Hilltop Newsletter: Thursday 16th April, 2026
Today, Thursday 16th, is the New Moon day for the month of April 2026.
The next Uposatha Day will be a Full Moon and falls on Friday, 1st May, 2026.
Current residents at the monastery are: Luang Por Munindo, Ajahn Punnyo, and Samanera Sekhanando.
Our Winter Retreat time is over for another year. Anumodana to all those who so generously supported us and made this possible.
The annual South East Asian New Year gathering on Sunday 12th April was a delight.
The Lake Work Day in April was productive. See below for an encouragement to be here for the next such event in June.
LOOKING FORWARD:
Memorial Service for Prof. Cesare Marisotti:
As some of you would know, the long-time friend of our monastery, Professor Cesare Mariscotti, passed away in 2024. We have been waiting for a suitable time to hold a service in his memory. The Vesak Celebration this year will take place on Sunday 31st May and we have decided to also take this opportunity to plant a tree and reflect on our dear friend. The exact time is still to be determined though it is expected to start, in the Dhamma Hall, shortly after the Vesak Celebrations end.
One-Day Meditation Retreat:
Ajahn Nyanarato is to lead a non-residential One-Day meditation retreat this Saturday 18th April. Feel free to simply turn up on the day. No booking required. Note that although the retreat itself will take place in the main Dhamma Hall, the meal for retreatants will be at Kusala House. We ask that all cars on this occasion be parked in the monastery lake car park. This is situated at the base of Harnham Hill to the right of the metal gate (if you are heading north).
Some of the dates for future One-Day Retreats have already been posted at the Retreats page of our website.
Introduction to Meditation:
As usual on the first Sunday of each month, at Kusala House, there will be a session of guided meditation led by one of our lay community. The session starts at 5.30 pm and participants are asked to arrive ten minutes beforehand. No booking required.
Lake Work Days 2026:
We aim to have Lake Work Days most months this year (between April and November). See our on-line calendar for future dates.
This is a good opportunity to turn off your phone and spend a few hours amongst the trees, beside the lake, appreciating the company of others in this Buddhist community.
Feel free to simply turn up at 8.30 am at the lake with suitable footwear and work clothes.
Or if you would like more information, contact:
e: workmaster@ratanagiri.org.uk
t: 07562 472 034
