very competently carried the mantle of sole anagarika for a fortnight, on Wednesday Anagarika Tomas was rejoined by Anagarika Michael returning from his visit with his parents in Germany. On Thursday Ajahn Punnyo headed up to Scotland to visit the Edinburgh and Glasgow Meditation Groups.

This weekend we are expecting Ajahn Go to arrive. He has very kindly offered to help Samanera Visuddhi preparing his robes for his upasampada in July. Having prepared the dormer in the Kusala dormitory Tan Nyanamoli is looking forward to the fire escape steps arriving next week.

Warm Work

2009-05-29T09:48:00.017+01:00

Andrew ministering to Kusala House's verges

On a sunny Saturday at Kusala House we were fortunate to enjoy an interesting Sutta Study Day led by Professor Peter Harvey which was very much appreciated by all. We hope he can spare the time for a return visit. Having flown over from Sri Lanka in April, on Monday Bhante Dhammagawesi came to stay for a couple of days and was invited into Newcastle upon Tyne for a Dani and to give a talk.

Last week B&Q admitted they had made a mistake in supplying Mame with some old turf, which was somewhat depleted in chlorophyll. So this week Mame, Daeng and Maureen relaid the new turf which B&Q had given in lieu. So now the monastery has a beautiful deep green and verdant front lawn.

With summer just around the corner the community is outside gardening, painting and maintaning the outside woodwork around the hilltop. After many cold, damp winters there are many patches in need of some careful attention, and these dry, sunny days offer the perfect opportunity.

Many Hands Make Skylights Cleaner

2009-05-21T17:16:00.014+01:00

Ven. Tejanada and Samanera Visuddhi

Having encouraged and exhorted the Community Ajahn Munindo headed South today on his tour of the Southern monasteries with Anagarika Skipper at the wheel. He will be returning on 12th June. Also today Anagarika Michael handed over the mantle of Kitchen Manager to Anagarika Tomas and then began his journey home to visit his parents in Germany for a fortnight. We hear that Samanera Sunnyato is settling in at Dhammapala Monastery in Switzerland.

On Saturday Ajahn Abhinando led an uplifting Renga in Kusala House and plans another in August. Mame and Daeng are working hard in the front garden to returf the lawn and reinvigorate the rockery. On Sunday Peter Harvey is holding a Sutta study day in Kusala House and on Monday Bhante Dhammagawesi is coming to stay for a couple of days.

A visit to Lady's Well

2009-05-14T14:51:00.020+01:00

picnic at Lady's Well

The Wesak Celebration last Sunday went very well and was a great Success. The weather was very kind to us. Sunshine and blue skies greeted everyone who arrived for the day and there was plenty of interest in the newly completed Kusala Retreat House from old faces and new.

On the following day the community welcomed a new member, Ven. Tejananda, a Frenchman from the west of Paris. Having spent the last year as a monk in Burma he has come to look at the training offered here in Northumberland.

On Wednesday the community was invited by Kath to a picnic at Lady's Well, near Elsdon. Again the community was favoured with fair weather, but tempered with a cool breeze. On the Hill it is obvious that Summer is only weeks away as over six dozen lambs are getting bigger, louder and more adventuresome.

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Vesakha Puja

2009-05-08T10:37:00.013+01:00

Garden devas

As the weather starts warming up, the gardens are starting to grow more prolifically and so Mame, Chan, Lisa, Daeng and Maureen have been labouring in the front garden and have done a wonderful job tidying the place up. Windows have been cleaned, signs painted and weeds extirpated in preparation for the coming Wesak celebration.

Please join us if you can this Sunday 10th May for Vesakha Puja, our annual celebration of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away. Events are planned to begin with the shared meal at 10.30am. For full details of all of the day's program are on the website.

On this day we will also mark the completion of Kusala House. Restoring and extending this 200 year old cottage has involved many of our friends and supporters. We invite you to come and view the beautiful results of all the good effort that has gone into it. We look forward to seeing you there.

It will also be a chance to wish Samanera Sunnyato a safe journey as on Monday he heads over to stay in our monastery in Switzerland for 6 months.

Vesak Preparations...

2009-05-01T10:32:00.022+01:00

Anagarika Michael mowing the meadow

This week saw the return of Ajahn Abhinando on Tuesday in time for his Birthday on Friday. His time in Hartridge, Devon and Le Refuge in France seem to have been beneficial. Also Samanera Sunnyato has returned from visiting Germany, and the day after our Wesak Ceremony he will be heading to Dhammapala, the Swiss Monastery to stay there. Abramina has been helping us in the garden and has just returned to Holland. One knows for sure that Spring has really sprung and summer is just weeks away when the scent and sound of grass being mown starts to become more regular and frequent. The bluebells are out now on the front of the hill and lambs are playing in groups and loudly out-numbering and out-bleating their mothers.

Please join us if you can on Sunday 10th May for Vesakha Puja, our annual celebration of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away. Events are planned to begin with the shared meal at 10.30am. For full details of all of the day's program are on the website.

On this day we will also mark the completion of Kusala House. Restoring and extending this 200 year old cottage has involved many of our friends and supporters. We invite you to come and view the beautiful results of all the good effort that has gone into it. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thai Ajahns visit

2009-04-24T08:28:00.008+01:00

Ajahn Thiradhammo

This week, Luang Por Tong- In who has 40 vassas and 150 monasteries worldwide, will be coming to visit Harnham this evening, accompanied by two other senior Thai monks, and tomorrow (Saturday 25th) they will be leaving to head south. They will be staying at Kusala House where they will be offered dana at 9:30am and anyone who wishes to join in is very welcome to do so. Any food brought to be offered to them needs to be brought to Kusala House, and not the main part of the monastery.
Ajahn Thiradhammo, the Abbot of our New Zealand branch monastery (and former Abbot of Harnham) will also be leaving us early in the morning and heading to Amaravati for a few days before heading off elsewhere.
Having spent the winter retreat in Hartridge Monastery in Devon, and having helped Ajahn Khemasiri teach a retreat at Le Refuge in southern France, Ajahn Abhinando will be returning on Monday.
Samanera Sunnyato will also be returning to Harnham tomorrow, before he heads to Dhammapala monastery in Switzerland to help out for a few months after Vesak.
The posting of the Hilltop newsletter has been slightly delayed, but it should be going out by tomorrow morning.

Visiting Sangha

2009-04-18T08:55:00.008+01:00

Ajahn Thiradhammo

Last weekend was Songkran, the Thai New Year, and many of our Thai lay supporters came to make merit by offering dāna to the Sangha. There were also a number of other dānas from the Sri Lankan community and other friends from Glasgow.

Our numbers are due to increase very soon, with Ajahn Munindo returning today, Ajahn Puñño on Wednesday, and we will be happy to receive Ajahn Thiradhammo, who will be arriving on Monday for a 5-day visit. Also this week, we will welcome 3 visiting senior Thai Ajahns who will be staying overnight on Friday on a brief teaching tour.

We are currently in the process of rebuilding the Dhamma Talks website; correcting it and making it more user-friendly. It is taking some time and a lot of effort, but it will be worth it and we hope to have it operative from mid-May.

Finally, we are expecting the Hilltop newsletter and Vesak invitations to be ready by the middle of the week, and they will be with you as soon as possible.

Gathering

2009-04-12T09:18:00.015+01:00

Ajahn Abhinando and Tan Subhaddo at Hartridge

Each year, early in April, all the senior members of our Sangha try to gather at Amaravati. It’s a time for reaffirming shared aspirations and, when needed, discussing whatever issues there might be around. Accordingly on Sunday 5th Ajahns Munindo and Punnyo travelled south where they met up with Ajahn Abhinando who has spent the last two months at Hartridge monastery (see picture).

Meanwhile on Harnham Hill spring-time activities increase. Mame and Maureen have been reviving our gardens, Abramina is here, Jeff Jackson has installed a new breakfast table in Kusala House and various guests are coming to make use if it.

It is not long now until we celebrate Wesak (10th May) and this year we want to also mark the completion of Kusala House with an open day for viewing. We hope you will all join us. If things go to plan you will soon receive our Hilltop Newsletter plus a nice invitation card for the event.

Spring on the Hill

2009-04-02T21:31:00.010+01:00

Spring has arrived on the hill. The daffodils and crocuses are blooming and Brian's flock will soon start lambing. The Sangha is emerging from its Winter Retreat and two new anagarikas have taken the 8 precepts: Skipper from America and Tomas from Leeds.

Ajahn Abhinando has been away on retreat in Devon and is due back in at the end of April. Ajahn Munindo and Ajahn Punnyo will be heading down to Amaravati at the beginning of April to take part in the Elders' and Theras' meetings there. Then on Monday 20th April Ajahn Thiradhammo will be coming to stay for 5 days until Saturday 25th, and then on Friday 24th April we will be hosting 3 senior forest ajahns over from Thailand.

The Sangha would like to express its appreciation for all the generous support it was kindly offered during the time of its Winter Retreat and would like to dedicate any goodness accrued towards the benefit of all beings.

The Winter Retreat

2009-01-06T12:19:00.060Z

The Community has gone into Winter Retreat, having starting on Monday 5th January. This Blog is now slowing down into hibernation mode, but will quicken again with the Spring flowers at the start of April. The Sunday Night Puja will continue throughout the winter and all are welcome to attend.

If you need to contact the monastery it is still possible to phone and leave a message on the answer service, which is being checked every day.

The New Year

2009-01-01T22:03:00.012Z

Evening puja

The New Year's Eve Forgiveness and Aspiration Ceremony was very well attended with about fifty people staying until midnight to see out the old year and see in the new. Many stayed over until New Years Day. The Dhammapala Leeds Group were represented by Daniella, Joyce, Brenda and Mui Weng. From the Edinburgh group there was Alex, and also Ray came bringing his daughter for a first visit. There was also plenty of space for some locals to be accommodated in Kusala House.

Ajahn Abhinando gave some reflections on the theme of generosity and there was the option of drinking tea and warming drinks in the Reception Room or sitting quietly in the Dhamma Hall in preparation for the Forgiveness and Aspiration Ceremony between 11.30pm and midnight.

New Years Day saw a minibus of Thai students from Newcastle University coming to offer dana along with Namtip, Sompong and Sugert. At 4pm the Sri Lankan community gathered, fifty strong, to take the Five Precepts and listen to Ajahn Abhinando talking about New Year's aspirations and the Lord Buddha's teaching on the precepts. People had traveled from as far a field as North Yorkshire and West Scotland; from the Glasgow Group Rangit had made the long trek across the border.

