Hilltop Newsletter: Wednesday 2nd October, 2024

Today, Wednesday 2nd, is the New Moon day for the month of October, 2024.

The next Uposatha Day is a Full Moon, and falls on Thursday, 17th October, 2024. This is also the last day of our annual Rains Retreat (vassa), known as ‘Pavarana Day’.

Current residents at the monastery are: Luang Por Munindo, Ajahn Punnyo, Ajahn Mahachomgaew, Ajahn Thee, Tan Samacitto, and Tan Attannyu.

On Sunday 29th October Luang Por Munindo gave a talk titled, Right Determination. The talk considered Dhammapada verse 163 in which the Buddha points out how easy it is to do that which takes little effort and is of no real benefit, and how hard it is to do that which is truly wholesome and beneficial. In other words, our expectations that life should be easy are delusional. Of course there are times that are wonderful, however, much of life requires great effort and great patience. In this talk the subject of cultivating the transforming virtue of ‘determination’, or addhittana parami, is considered.

A well attended One Day Retreat took place on 21st September led by the abbot of Cittaviveka Monastery in West Sussex, Ajahn Ahimsako.

We have a new Volunteer Kitchen Manager, Nadine, who joined us on 28th September. Her commitment is for an initial six months so if there is anyone still interested, don’t hesitate to contact us.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Another One Day Retreat, to be led by Ajahn Thee in the Thai language, is due to take place on Sunday 6th October. 

Another Q&A Zoom session with Luang Por Munindo is planned for Saturday 5th October, 9 am UK time.

If you wish to contribute cooked food for the midday meal, or help in the kitchen either occasionally or regularly, email sangha@ratanagiri.org.uk or telephone 01661 881 612 and leave a message. 

There is still a vacancy for anyone interested in helping run the Kusala House lay guest accommodation.

Also there are vacancies for anyone wanting to be part of the 2025 Three Month Winter Retreat Team.

With good wishes.