| The Cold |
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| Thursday, 14 January 2010 11:36 |
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A fire to keep us warm and healthy
The second week of retreat is coming to a close and we are all settling into the quietude. Winter Retreat doesn't mean everyone is intensely focussed on hours of formal practice. During the three months periods there will be weeks when we go into strict silence and follow a routine of group sittings (probably no group walking though). For some of us winter retreat is a time to work on memorising the chanting, and then others will be into study. The support team all seem to be settled in to their routine doing a splendid job in helping keep things running. No doubt they’re receiving some interesting history on the place from our old friend Richard Wilson, the monastery caretaker of a few years ago, who has arrived to stay for a several weeks. Back when he was living here Kusala House was still evolving from a dilapidated cottage and the meditation room was a workshop, filled with tools instead of zafus. He’s astounded by the progress. Within the greater picture Harnham Hill’s snow has begun to melt as the weather has crawled up a few degrees, but still we are without a proper supply of gas as the gas truck scheduled to visit was deterred by the slushy road conditions. (At the time of writing sangha members have been out with spades attempting to clear the road hoping that the tanker might make it up today. A few days ago the sewerage truck also got stuck....) Meanwhile blankets, hot-water bottles, electric heaters, and extra socks have become the norm as we save what little gas we do have for the cooking. Fear not! as Tan Nyanavisuddhi is on the job, talking with the distributors and trying to get our heating up and running as soon as possible. |