During the week Mo from Catterick brought her mother-in-law to offer dana, and Cesare and Chandima brought a taste of Italy to the kitchen. Herman has made a significant dent in Ajahn Abhinando's carpentry job list and, as is the tradition, he again tolled the midnight New Year bell; there is a rumour he may well have single-handedly upheld this tradition for much of the past eighteen years.

The Community will be going into Winter Retreat starting on Monday 5th January. This Blog will slow down into hibernation mode, but will quicken again with the Spring flowers at the start of April. The Sunday Night Puja will continue throughout the winter and all are welcome to attend.

N.B. the dana list will still be maintained even when the report/comment becomes thin (or non-existent).

Peace and Goodwill

2008-12-19T18:48:00.013Z

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.

Beneath the Surface

2008-12-11T17:53:00.007Z

Ajahn Munindo and Venerable Nyanamoli in Kuala Lumpur

Although designated a monastic 'Quiet Week' when our community withdraws from work projects and personal interaction to focus on individual practice this week's silent time was accompanied by the sounds of our car park being surfaced. Despite the potentially distracting noises community members and guests paid little heed to the superficial external activity and instead mindfully went about their own deeper work, probing and enquiring beneath surface appearances. Visitors to the monastery are now able to smoothly drive into the Kusala House car park plus it is easier for wheelchair users and walking upon.

As reported last week Ajahn Munindo and Venerable Nyanamoli departed with a 'not for sure' journey ahead of them, however as is clear from the photo, our intrepid spiritual travellers made it happily to Kuala Lumpur. Latest sightings place them in Bangkok, from where Bhikkhu Nyanamoli is headed to a remote forest wat. And finally, after weeks of uncertainty we can confirm that Ajahn Punnyo is back home at Harnham; our good friend Khun Jeab delivered him back to us safe and sound on Wednesday. We're looking forward to hearing about his extended time in Thailand when we're all back on speaking terms again next week.

Leaning Hut of Harnham

2008-12-04T19:46:00.006Z

The movement of Harnham's monastics finally got under way this week. Ajahn Munindo and Venerable Nyanamoli resolutely set off into the unknown on Tuesday (ahead of the re-opening of Thailand's main airports) with a heavily revised and still very uncertain itinerary. They left just in time as by Thursday the snow was severely restricting travel off our hill. As for Ajahn Punnyo coming back the other way, conditions take time to settle down so we're still not sure exactly when he'll depart Bangkok. However we're hoping to quietly welcome him home early next week during one of our Silent Weeks when many of our greetings may be unvoiced.

Not quite so famous as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Leaning Hut of Harnham this week went the way of Nature. Users of our car park will be familiar with the erratic shed which acted as a reminder of the instability of the very ground beneath our feet. In a past life the shed had served up at the main house as the monastery's larder but had been reborn over the Summer when it became a store for Kusala House's decorating equipment. But the final stage of the guest house's development required that the shed break-up once more and vacate its position ahead of the upcoming car park surfacing work. Residents and guests happily laboured outside in heavy snow and a blizzard to clear the whole area and were later to be seen at the nearby frozen Bolam Lake sharing scraps of food with a mass of hungry swans, geese and ducks: it may have been cold outside but clearly there's been lots of warm feelings within.

Worldly Winds

2008-11-29T21:39:00.008Z

Harnham View

Last week's blizzard did indeed portend the arrival of further Wintry weather as this week the views from the monastery's windows have been largely scenes of heavy frost and much snow. However the monastic community didn't take this as a sign to go into hibernation. Work must go on, so monks and guests have been wrapping up well as they both mindfully and cheerfully brave the elements.

This week though it has perhaps been political forces rather than natural forces that have had the greatest effect on the community's proceedings. The dramatic closure of Thailand's international airport has meant that Ajahn Munindo and Venerable Nyanamoli have had to postpone their flight there and instead keep our numbers up here for the time being. Conversely Ajahn Punnyo has been unable to fly back to Britain and has been stranded in Bangkok temporarily. Thankfully Ajahn Punnyo hadn't actually checked in at the airport and wasn't caught in a bureaucratic 'no-man's land' so he's been able to receive appropriate support in the Thai capital. Perhaps it is another example of how actions can have all manner of unforeseen consequences, the ripples of which are felt thousands of miles away around the world. Back on our chilly hill top community we contemplate the interconnectedness of things and consider how we're also exposed to the worldy winds of political storms, and not just the biting Northumberland gales. Brrrr...

Natural Forces

2008-11-22T14:39:00.012Z

Andrew on the ladder

Although there are scores (nay hundereds!) of rabbits to be seen in the nearby fields generally they are rather shy neighbours and shun our benevolent contact. However this week one brave rabbit was to be seen almost everyday loitering around our car park hedge, fearlessly observing the peaceful comings and goings of the community. Had it been irresistably drawn to the wholesomeness of Kusala House? Perhaps, but probably not; a closer inspection revealed that our furry friend had in fact discovered some delicious new grass growing amongst a low stone 'wall' one of our regular guests from the Carlisle group had built to help support the hedge. Hmm, Nature's flora and fauna are always waiting to usurp and take advantage of our man-made achievements. At least our other human guests this week had been attracted by the wholesome opportunities afforded by the retreat house and have been making good use of its facilities (whilst refraining from eating grass in the afternoon). The monastic community also have been back at work after the Silent Week, naturally.

Also this week we have felt the first touch of Winter's ragged hand. This morning's brief snowfall was whipped around by a bitter wind such that one could have been forgiven for thinking it was a proper blizzard, a taste of things to come no doubt. (Let's hope that when Ajahn Punnyo rejoins us on Friday from the heat of Thailand he'll quickly readjust to the cold and dark of good ol' Blighty).

Silent Week at Harnham

2008-11-13T09:39:00.016Z

Full moon at Harnham

This week at Harnham we have a Silent Week; no one is talking, not much is happening (externally). Occasionally a monk, a novice, a Kusala House Manager or a visitor can be seen walking from one place to another, but mostly residents have retreated to the milder indoor-climate of their rooms; on Monday and Thursday some good friends came to silently offer the meal; on Tuesday Rolf appeared silently to help cooking and to silently work on our workshop.

What else? The sheep sit or stand or walk silently on the paddock, sometimes munching grass, sometimes not; the jackdaws look down at us from their chimney-nest, breaking the silence occasionally with cryptic comments; at the bottom of the hill, on the A696, cars keep passing, we hear the distant noise; clouds come, hover for varying lengths of time, or pass quickly, to make room for more clouds, shedding or not shedding some rain on their way; (one morning the sky was blue, for a little while); the temperatures seem adequate for the time of the year (true!); the moon has been waxing until it was full, now it is waning again…

No news is good news in a Silent Week!

days getting colder

2008-11-05T18:23:00.015Z

days getting colder
and me still fishing for clouds
in the ancient pond

After Men’s Retreat, Kathina and Elder’s Council Meeting which all brought many visitors and much activity to the monastery, this week at Harnham has been relatively quiet. We still have a steady flow of overnight guests though, giving us friendly company, and joining us for pujas, discussions and work, which this week seems to focus on preparing the place for winter. Conservatories have been frost-protected, benches brought inside, boilers serviced and every day there is a new load of leaves to be swept up and cleaned out of the gutters. On Sunday we were pleased to welcome a large number of visitors again, both for the discussion at tea time as well as for the evening puja and Dhamma talk.

On Thursday Ajahn Munindo returned from his kathina-visit to Amaravati Monastery in Hertfordshire, just an hour before Ajahn Abhinando took the next train north, visiting the meditation groups in Edinburgh and Glasgow. By Saturday evening our community should be complete again, except for Samanera Visuddhi, who is helping with the forest work at Chithurst Monastery in Sussex. And thus reunited, we are looking forward to have a Silent Week together, starting after Sunday evening puja. Ajahn Abhinando will still visit the Carlisle group on Tuesday – and he promises he won’t give a ‘Silent Talk’ on that occasion.

_______________________________________________

Harvest Festival

2008-10-31T06:29:00.012Z

Kusala Buddha giving blessings

On Saturday Luang Por Sumedho and the gathered Sangha offered a baby blessing for Imogen and Aaron, the grandchildren of Clive and Myint Su, our good friends from Edinburgh. It was held in the newly-finished meditation room at Kusala House, where everybody gathered to hear the Paritta chanting. It was the first time the space was used for such a formal occasion and hopefully the first of many. We wish Imogen and Aaron a happy life and hope to see them back at Kusala House in years to come, on retreat..

Then on Sunday came the Kathina festival, beautifully organized and orchestrated by Khun Jeab. We were joined the afternoon before by many visiting monks and nuns from our other monasteries, and hundreds of people came along for the celebrations on the day. This year, the Kathina cloth was presented to Ajahn Munindo and the robe was made by Tan Hiriko, who measured, cut, and sewed a sabong in just over 6 hours (and without any mistakes!). Luang Por Sumedho gave the Dhamma discourse and visitors stayed to chat informally with the senior monks in attendance. We are very grateful to Khun Jeab for his effort and also to everyone else who helped to set up and put away everything in such an orderly fashion.

The senior Sangha members had their six-monthly Elder's Council on Monday, giving our junior visitors a chance to brave the elements and experience some of the local geography. Then after a well-attended Patimokkha recitation on Wednesday, our guests left for their respective monasteries, and life at Harnham returned to comparative stillness. Though not very long: tomorrow Ajahn Munindo and Samanera Visuddhi will journey down to Amaravati for their Kathina, after which Ajahn will return and S. Visuddhi will venture further to Chithurst, where he will help out during their 'forest month' and return just before Christmas.

Men's Retreat

2008-10-24T06:48:00.005+01:00

Luang Por Sumedho visiting

After all the hard work that went into finishing Kusala House, the community at Harnham had the great blessing to receive Luang Por Sumedho, who led the male retreat this last week. 21 increasingly wiser men sat for the retreat (including our good friend th Rev. Lewyn), applying themselves diligently to their walking and sitting meditation; and listening intently, along with the whole monastic community, to Luang Por's rousing and edifying twice daily Dhamma discourses. We offer him our heartfelt gratitude for such a wonderful and privileged opportunity.

Accompanying him are Ajahn Paññasāro and Ajahn Jayanto, and last night Ajahn Chandapālo from our branch monastery Santacittarama in Italy arrived ahead of the forthcoming Kathina celebrations on Sunday, for which we will be joined by many more senior Bhikkhus and nuns, who will be making use of the space at Kusala House (see below). Luang Por will be giving the Dhamma talk in the afternoon (approx. 2pm) and we welcome you all to join us.

