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).