On Monday we are hosting the Elders Council biannual meeting, after which we will say goodbye to the visiting Sangha guests, and things should return to their usual pace.

Done

2008-10-16T19:12:00.011+01:00

Kusala Buddha

As this stunning photo reveals, the meditation room at Kusala House is now complete. It is a great joy; it has been 7 years coming, involving lots of hard work and lots of energy, but it's all been well spent. Now the space is there to be used for meditation, study groups and meetings. Keep an eye on our calendar for 2009 and you will see a variety of activities indicated.
More immediately, starting tomorrow, Saturday 18th, 24 male guests will make use of Kusala House while Luang Por Sumedho leads a meditation retreat. Immediately after that on 25th October, we will welcome 22 Sangha guests from the other European monasteries who will be joining us for this year's Kathina (led by Khun Jeab), and for the Elders' Council meeting on Monday 27th. This does mean that, unfortunately, visitors joining us for Kathina will not be able to experience the splendors of the newly-completed meditation room, but we warmly welcome you to come back soon and look around.

Countdown to Completion

2008-10-10T11:02:00.009+01:00

Rita and Laszlo installing the third seat

The Autumn is definitely here, with colder and wetter weather, though we have had some beautiful, bright and crisp days here on the hill. For the Community it is also the end of Vassa, and now we're preparing for Kathina, the robe-offering ceremony which heralds the end of the traditional rains retreat for the Sangha.

In the next few days Kusala House will have reached completion. On Monday our friend Simon Wynn sent two of his workers to lay the flooring throughout the ground floor, from the porch right through to the kitchenette. It took them two days, working into the evening to finish it and it makes such a difference. Trust Director Kath Jones has donated the beautiful frame which now hangs opposite the sliding doors, and the table (dedicated to Inju Lee) for the lobby area arrived on Wednesday; combined with some furniture rearrangement by Ven. Hiriko and Visuddhi- under the direction of Ajahn Munindo- and the whole area is now somewhere in which people can sit, relax and engage in Dhammasakacca with one another. Also, on Monday, Rita and Laszlow generously offered 3 garden benches for the patio, providing another refreshing place to sit and contemplate Dhamma…or just to talk with friends (is there any difference?).

Today Geoff Jackson sent us one of his skilled craftsman to build a cupboard at the bottom of the stairs, which he finished by approx 4:30pm, and on Monday we'll begin fitting the skirting boards, erect the shrine and then.... that's it: Kusala House will be finished, ready for the 25 men attending Luang Por Sumedho's retreat on Friday.

Ending and beginning

2008-10-03T10:58:00.009+01:00

Ajahn Punnyo in Thailand

Ajahn Punnyo has been in touch from Thailand discussing his return. If things go to plan we expect to see him here by the end of November (we already have him booked in to visit the Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow groups in December). It will bring his sojourn in Asia to an end, at least for now, with his intending to spend an extended period at Harnham. Sadhu.

It will soon be the end of this years Rains retreat (vassa) and it has indeed rained. But it has also be a rewarding time for all of us here. Now Ajahn Munindo is planning a trip to visit his Mother in New Zealand (December to February) taking Tun Nyanamoli with him and dropping him off to stay for ten weeks with Ajahn Sawaeng in NE Thailand. Ajahn Sawaeng says he hopes to join us for the rains Retreat next year....

Meanwhile, the building site of Kusala House is about to cease being a building site. Last weekends retreat led by Ajahn Candasiri will be the last time our lay guests have had to meditate amongst the building materials. Simon Wynn will send his workers to lay the floor this coming Monday, hoping to have it all complete in two or three days.

Anagarika Sebastian’s mother is visiting here for the first time and we are glad she will be here to see her son turn into Samanera Sunnyato. Hope to see some of you here too – 7pm Saturday 4th October.

Nearing Completion

2008-09-26T06:32:00.016+01:00

Bojjhanga Buddha arrives at Kusala House

Things have been busy, preparing Kusala House for Ajahn Candasiri's retreat which starts today, and the community is ready for a few days of quiet practice over the weekend. The meditation room only needs the floor laid to be completed (ready for Luang Por Sumedho's forthcoming retreat), and Bojjhanga Garden was made similarly complete with the arrival of it's Buddha rupa on Sunday. Made by Ajahn Vimalo at Amaravati and offered by Clive Criper, Myintsu and family, it was brought up by our friends Mame, Maureen and Visakha who drove there and back especially.
Finally, Sebastian has been preparing for his Sāmanera ordination on the 4th October (see current announcements for more details).

Geoff's Doors

2008-09-18T17:22:00.026+01:00

Installing the doors

The weather has been a little more clement this week, and the meditation room is looking similarly brighter. The community has been clearing everything out, and cleaning up in preparation for the final two coats of paint, which begin in earnest today. Starting with the beautiful new sliding doors designed by our friend Geoff Jackson, and crafted and installed by his team of workers (to whom we're all very grateful), we will get the place looking crisp and fresh in time for Ajahn Candasiri's women's retreat on the 26^th.

Ajahn Abhinando has returned from leading the walking retreat at the Sneep (without too much walking) which, he reports, went very well; and we have a new addition to the community since Michael Knabe took the Anāgarika precepts on Sunday evening.

Over the next few days Ajahn Munindo will travel to meet with the Leeds meditation groupand Alex-of-Edinburgh will be here exercising his skills as the monastery's IT co-ordinator.

Last, but by no means least, our friend and supporter Abramina is back with us from Holland on a brief visit and is, as usual, taking care of the monastery in general and practising metta on all our plants.

After the rain

2008-09-11T08:36:00.021+01:00

Rainbow over Kusala House

The recent heavy storms and subsequent flooding may have caused problems for people in the area, but it didn't seem to dampen anybody's spirits; we still had people braving the elements to come and offer food and other helpful items, and to make use of our Dhamma Hall. It is good to see that even torrential rain and strong winds can't keep people from practicing generosity and meditation, and we hope that none of our friends and supporters were too badly affected by the weather.
The skies are now a little brighter, and work on Kusala House continues, with the plastering and Electrics finished this week. Ajahn Munindo is back from teaching in Italy, and Ajahn Abhinando is leaving for the Sneep (home of our friends Micky and Trudy Macgregor) to lead a 6- day retreat. Sunday night and Michael Knabe will become Anagairka Michael.

Autumn is here already

2008-08-30T10:57:00.009+01:00

Painting samadhi

This week there is little to report from the hilltop, but things are moving on steadily with the meditation room and the redecoration of Kusala House. The radiators are now installed, the painting of the store room is finished, and today we begin painting the lobby area.

Ajahn Abhinando is now pretty much fully recovered; well enough, in fact, to go to Scotland for a few days and teach at the Edinburgh and Glasgow groups with Tan Hiriko. He is unable to reply individually due to the sheer numbers, but he expresses his gratitude to all those who sent him cards and letters of support during the time he was in hospital and while he was convalescing. They were very much appreciated.

Finally, Anagarika Sebastian is soon to take up the ochre robes when he receives the Going Forth (Pabbajjā) and becomes a Sāmanera. The ordination will take place on Saturday 4th October, and everyone is welcome to attend. Michael Knabe will inherit Sebastian's whites when he takes anagarika precepts on the full moon day of Sunday 14th September.

White on white

2008-08-29T06:22:00.024+01:00

Anagarika Sebastian painting
the new Kusala House Meditation Room

Kusala house has been the centre of our activity this week. More work has been done on the meditation room-to-be, with Tan Hiriko and Samanera Visuddhi insulating and damp-proofing the wall underneath the step, and Andrew filling cracks and doing repairs around the building. The store room has finally been prepared for painting, thanks to Anagarika Sebastian and our guest Michael, while upstairs is currently getting a new coat of paint and is looking all the fresher for it.

Our friend and supporter Geoff Jackson has begun work on what will soon become the sliding doors and wall panelling, and discussions are afoot to decide upon some of the final, important details, such as how to arrange the curtains, and what kind of door handles to opt for.

On a different note, the Sangha picnic went very well, and we all spent a warm and enjoyable day at Penny and Nick's lovely cottage. 15 or so people came, sat and talked outside in the sun before we all went our separate ways in the late afternoon. Anumodana to all who contributed.

Both Ajahn Abhinando and Tan Nyanamoli's mothers have joined us for the next week or so, and Visakha is presently making the most of her final week at the monastery by spending time in quiet reflection whenever possible.

UPDATE - Ajahn Abhinando is so well recovered that he has offered to chant the patimokkha on the newmoon day, 30th August.

Back into Action

2008-08-21T13:48:00.011+01:00

Rolf with his handiwork at Kusala House

After 2 weeks of sedentary practice, the community is back into action, bringing practice into daily life once more. The meditation room at Kusala House has been the recipient of quite some attention- the walls have now been sanded down and ready for the first coat of paint, the windowsills were fitted yesterday, and our artist/craftsman friend Rolf Wojciechowski built a new base for the beautiful Burmese shrine which will be the centrepiece of the finished room.

The roofing felt has been finished on the tool shed, now packed to the rafters following the store room clearout which has taken us the last two days. There's been a good sense of community spirit and co-operation throughout, and now we're all looking forward to the Sangha picnic on Sunday, when we can enjoy the lovely surroundings of the Cheviots and kalyanamitta. We hope to see you all there.

Silent week

2008-08-14T07:15:00.013+01:00

English summer flowers

(taken by a Norwegian in West Sussex).

Saturday saw the end of our annual summer lay retreat, and it seems that everybody had a valuable experience. The spirit of co-operation was laudable and we hope to see everybody back next year. Anumodana for the generosity of those who donated food, those involved in the organisation and to everyone working in the kitchen, some of whom were busy with preparation and cooking from before breakfast until 9pm. Outstanding.

This week the monastic community is holding a silent week, a time when we can make a more focussed dedication to our formal practice. Some people will be concentrating on memorising chanting, while others make more time for Sutta/ Vinaya study. The rain is keeping us away from the walking paths but at least it's keeping the garden healthy.

Work has begun on the plastering of Kusala House meditation room - the final stage before completion of the building. It only took us 7 years which is not bad for us. There is still the little job of installing sliding doors in the block-wall as the entrance into the meditation room. And there will of course be some painting work to do in case you like painting parties (contact the workmonk).

Calm and Contemplation

2008-08-07T10:54:00.016+01:00

Summer retreat underway

Things are outwardly very still here as Harnham holds its annual summer retreat. The community is joined by 24 participants from around Britain and Europe all diligently and sincerely applying themselves to the nurturing of calm and contemplation. The noble silence permeates throughout the monastery, even in the kitchen where volunteers are providing the daily sustenance for all the retreatants.
Ajahn Abhinando could not make it to any of the formal sittings but tells us he is with us "in spirit", and has occasionally paced up and down the path to his kuti in walking meditation when the weather has permitted.
The retreat ends on Saturday morning, giving the residents a couple of days to catch up on work, before our monastic silent week commences on Sunday night, after puja.

Working Together

2008-07-31T20:00:00.021+01:00

Tun Ñānamoli (new work-monk) and Samanera Visuddhi

It has been a busy week here at Harnham. The community has been working around the clock to prepare for the forthcoming Summer retreat - one night required Tan Hiriko and Tan Ñānamoli to stay up until past midnight working in the plumbing department. Thankfully everything is adequately resolved.
The old larder has been transferred to the car park at Kusala House and is now a garden-shed, making much-needed room for seating in the space outside the kitchen at No.2. Our new larder is now fully operational and complete, special thanks to our good friend Rolf Wojciechowski.
Today, being the new-moon day, we are all appreciating a somewhat quieter atmosphere, preparing ourselves for retreat, starting Sunday; one week with about 24 lay guests followed by our own monastery silent week. From time to time Ajahn Abhinando has occasionally been spotted walking outside and seems to be getting a little more energy back.

Anagarikā Visakhā

2008-07-25T17:41:00.016+01:00

Anagarikā Visakhā

One week into the Vassa and everybody is making extra effort with both monastery work and their personal practice. As you can see from his letter below, Ajahn Abhinando is recovering well and in good spirits, being helped along by Tan Hiriko, who is presently acting as his attendant (do contact him directly if you wish to communicate with Ajahn Abhinando). Anagarikā Visakhā (Kath Jones) is a joyous new presence in the community. And having her as Kitchen Manager is indeed appreciated, particularly as our new larder comes together (thanks to Farad again) .

Ajahn Abhinando's Letter

2008-07-22T08:56:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends,

I am back at the monastery, as expected, relieved by 1 kidney and 1 tumor and slowly growing together again. The Freeman hospital once more proved worthy of its excellent reputation. I was deeply impressed by receiving and witnessing so much kindness and down to earth compassion being applied by so many doctors, nurses and other staff in a very appropriate and professional manner in such a short period of time. So, it might sound strange to you, but, in spite of the physical discomfort and well, (say it:) pain, it felt like a very worth while and beautiful experience to go through. I will remember many of the people at the hospital for a long time and be immensely grateful to them.

Also my surgeon lived up to his professional reputation. The operation wasn't without its risks, but as far as I can know (and everyone says) he steered clear of all obstacles and did a perfect job, taking his time (4h) to stitch me up beautifully (got the interestingly shaped scar of a "Mercedes-Incision" big enough for a cesarean birth now).

I contributed my part, by healing up quickly and without complications so far. So everyone is content.

I was received beautifully back here at Harnham and am looked after with much care and dedication by my fellow samanas. A second thing I am very grateful for and will equally remember for a long time to come. (Hey! - maybe all this might even help me become a better person myself).

I am going to hide for a while now and won't be available for contact in person or by phone for – say – a couple of weeks. Feel free to write though. I felt and feel tremendously supported by all your many messages of friendship and support. Now there's the third thing I am immensely grateful for and which I shall not forget. It's good to have friends!

I probably won't send out another collective email as I expect that there won't be anything dramatic to communicate while I slowly claw my way back through convalescence over the next couple of months. If there is, of course, I'll let you know. Otherwise, well, I guess you'll just notice more and more of me being around again...

See you later then,

and may all the blessings and protections of the Dhamma be with you all the time,

Abhinando

Āsālha Puja

2008-07-17T10:25:00.022+01:00

Ajahn Abhinando with Ajahn Munindo.

Ajahn Abhinando is recovering well from his surgery, able to walk and shave unaided. He is still unable to eat solid foods, is still 'taking drugs' (morphine) but is maintaining impressive equanimity. He won't be back for the first Vassa ,which we enter tomorrow, but will make it in time for the second.

Today is Āsālha Puja, and tonight, Kath Jones will take the Anigarikā precepts during the evening puja, beginning at 7pm.

Āsālha Puja commemorates the day when the Lord Buddha gave the first sermon to the first group of 5 Bhikkhus, one of whom became a Noble Disciple upon hearing the teaching. This sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, concerns the central teaching of the Buddha and will be chanted every evening throughout the Vassa, except on Sundays when we will have the regular puja.

UPDATES: Ajahn Abhinando's surgery

2008-07-15T08:10:00.019+01:00

Ajahn Abhinando just after surgery.

Greetings,

Having just returned from Ward 3 Urology Department of Freeman Hospital I am happy to report that everyone on AA's team were pleased with the 4 hour surgery. The patient is pleased too (he is on morphine). He talked non-stop almost for most of the hour or so I was there - mostly about how grateful he is for the extrordinary kindness and competence of everyone at the hospital and about his appreciation for all his friends. He wanted me to send greetings and gladness to all of you. He has two massive scars at right angles across his left belly. The Doctor was pleased that they didn't damage the spleen (which was not unlikely) in the course of removing the left kidney and a significant amount of tissue around it. Initial report suggests no complications but of course there will be a series of CTs scans for some time to come. Likewise, over the next few days they will be doing thorough tests on the 11 cm tumour to acsertain ...... (I am not sure what. But it will determine whether or not he has follow-up chemo/radiation etc). Probably in a day or two he will be in touch with you directly as his bedside multi-media unit offers email/internet. Right now he is disinclined to move much, however the physio-folk want him up and about - or at least in a chair tomorrow if possible.

Best wishes all,

Bhikkhu Munindo

Barefeet for Burma

2008-07-10T13:50:00.020+01:00

Ewen Hardie on pilgrimage

On Sunday we were visited by Ewen Hardie (pictured), who called at the monastery on his walk from the Scottish Parliament to Westminster. He is treading the entire route barefooted to raise awareness of the current situation in Burma/ Myanmar and is only eating whatever he is given, so if you spot him on his journey, your support will be greatly appreciated by him. You can check his blog at www.barefeetforburma.blogspot.com
Also on Sunday, Ajahn Jayanto's weekend retreat concluded, and on Tuesday, Abramina arrived for a month and has subsequently been pottering around and generally taking care of things here.
On Sunday Kath Jones will begin her 6 week stay here, and will take the Anagarikā precepts on the 17th.

Signing the Constitution

2008-07-04T08:24:00.012+01:00

Irmgarde Horsley (JP) witnessing the signing

On Wednesday morning we bade farewell to the visiting Sangha from Thailand and Amaravati. We are grateful for the inspiring talk given by Ajahn Jundee at the Sunday night puja and to Ajahn Nyanadhammo for his meticulous and skilled translation.
This evening sees the start of the weekend retreat, led by Ajahn Jayanto, who has kindly come up from Amaravati to teach.
Lastly, on Tuesday the constitution of the newly formed Harnham Buddhist Monastery Trust was signed, with our good friend (and JP) Mrs. Irmgarde Horsley witnessing, marking a new beginning in the organisation and running of the monastery.

Finished

2008-06-26T17:53:00.009+01:00

After many ups and downs and numerous setbacks, the kitchen in the main house is finally finished.

On Tuesday, Ajahn Abhinando returned from visiting his parents in Germany, and yesterday Rev Lewyn from Throssel Hole Priory came to stay for a few days.

Also yesterday we received a visit from 10 scout masters who joined us for evening Puja and a question and answer session with Tan Nyanamoli. As mentioned last week we look forward to having several Sangha visitors this weekend: Ajahns Jundee who was ordained at Ajahn Chah's monastery just one year before Ajahn Munindo, Ajahn Nyandhammo, Ajahn Vimalo and Tun Moshe.

A Tribute to Ajahn Chah

2008-06-19T17:43:00.028+01:00

Venerable Ajahn Chah

“On Tuesday it was Ajahn Chah’s birthday, which the community celebrated by beginning our belated silent week. His legacy is a body of accessible teachings, the various monasteries around the world and, of course, the western Forest Sangha. Without these many of us would not have encountered the Dhamma, so perhaps we can take a little time to reflect on how indebted we are to him.

Ajahn Munindo returned to Harnham via Santacittarama monastery in Italy, where he gave a talk entitled ‘A Tribute to Ajahn Chah’.

Pointing to the Path

2008-06-12T13:49:00.018+01:00

Pointing to the Path

The community has shrunk in size yet again. Ajahn Abhinando has gone to Germany to visit his parents for a couple of weeks, leaving only four of us here at Harnham. However, we are being joined by Bhante Seelagawesi and a group of lay supporters until Sunday night, when our monastic silent week begins. Also, Ajahn Abhinando's newly-printed poetry book has arrived: copies will be available at the monastery but we probably better wait until Ajahn Abhinando returns on 24th June before giving them out.

A friend of the monastery sent us this photograph, after being inspired by one of Ajahn Munindo’s talks based around the acronym ‘P.A.T.H.’ (Patience, Awareness, Trust, and Honesty). If we are patient with our practice, cultivate awareness, have trust in the Buddha’s teachings, and look at ourselves honestly we can recognise and follow that which leads us to the Path: as Ajahn Chah said, “everything is teaching us”.

Quiet Life

2008-06-05T18:40:00.010+01:00

This week has been fairly quiet at Harnham. With the mens' retreat over, Ajahn Munindo overseas and only one guest remaining, the monastery feels more spacious than usual.

On Tuesday we received a visit from some local students keen to learn more about Dhamma and monastic life, but otherwise it has been 'business as usual', with the community alternating their efforts between routine work and personal study/ practice.

Retreat Time

2008-05-29T18:48:00.022+01:00

Ajahn Punnyo

This week Harnham hosted the mens' retreat, led by Ajahn Munindo and Ajahn Abhinando and attended by 19 participants. Everyone practiced diligently, both on and off the cushion, valuing the precious opportunity to turn away from distractions and direct attention inwards. We are grateful to Mike and Steve for their sterling work cooking and co-ordinating things during the week.

Last weekend the Sri Lankan community gathered in memory of Dr. Para, offering Dana and partaking in Dhammasakaccha. Once again their generosity and support is greatly appreciated.

It looks like the kitchen will finally be finished in the next few days, with the radiator being fitted and some final touches underway this afternoon. The skip has gone from a recently tidied car park, and the area outside the kitchen and Byre has had a face-lift after being blasted clean with a water jet. Things are gradually coming together (before they fall apart again).

On a somewhat sadder note, Ajahn Punnyo is leaving for Thailand this weekend. We look forward to seeing him when he returns in 6 months' time.

Pabbajja Ceremony

2008-05-22T08:15:00.016+01:00

Samanera Visuddhi

This Saturday saw the transformation of Shramanera Dogat into a Theravada Samanera (novice) at a Pabbajja ceremony attended by his family and numerous Chinese/Malaysian friends up from London. Ajahn Munindo presided over the evening's proceedings giving many inspiring exhortations and reflections. Having began his monastic life in Hong Kong as a Mahayana Shramanera, and having completed a 6 month probationary period here at Harnham, he now takes his place in the community as Samanera Visuddhi.

Sunday's Wesak was attended by about a hundred supporters willing to brave the showers. The event went very smoothly with many hands helping on all fronts, and plenty of sunshine in between the showers.

On Wednesday a group of Prison Chaplains were brought to the monastery by Kath Jones as part of their inter-faith program. For most of the week Mame, Maureen and Sugert have been working in the various conservatories on the many plants and shrubs, and today the community has been loading a skip full of building rubble and rubbish to clear the car park and create another couple of parking spaces.

The Long Road North

2008-05-15T17:19:00.019+01:00

Ajahn Amaro and Nick Scott just arrived from their walk.

The collective voice of the dawn chorus acts as a call to prayer and meditation. Waking the faithful it is nature's muezzin calling from the woodland minarets, like a morning thunder of awakening. The sparrows, blue tits, blackbirds and pheasants use dawn to announce their presence. And now that the swifts have arrived we know that spring is in full swing.

The main kitchen renovation is progressing slowly; the fire-doors are now in place. An alarm has been installed on the sewage system to let us know of any problems.

This Saturday 17th Shramanera Dogat will be going forth in a Pabbajja ceremony at 7pm as Samanera Visuddhi. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The actual Vesakha puja on the full moon of May this year falls on the 19th, and as usual we will hold our celebration on the closest Sunday, which is the 18th. Please try to arrive by 10.30am for a 10.45am rice pindapat followed by the meal. The ceremony will begin in the afternoon at 1 pm with the taking of Refuges and Precepts and Paritta chanting.

On Friday 16th Ajahn Amaro and Nick Scott concluded their second Long Walk North as they arrived at Harnham having left Chithurst a few weeks ago. This time, given the limited time available, certain concessions were made involving lifts and public transport. Nevertheless a good 20 days or so of hiking have been completed.

Holiday for the Nuns

2008-05-08T16:38:00.012+01:00

Siladharas in the Bojjhanga Garden

This week Kusala House hosted its first self- contained female retreat, led by Ajahn Anandabodhi and Ajahn Santacitta. It was a success, with participants enjoying the chance to practice mindfulness together in such a tranquil environment. We are all grateful to the Ajahns for leading the retreat, and to the various supporters who volunteered to cook, co-ordinate and give their time to ensure it went smoothly.

On Sunday evening they were joined by 8 fellow Siladharas and 3 Anagarikaas who came to Harnham for a few days in order to enjoy some quiet time together. They chose the perfect time to arrive, with Bhojjanga Garden almost complete. The myriad new plants, a delightful Japanese Weeping Cherry tree and the most glorious weather Northumberland has seen this year all made for a cheerful, pleasant few days for everyone. Once again we thank those supporters who came to cook for, and take care of, the nuns and we look forward to seeing them again next year.

Ajahn Munindo is away for another week, taking time out from his many responsibilities to have some solitude, Tan Nyanamoli joining Luang Por Sumedho’s retreat at Amaravati and after a few weeks of being busy, the remaining members of the community are slowing down a little.

This is a good time to reflect on the gratitude we have for our teachers, our blessings and the golden opportunities we have.

Blessings

2008-05-03T17:23:00.012+01:00

Ajahn Anandabodhi bestowing blessings

This weekend Kusala House is hosting the first self-contained retreat with Ajahn Anandabodhi and Sister Santacitta and a group 15 lay women. Also this weekend our new kitchen in the main house was blessed with the offerings of visiting Sri Lankan supporters from Amaravati. We are glad to have Tun Hiriko back after a couple of weeks of filial piety practice and over the next few days 15 members of the nuns communities of Chithurst and Amaravati will join us for a few days of R&R. Blessings abound.

Supporters

2008-04-25T21:00:00.001+01:00

Kath needs a hand.

...and while the community were recovering from the last Saturday's dust, spilled chemicals and paint, a large group of supporters from Thailand came and offered the robe to the Sangha in a ceremony which happened on Thursday and went smoothly which was not a surprise considering the amount of preparations involved, so when the next morning we waved goodbye to Ajahn Vajiro, who kindly decided to pay us a visit and at the same time fill the temporary gap in our Sangha caused by Ajahn Punnyo's stay in Devon and Tan Hiriko's visit to Slovenia, our minds were able to focus on the remaining work in the Kusala House and be ready for the tomorrow's second leg of the voluntary work day and although a great deal of work has already been done as the picture speaks for itself we do hope people will turn up and give their contribution so until then...

Everybody welcome…

2008-04-17T18:09:00.009+01:00

Deva in the Kusala Conservatory

Last Sunday many people came to celebrate ‘Songkran’ – New Year or the Water Pouring Festival, as it is known in South-East Asian countries. All went well; people restrained themselves from throwing water on each other, as is a favorite custom in Thailand. Anumodana for the many offerings brought on that day.

Kusala House is still serving as the heart (or rather the stomach) of our monastery. Two weeks of kitchen rebuilding up in the house can sometimes last longer then fourteen days… At the moment workers are diligently finishing the lighting, floor, sink etc. and putting everything in order to make it usable for the forthcoming Pa Pah ceremony – sort of an out-of-season-Kathina, taking place on Thursday 24th of April. The day will start around 10am with preparations for the meal offering which is at 11am, followed by chanting, a Dhamma talk… Needless to say everyone is very welcome, and while you are checking your diary also mark 7pm on 17th of May, the Big Day for Shramanera Do Gat, who will receive his samanera ordination (pabbajja). Everyone is welcome to attend. On this coming Saturday, as we announced earlier, voluntary work day – emptying the workshop so Kath’s retreatants can use it as the additional space when Ajahn Anandabodhi comes to teaches the retreat in the beginning of May. The workday will start at 8-9am and needless to say… everybody welcome!

That would be all for this New Year which started on Sunday. It doesn’t feel as anything new and there are good reasons for it: At Savatthi. There the Blessed One said: “Bhikkhus, this running on from existence to existence is without discoverable beginning. A beginning point is not evident of beings roaming and wandering on hindered by ignorance and fettered by craving... it is enough to ..... become dispassionate, enough to be liberated.”

[Sukhita Sutta, SN 15.11]

The Empty Vessel

2008-04-14T18:41:00.002+01:00

the vase that will become a Buddha

The Three Ajahns: Ajahn Munindo, Ajahn Abhinando and Ajahn Punnyo (together with attending Shramanera Do Gat) left Tan Hiriko and Tan Nyanamoli to act as the incumbents of the monastery. Sounds like a big deal, but fortunately it is not too difficult, although the greatest challenges are yet to come. At the moment the Bhikkhus are supported by An. Trevor and friend Graeme from Scotland, so with only four people it is very quiet here (if we ignore the farmer’s bulldozer running up and down the hill). Last week our friend Martin (with help of Do Gat-si and Peter) has done some nice stone work in the garden. The main wonder of this undertaking is the new stone shrine which, while it waits for the special Buddha statue to arrive from Burma, is holding the big and empty clay pot – a rather good symbol for… something… On the last Sunday we also had quite a few people gathering here, some of them for the meetings, some for Jody’s memorial and some just to see what’s going on. They all blended well together and these events went as smooth as possible. On Tuesday Rita kindly helped us out with cooking and Rolf with fitting the new workshop. It is hoped that the old workshop will be moved from Kusala House over to its new home on one of the voluntary work days which will take place on two Saturdays - 19th and 26th April respectively. The main aim is to enable the Kusala House for the forthcoming retreats (the first Women’s retreat in the beginning of May). Tan Nyanamoli and Rolf will act as 'foremen’ on the 19th and if you wish to give them a hand with this important project please contact us for more details.

And to finish this with a possible symbolism of the pot:

As a potter's clay vessels
large and small
fired and unfired
all end up broken,
so too life heads to death.
Young and old
wise and foolish
rich and poor:
all come under the sway of death,
all have death as their end.

[from Salla Sutta, Sn 3.8]

Coming out of Retreat

2008-04-02T09:28:00.027+01:00

Tun Nyanamoli's road-making meditation

This week the Winter Retreat finished on 31st March and the Spring comings and goings started on 1st April as Abramina caught her plane back to Holland. Anagarika Sebastian's plane was cancelled and he had to return to the monastery for one night, before catching his flight to Germany the next day for a two week home visit. Then on Thursday Ajahn Punnyo takes the train north to teach in Scotland for three days. On Monday 7th April Ajahns Munindo, Abhinando and Punnyo catch the southbound train to Amaravati to take part in the Elders and Theras meetings, leaving Tan Hiriko and Tan Nyanamoli to hold the fort along with Trevor. Martin, Peter and Shramanera Do Gat are making the most of the spring sunshine and working on the Meditation Garden, which is dedicated to the parents of Moe Thurzar.

2008-03-27T09:43:00.014Z

Abrahmina is enjoying the bright new kitchen installed by Jeff Jackson and companions in the Kusala House which is in daily use now. Farad's plasterers and carpenters continue to fit a new kitchen in the Main House, No. 2, on the hilltop, which is more in line with modern fire regulations. So everyday the meal time meeting is taking place in the Kusala House conservatory.

One of the kitchen carpenters is also a very knowledgeable ornithologist. Ian has spotted a pair of red kite on the hill. The neighbours say they may be nesting in Shortt Flat Woods.

Other birds are beginning to return from their winter migrations and attend to their nests. Abrahmina will be flying back to her Dutch home on Tuesday after spending the final part of winter with us. Her presence has been much appreciated and we wish her the very best. We also wish the best to Tan Hiriko who turned 23 on Thursday.

Ajahn Munindo has returned from spending time in the Czech Republic and Slovakia with Ex-Jayamano, who seems to be doing well. The community will officially finish it's winter retreat on Tuesday 1st April, and attention is now turning to the coming year.

Springing into action

2008-03-22T08:32:00.005Z

Geoff and Mark

The last time we saw Geoff Jackson featured in the monastery news was 22nd December 2006 when he was building our new library. Now he and Mark have just completed the new kitchen in Kusala House. And it is being thoroughly used since the old kitchen in the main house (which Geoff helped build 25 years ago) is being demolished and rebuild. When finished it should more than satisfy the current fire/health & safety regulations.

Thanks to our friend Ashley, builders have also completed the paving work in front of Kusala House entrance, including more adequate wheelchair access, which should thoroughly satisfy the building inspector.

Ajahn Munindo mentioned that his disappearance to Czech Republic for a week of private time (with ex-Jayamano) had nothing to do with avoiding the upheaval caused by all the building work. Although the change in the mode of activity at Harnham has been rather sudden, the monastic community continues with the cultivation of contentment, appreciating the remaining weeks of winter retreat.

Surviving the Storms

2008-03-10T17:19:00.017Z

Daffodils are flowering, blackthorns are white and ravens are kronking. March is sometimes called the Month of Many Weathers. In Anglo-Saxon times it was known as the rough month, Hrethmonath, due to its gales and storms. This week has seen the full range.

Tiles have been blown loose in the gales and storms, and we were fortunate to have the ever resourceful Ajahn Abhinando to lead the way onto the roof to replace them.

From Monday 17th March the monastery kitchen will be closed for approximately two weeks for renovations. Instead the kitchen in the Kusala Retreat House will be in use temporarily.

Quiet Week

2008-03-06T20:19:00.015Z

This weekend a dozen Thai students from the University in Newcastle braved the weather to come offer dana and had a dhamma discussion with Ajahn Munindo. Otherwise it has been a fairly quiet week and there is not a lot of news to report. This would seem fitting, given the Community is still on it's Winter Retreat. Just as on a cold winter's day a person might sit quietly by a fire to soak up its warmth, so too the Community is quietly absorbing dhamma.

Aruna Crocus

2008-02-28T15:19:00.014Z

After a wind swept winter there are increasing signs of a resurgence on the hill. The crocuses which Anne Massey-Lynch donated on New Year's Eve are reaching the end of their gestation and beginning to bloom in the Abbot's conservatory. Abramina will be making her annual Spring Pilgrimage back to Harnham after a long winter in Holland. We all welcome her back and look forward to her warm, supportive presence.

We hear from Cesare, who spake on behalf of the Milanese, that our ex-kitchen manager Jim is blossoming and doing well in the Italian warmth. And the monastery was fortunate to receive the kind help and dana from Rit and Laszlo on Wednesday.

Silent Woodpecker

2008-02-22T10:00:00.012Z

Spring Storms

In the small deciduous wood immediately behind the Dhamma Hall shrine, spring was being heralded daily with the loud drumming of a female great spotted woodpecker. Sunshine instead of snow came for most of this week and the gorse has been shining bright gold. Though a strinkling of frost sheltered in the shade of the stone walls and there are clumps and drifts of snowdrops here and there.

At dusk above the monastery hundreds of crows pass overhead flying together. What's interesting is how the flock shifts as if directed from within by individuals or teams which on one occasion lead, and other times follow. As darkness falls the community of monks return one by one to their various rooms and personal shrines. This flock too is guided from within by its own kind of internal frame of reference.

On Thursday Spring changed her mind. She sent the sun home, and now Spring's storms have come to test the trees. The loud daily herald of our great spotted woodpecker drumming has fallen silent. However none of this has prevented Caroline coming to offer Thursday's Dana, and no winds could stop Cathy, Kathy and Rita on Friday.

Jody Higgs

2008-02-14T19:10:00.013Z

Farewell Jody

On Monday all five Harnham monks travelled to Edinburgh to perform the funeral service for our good friend and long time supporter and trustee, Jody Higgs. She had lived with leukaemia for 13 years, outliving the doctors generous prognosis by four years. The ceremony was a quiet one, attended by family and friends, with many a moving reflection on her life. Her Inter-Faith work had culminated in her speech being read out to the Scottish Parliament during the week after she passed away. It had been greeted with applause from the House.
At a later date (which we will announce on the Monastery calendar) there will be a memorial service and ashes interment ceremony at the monastery to which all are invited. She will be held in many hearts/minds as the community continues on with its winter retreat.

Changes

2008-02-08T18:31:00.002Z

Changes.

Our week has been dominated by the sad news that our good friend Jody Higgs passed away on Sunday evening. Although we all knew that Jody had been unwell for many years when the time comes it is challenging. Most of us from the monastery will join the family for a ceremony of taking leave in Edinburgh on Monday 11th.

Also this week we saw a large group of Thai university students coming to make a generous donation towards the new kitchen project. The Fire Regulations Officer has told us we are obliged to 'upgrade' our standards. Not surprising really but slightly inconvenient. Never mind, planning is going ahead and if all goes well, the new kitchen in Kusala House will be completed (with the help of Jeff Jackson) in early March which will make it available for use while the main house kitchen is worked on by Farad. Meanwhile we continue to enjoy the quiet of retreat for at least three more weeks.

Snowdrops

2008-01-31T20:11:00.001Z

Snow flurries.

Sometimes Spring seems to be blowing in early to the hill. Snowdrops are flourishing, the gorse is flowering bright gold and the sun shines forth. Other times winter returns with gales and snow flurries.

The winds removed a couple of panels from the conservatory; the abbot visited the A&E department briefly after slicing open his finger; good friends Michael and David paid the required attention to the sewerage which needed tweaking; and the stream of generous supporters are helping Sebastian in the kitchen in ways that certainly uplift and nourish the heart as well as the body.

The community continues on it's three month Retreat as it moves into February. Whatever the weather, the walking meditation paths are being well trod.

Falling Snow

2008-01-25T08:43:00.000Z

On Monday the snow returned, falling all day and covering the ground to a depth of about 4 or 5 inches, then melting back a bit before freezing solid overnight. So the monastery was surrounded by hard, compacted ice on Tuesday morning, which Shamanera Do Gat dealt with by hammering and shovelling. Dr Tilak braved the weather, driving up from Seaham to offer the dana with his friend. By Wednesday the temperature had shot up to a balmy spring-like 13 degrees C and everything was melting.
The 3 month Winter Retreat continues, giving all the members of the community a welcome chance to spend time looking inwards, chipping away or stepping back to allow the gradual melting of compacted places hardened by ignorance, attending to the duties of a contemplative community.

Dana List -

useful food items

Dark Chocolate
Cheese

And non-food items

Tissues
Old Newspapers for firelighting
Stamps

Current Announcements

The Calendar for 2008

The Calendar for 2008 is now available for download as a single PDF file. Please note the size is over 890 kB, so it might take few minutes to download it. To download please click here.

Our monastery will be on Winter retreat from 5th of January until 31st of March. We will not be taking any guests again until till the end of March. Only occasionally Dhamma talks might be given during the three months retreat and in such circumstances the talks will be podcasted. We expected to resume weekly talks early in April.

Hilltop Newsletter
The Hilltop Newsletter Winter 2007/8 was has been uploaded. For the newspaper please click here.

Date Mistake - Magha Puja
Unfortunately we made a mistake by announcing Magha Puja as 21st March in our pictorial calendar. It should read 21st February. Sorry about that.

Support team
If anyone would like to spend a month or more supporting the Sangha throughout the winter retreat please contact us here.

Guesthouse manager needed
At Aruna Ratanagiri we are looking for a new guest house manager. Applicants need to be male, fluent in English, comfortably familiar with Theravada Buddhist monastic practice, and able with general repair work. Also, they will need to have a clean driver's licence and be able to commit for at least one year. The caretaker will receive without charge: a single room, two meals a day, the opportunity to participate in retreats and the opportunity to participate in daily meditations. For more information please click here.

Email us from our contact page on http://www.ratanagiri.org.uk/ or phone us on (0166) 188 1612.

Websites manager
We have been wondering if any of our regular friends and supporters have the time and skill to assist the monastery in managing www.ratanagiri.org and www.kusalahouse.org websites. If you are interested please contact Tan Nyanamoli for an appointment to discuss.

New Dhamma talk available
Most recent talks given at Aruna Ratanagiri are available as podcasts or download. Please click here.
The most recently posted talk G.O.D.S. to Believe In was given by Ajahn Munindo on New Year's Eve at Aruna Ratanagiri Monastery.

Sunday Practice Afternoons
We will now hold practise afternoons at Harnham one Sunday of each month from 2 to 5pm. See our calendar for further dates.

A two CD set of a reading of "The Dhammapada for Contemplation."
If you are interested in receiving this please contact the monastery.

For the regular notices please see our newsletter here.

Silent Week

2008-01-18T20:46:00.000Z

This week the Winter Retreat has started in earnest. The community is on strict Noble Silence, and is following a daily schedule of pujas and group meditation sits. In the middle of the week, on Wednesday the 16th, it was Luang Por Chah's Memorial Day, it being some 25 years since his funeral. Namtip and a friend came to offer dana. In Thailand thousands of lay supporters and hundreds of monks have been gathering at Wat Nong Pah Pong over this period. Here on the hill, our small community commemorated the occasaion with a special shrine to LP Chah, whilst gathering in silence.

The monastery quietly ticks over. Rolf continues his weekly visits, keeping an eye on mainenance and DIY issues. Ruth visits too, checking on the garden. Mame comes regularly to see to the pot plants. And Tan Nyanamoli keeps a weather eye on the office, forwarding mail and the like.

Dana List -

useful food items

Dark Chocolate
Fruits
Green Vegetables

And non-food items

Tissues
A Duster

Current Announcements

The Calendar for 2008

The Calendar for 2008 is now available for download as a single PDF file. Please note the size is over 890 kB, so it might take few minutes to download it. To download please click here.

For the regular notices please see our newsletter here.

Winter Retreat

2008-01-10T19:48:00.000Z

The Monastery is gradually settling in to quiet retreat mode whilst the world swirls on around it. On Wednesday the local hunt circled about the hill and spent all day weaving back and forth in the vicinity. On Thursday the power was cut, and the Electricity Board men came swooping in like the SAS, carrying chain saws and swinging bravely from ropes high up in the trees hanging over the back of the monastery.
For several days there have been strong piercing winds blowing in the winter cold. In the main house the central heating broke down and for 4 days David and Sebastian were bringing in wood and burning it in the Castle stove as the only way to keep the house warm. By Tuesday it became clear that the fault was in the wiring and Kevin Vallely came and managed to restore heating to the house.

10th January 2008

Dana List -

useful food items

Cheese
Soy Milk
Juice

And non-food items

A Visitors Book
Betadine

Current Announcements

The Calendar for 2008

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For the regular notices please see our newsletter here.

Entering Stillness

2008-01-04T17:09:00.001Z

Snow Buddha

With the winter weather closing in, the monastery is preparing to enter the traditional 3 month retreat on 7 January. The New Years Eve Gathering of Forgiveness and Aspiration was well attended by about 70 people. On Thursday the hill experienced blizzard conditions and several vehicles got stuck in 5 inches of snow. However the Sangha and the neighbours helped to to dig and pull them out and clear the way.

4th January 2008

Dana List -

useful food items

cheese
soy milk
juice

And non-food items

Kitchen Towel
A Visitors Book

Current Announcements

For the regular notices please see our newsletter here.

2007-12-27T18:18:00.000Z

Building a meditation garden

On Sunday the community was licking stamps and stuffing envelopes, sending out the New Year card and Hilltop to the network of friends and supporters across the country and continent. The Christmas Eve Children's Event was well attended, with several clans gathering from all over Northumbria, culminating in Tan Hiriko's candlelit circumambulation. On Boxing Day and Thursday guests began to gather, everyone a different nationality: Thai, Malaysian, Italian, Dutch and even someone from Tottenham, proclaiming that the Northumbrian weather is very "potatoes". (As in "potatoes in mold"which means "cold" in Cockney ryhming slang.)
Those living up here will know that, in fact, the weather has taken a very mild turn. So much so that the ice on Bolam lake has now melted, and the frost covering Harnham hill disappeared.

Helpful Herman from Holland

2007-12-20T21:26:00.000Z

On Friday our hardy Scottish treasurer, Clive drove south over the freezing border to spend the day working on the monastery accounts with Penny, the Trust's secretary. It was the quarterly reckoning. Saturday saw Ajahn Abhinando winging his way back from Italy, and on Monday Anagarika Trevor migrated North for our winter retreat. He joins us having originally taken the eight precepts with Ajahn Sucitto at Chithurst monastery in October 2006.

Although we don't have a resident caretaker, our good friend Herman from Holland has been diligently tidying up various untidy corners of the monastery, for which we are very grateful.
On Wednesday Ruth Thompson dropped in to do some gardening and to organise the annual Xmas Eve children's events. Children and helpers of all ages are welcome to the gathering,which will begin after the meal and continue through until a small circumambulation, mid afternoon.

2007-11-15T17:17:00.001Z

Ajahn Chandapalo visiting

2007-11-09T17:03:00.001Z

Ajahns Sucitto and Munindo

2007-11-01T16:55:00.000Z

Ajahn Suriyo at Bolam Lake

Moving on

2007-10-27T14:40:00.000+01:00

Ajahn Go leaning on his newly completed meditation garden wall.

Our Kitchen Manager developed strong feelings of fondness for Italy (as you might have noticed) to the extent that he plans to move there. Meanwhile he has already moved on from the monastery. His service to the monastery is greatly appreciated and we wish him every happiness for whatever lies ahead. Buona fortuna .

As he would say, the kitchen needs continue and this is what would be very much welcomed at Kathina.

long-life semi-skimmed milk
long-life whole milk
dried skimmed milk powder
soya-milk
sea-salt
honey
eggs

And non-food items

high-value stamps (£1 and above)
ear plugs
long shrine matches
ecover cleaning materials
toilet rolls
100 gsm A4 white paper
man-sized tissues
jay cloths

Friary Flapjacks

2007-10-18T10:32:00.000+01:00

Whilst England dominated the sport scene last weekend, Sri Lanka held sway in the monastery. Venerable Bhante Dhammavihara, who was with us Friday through Monday, drew a significant crowd of his fellow countrymen and women here for the meal offering on the Saturday. In the kitchen, that meant less cooking for Anagarika David, Seb and I, and clear proof of why the French are surpassed at Potato Dauphinoise, as well as rugby.

...On the other hand they probably make better crepes than anyone else. Certainly better than the Teflon-coated ones I trialled on Tuesday. Luckily, Wednesday came, and saw us back in safe hands with our regulars Sompong and Hall. They unfailingly bring the sunshine with them. Very welcome too – since many in the community these last days have been struggling to fend off the lurgy. That means we're down on Vitamin C powder and paracetamol, and whilst the honey stocks are too large to be noticeably dinted and on Saturday we received a trailer-load of medicinal firewood, we're nevertheless running short on lemons. That's a rare thing. Enough to give the kitchen manager the jitters. And so, yesterday, mid-afternoon, it was nice to receive a box of comforting Franciscan flapjacks, from a fellow friar on a flying foray to the forest sangha. Here's hoping that David serves one or two today as he prepares the midday meal. If not and you'll soon be making a Harnham foray of your own, perhaps you could help settle my nerves with the following offering. They would be gratefully recieved by all:

lemons

Whilst at the stores Ajahn Go might appreciate:

high value stamps: £1 and above
brasso
man-size tissues
large non-stick frying pan for non-stick pancakes

Kartoffelpuffers

2007-10-12T10:40:00.001+01:00

If the blogmaster's not yet firing on all cylinders, he soon will be with the arrival of that motorbike. Meanwhile, other aspects of the repatriation process take precedence: kitchen duties extending beyond sidewalk latte, cultivating the upper body strength necessary for preparing polenta, not just eating it; wondering what to do with the sunglasses. Actually, that last point isn't true. It's also been glorious here these last days. Something I attribute to the recent influx of Scottish raiders who tell me they've been having an Indian summer north of the border. Amongst them, Martin and Jane, our Perthshire stonemason and ?stonemasonette who've been setting beautifully grained capping stones on the walls outside the guesthouse.

Less refined and lower down, but with the speed and clean lines of an Italian motor, Ajahn Go has been building breeze block boundaries. While even less refined and lower down still, our new caretaker Kosta (also likes coffee), has been making tracings so we can get the right size of toilet seats in the guest house.

Which brings us to Sebastian; the latest German arrival and anagarika-in-the-making, who today is in the kitchen. With Ajahn Munindo heading off to the Leeds group, he's got free rein to skip the rice if he wishes. Maybe –like Ajahn Abhinando’s mother Renate who was here recently- he'll make some kartoffelpuffers instead. Something for which we have all the necessary ingredients. Therefore, the following alternative items would be gratefully recieved:

tomatoes
sunflower oil
bouillon powder
sea salt

Whilst in the stores our Italian motor would appreciate the following:

wood for wood-burning stoves
high value stamps (£1 and above)
earplugs (for sleep not work)
wood/bark chippings

Thanks also but we've plenty of olive oil and onions, juice and toothbrushes, towels and coffee, spices and biscuits, cake and honey.

The 8th Harnham Abbot

2007-09-14T16:26:00.000+01:00

This week the kitchen news begins with Sunday’s annual Sangha picnic at Micky and Trudys place near Bellingham. An enjoyable day and dry too. Though not warm: Except by the Aga, which exerted a magnetic pull on most. But not on little Leo Dower, who instead was drawn to the sacred belongings of Ajahn Munindo – thereby confirming himself as the 8th incarnation of the Harnham Abbot, before returning to his books.

On Monday and Tuesday there were two new kitchen acquisitions: Another silver bin (though admittedly this time for the retreat house), and a red motorbike for the kitchen manager to quickly access last minute baking ingredients from the local store (money for the bike and ingredients coming out of his own pocket).

Wednesday, Anagarika David and I handed that chefs toque to Chris, and instead competed for the chauffeurs cap/tour guides parasol, to introduce Tan Nyanamoli’s relatives to the other kinds of Sage, Basil (Hume) and Tyne to be found peppered amongst the attractions of the North East.

Which brings us to Thursday and Friday, when many long-forgotten esoteric marvels were brought to light during the attic sort-out; included amongst them one antique garlic press the size of an orange squeezer and a few rather excellent cookery books: Together with the following helpful ingredients they should see the grateful cooks well on their way:

vegetables
fruit
long-life semi-skimmed milk
dried skimmed milk powder
tahini
cheese
butter
soya-milk

Whilst the storesmaster would be glad of the following:

wood for wood-burning stoves
high value stamps: £1 and above
earplugs (for sleep not work)

Thanks also but we've plenty of olive oil and juice, onions and toothbrushes, biscuits and towels, tea bags and pasta, cakes and spices.

The Art of Dying

2007-09-07T11:05:00.000+01:00

After their two birthdays back-to-back last week, Tan Nyanamoli and Anagarika David were this week schooled by Ajahn Munindo in the art of dying; though I don’t think it was the Ajahn who taught them to clean the kitchen floor with hot, tub-shaped imprints: An effective technique, which I’m sure Maureen will appreciate, when she arrives this morning to offer the meal before collecting Mame at the airport. Mame indeed, is not the only one who’s been moving about. In fact there have been quite a few comings and goings lately. Yesterday, Ajahn Abhinando headed north to visit the Glasgow and Edinburgh groups, whist at the monastery we received an email from Jay to say he’s safely back in Minnesota where the weather is somewhat warmer. For Tan Nyanamoli’s mother and brother however, that won’t be the case, when they arrive tonight from a Serbian Summer hot enough to fry eggs in the street: So, would anyone out there like to help warm them up, with some north-eastern hospitality and by showing them about the area? Or, if you prefer plants to people, perhaps you’d be willing to lend a hand looking after the ones here, which no longer have Jays’ careful attention? Failing that, and in response to your own requests, the following things would also be helpful and gratefully received:

fruit
vegetables
long-life semi-skimmed milk
dried skimmed-milk powder
tahini

wood for wood-burning stoves
high value stamps: £1 and above
earplugs (for sleep not work)

Thanks too but we've plenty of olive oil and onions, toothbrushes and towels, instant coffee and tea bags, pasta and juice, cakes and biscuits and spices.

Eleventh Plague of Harnham

2007-08-31T18:17:00.000+01:00

…And the Lord spake unto the Milanese, Go to Harnham, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Let Cesare go, that he may serve his patients. But Harnham hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.

…And so the Lord said unto the Milanese, stretch out thy rod and smite the compost bin of the land, that it may become flies throughout all of Harnham; and the flies came up and covered the land of Harnham.

…And at Harnham they could harden their hearts no longer; and they cried unto the Lord, because of the flies which he had brought against them; and they gathered together the compost and the land stank.

…And Harnham called for Cesare in haste; and said, “we have sinned against the Milanese and against you; Go, ye, and serve your patients.” And he went; and a strong wind took away the compost bin and cast it in the Municipal Sea; and for three days there was a thick darkness.

...And when the darkness passed, the Lord said unto the cook, Where is Cesare thy brother? And he said, I know not, Am I my brothers keeper? But he hung his head in shame, for his burnt offerings could not compare with all the glories his brother had brought amongst them.

…Then the people of the land cried out, asking how they also could bring such glories in that land of plenty, and he spake unto them in low and grateful tones of the fruits of the land:

milk and honey
tahini
fruit
wood for wood-burning stoves

...and of the hand:

normal 2nd class stamps
high value stamps: £1 and above
earplugs (for sleep not work)

...and of their lack of want for olive oil and toothbrushes, towels and coffee, tea bags and pasta, lentils and biscuits, spices and cakes.

Sit on your Cushion

2007-08-24T09:40:00.001+01:00

Last Friday I left the chefs toque on the peg and took the chauffeurs cap instead: It was Nick and Penny’s house-blessing at their sunny and spacious new place, away through the lanes in Longhorsley. This Tuesday coming, with another house-blessing in Redcar, I might need it again. But meanwhile, sandwiched in-between, the community is on silent retreat: No guests; an empty week; the demands of the kitchen light and shared. It sounds blissful. It can be blissful. But the art of ‘doing nothing’ is not easily mastered. And so, this week, as well as indulging some of my usual distractions, I found myself chewing over Ajahn Munindo’s Hilltop request for a Buddhist equivalent to ‘Trust in God and keep your gunpowder dry.’ He suggested it might begin ‘Sit on your cushion and………’ So, to get the ball rolling here’s a few possibilities that sprang to mind:

‘Sit on your cushion and update your Firewall’
or
‘Sit on your cushion and weigh your lawyer wisely’
or
‘Sit on your cushion and trust in the Bupa.’

That last one kept me going for quite a while, until I bored of resting on my own self-amused, self-congratulatory laurels, and decided we needed a quote themed for the kitchen. The best I could do was ‘Sit on your cushion and keep your larder stocked.’ Not very good, but perhaps you could help us with it nonetheless, the following items being gratefully received:

red lentils
honey
cheese
onions
fruit
tahini
long-life semi-skimmed milk
decaff tea

The storesmaster, rising from his cushion tomorrow, would also appreciate:

wood for wood-burning stoves
normal 2nd class stamps
high value stamps: £1 and above
ecover cleaning materials
earplugs (for when our guests return)

And thanks too but we've plenty of olive oil, cakes and biscuits, toothbrushes and towels, instant coffee, pasta and spices.

Energy in Spades

2007-08-17T21:40:00.001+01:00

With the A-level results out yesterday, our young neighbours threw a hilltop party and at 5 this morning they were still going strong as the rest of us creaked into action. For better or worse none of us got an invite and Anagarika Chris curbed his gatecrashing impulses, but by breakfast this morning it was becoming apparent what an interesting effect it had had on the dream-lives of some community members – plenty of life left in the dancing shoes of those hearts.

…In the case of our resident green-keeper however, you don’t have to look that deep for signs of life. He’s got energy in spades. Like the one he lent our Italian friend last week, as well as his new, narrow, slightly-angled planting tool you see in the photo. It proved an indispensable piece of kit this week; for whilst Cesare turned his light touch to the raw materials in the kitchen, Anagarika David and his minions at the sewage works, used it to plant 350 reeds for refining the final product.

Meantime, the rest of us were variously picking up threads of work, planning projects, looking after new guests and in my own case (along with the washing machine) reeling from the retreat. Downstairs, the larder also briefly felt the pinch, but by now has regained its usual state of plenitude - without compromising in expansiveness. Therefore, it could still gratefully accommodate the following items…

onions
fruit
tahini
juice
decaff tea

As the stores could these ones:

wood for wood-burning stoves
normal 2nd class stamps
high value stamps: £1 and above
ecover cleaning materials
ear plugs
travel alarm clocks for retreat house

Thanks also but we've plenty of salad items, olive oil, instant coffee, honey, pasta, lentils, spices, cakes and biscuits.

Inglenook Maestros

2007-08-10T10:51:00.001+01:00

The retreat that was impending last week is today nearing its close. Outside, we’re into our fifth day of sunshine, contrary to my pessimistic predictions; and also those of our Italian friend who dug a protective moat for his tent in the manicured lawn of the walled garden: When our resident greenkeeper finds out, ‘il signor’ could be the first casualty of the week.

That is, if you don’t count the spectacular demise of the best porcelain cups (which shattered yesterday’s silence and for which I offer further apologies to Meme and Drew); or the following list of minor battle wounds thus far accrued:

One sprained shoulder (yoga teacher)
One twisted ankle (yoga student?)
One bee sting to the nose
One case of constipation (set free with prunes)
One case of earache (unrelated to the comfort of the new Dhamma seat)
Numerous minor kitchen burns.

…This last item being the small price our retreat chefs have paid for their phenomenal performance; competently and harmoniously flowing around each other in our inglenook of a kitchen, to conjure dishes fit for forty kings and queens. Bravissimo!

How did they do it, you ask? With the following ingredients, which are now in short supply and would be gratefully recieved:

fruit
green vegetables
eggs
juice
tahini
herbal teas
dark chocolate

Whilst down at the stores the following would also be appreciated:

wood for wood-burning stoves
normal 2nd class stamps
higher value stamps (£1 and above)
toilet, surface and cream cleaners
toilet roll

Thanks too but we've plenty of olive oil, toothbrushes and towels, instant coffee, regular tea, honey, spices, cakes and biscuits.

The Rolling Stones

2007-08-03T13:29:00.001+01:00

Rolling stones gather no moss. That’s how life in the monastery feels just now. Moving, moving, moving, we’ve reached our peak velocity for the annual round; the impending quiet stop of the retreat not yet here. The weather too seems in its usual state of flux, with the sunshine brought by our Italian friends (perhaps in a special suitcase, like the cheeses) also moving quickly on.

As I remember it, this current pace began last weekend. Friday and Saturday, folks racked their brains in trust and committee meetings. Sunday, we were inundated by the generosity of the Thai community who turned up to celebrate Asalha Puja and the beginning of the Vassa. Whilst down at the Retreat House, our friend Martin (stonemason, dyker, all-round-good-guy and poetic artisan of the solid stuff) put his finishing touches to a new wall, before co-ordinating the palaeolithic efforts seen in the photo. Whether we’ll be painting that stone with porridge I don’t know. But if so, Kath’s new trolley (no she’s not the dolly) now makes it easier to take the porridge to the stone, than the stone to the porridge.

Today the big news is Abramina’s departure. We miss her already. But she didn’t leave us empty-handed; instead, a sack of presents and a long list of retreat house recommendations. God bless her left(L) and right(R) woollen socks – she is irreplaceable. The literal gap she leaves will, however, be quickly filled as the rest of the 30 retreatants arrive today and tomorrow. I’m glad I’m not cooking. For those that are, the following might be helpful, even after yesterday’s mammoth shop:

fresh juice
tahini
dark chocolate
herbal teas

And in the stores:

wood for wood-burning stoves
kitchen sponges
ordinary 2nd class stamps
high value stamps (£1 and above)

Thanks also but we’ve got plenty of most other things.

Power Porridge

2007-07-27T13:12:00.001+01:00

With the Aston Martin parked in the driveway this Monday, some folks wondered whether 007 had arrived to offer Dana. It was better than that: more old friends who know The World is Not Enough, hungry like us to Live and Let Die.

Sadly, that’s also what happened to the horse mushroom I found and picked this week. A real hidden beauty: Fresh, white, harmless and wide, left to languish in the fridge, bereft of a daring cook. This morning I had to toss it over the back wall.

Not so, the left-over porridge. Anagarika David, as well as being a dab hand with a pen, also has imaginative green fingers that are currently fiddling it into a strange organic concoction. This is to be pasted on some stone walls down at the retreat house, where legend has it that the mosses will be magically drawn – a strange and esoteric practice.

…Somewhat like the recent kitchen clean-up, which does at least have potential for becoming more mainstream. Just now though, I’m content that we’ve cleared and sparkled the decks ready for the three cooks of the summer retreat (not without daring, these ones), who arrive for its beginning a week on Saturday.

Before then the following items would be gratefully received:

fruit
eggs
honey

And down at the stores:

wood for wood-burning stoves
kitchen sponges

Thanks too but we have plenty of olive oil, toothbrushes and towels, instant coffee, tea bags, pasta, lentils, spices and juice

News in Brief

2007-07-20T13:23:00.000+01:00

‘Minister for Food’s absence leaves kitchen power vacuum’
Mr Holt’s Dutch visit exposed underlying tension in kitchen government this week, as various members competed for culinary dominance. Sauces close to the dispute were unwilling to disclose further information, but assure constituents that a resolution is likely to be reached before the opening of Vassa on the 29th.

‘New cabinet appointments in Harnham re-shuffle’
In a recent ceremony at Chithurst Buddhist monastery, Samanera Nyanamoli gained full Bhikkhu status, beginning a five year training contract with HBM. The timing, which coincides with the temporary departure of Tan Hiriko, is not thought to indicate a shift in policy.
In the department of Thai affairs, the short-term loss of Ajahn Sawaeng is being felt as a heavy blow. Ajahn Go, in a sideways move from Santacittarama, is considered a safe replacement for the ‘summer’. Whilst David Greybe, recently appointed anagarika and former correspondent for South Africa’s Business Day, is the latest coup for the Press Office.

‘Sri Lankan dignitaries pay state visit’
Last weekends’ joint visit of Bhantes’ Seelagawesi and Dhammiko, was hailed as an outstanding example of international co-operation. With most of the resident community in attendance at Chithurst, observers nevertheless reported the accommodation and sustenance of more than 30 individuals, with frequent outbreaks of good-will.

‘Anti-smoking legislation fans the flames’
In the absence of community leaders, protesters gathered in the Dhamma hall vestibule last Sunday to object to the defacing of religious sites by anti-smoking extremists. New legislation, which came into force on July 1^st now requires all places of worship to display no-smoking signs.

‘Coffee imports reach all-time high’
Recent Italian imports mean the expanding Harnham market is now flooded. Elsewhere, the larder100index has shown steady growth, with only the following products demonstrating a marginal down-turn:

lemons and limes
green vegetables
honey

Together with the following utilities:

bottle brush
wood for wood-burning stoves

National reserves include: toothbrushes and towels, instant coffee and tea, cakes and biscuits, juice and spices, lentils and pasta