Today, Monday 9th, is the New Moon day for the month of November 2026.
The next Uposatha Day will be a Full Moon and falls on Tuesday, 24th November, 2026.
Current residents at the monastery are: Luang Por Munindo, Ajahn Punnyo, Ajahn Ariyo, and Anagarika Ryu.
On Sunday 1st November, to mark the occasion of Kathina festival and his retirement, Luang Por Munindo gave a talk titled, ‘This Priveleged Ordeal’
LOOKING FORWARD:
Kathina Festival and Elders’ Council Meeting
Our Kathina Festival on November 1st was a cheerful and well-attended gathering, bringing together many members of the wider lay community alongside twenty-two visiting Sangha members who traveled to us from monasteries across the UK and Europe.
Abbatial Succession
During the festival, Luang Por Munindo announced his retirement as abbot of Aruna Ratanagiri, stepping down after 35 years of committed service, offering a talk to mark the occasion. Following his announcement, the transition of leadership was completed at the subsequent Elders’ Council Meeting on the 3rd and 4th, where Ajahn Ariyo was confirmed as the new abbot of Aruna Ratanagiri Monastery.
Resident Sangha Updates
With the conclusion of Vassa 2026, we are saying farewell to Ajahn Maha Fookij and Tan Siribatto as they move on from Harnham Hill. Tan Siribatto will spend the winter at Hartridge Monastery in Devon before returning to Thailand in April. Happily, Ajahn Maha Fookij plans to return in February for the Winter Retreat, following a short stay at Chithurst and a brief visit home. We very much look forward to welcoming him back.
Winter Retreat Support Team 2027
There are still opportunities for volunteers to support the sangha at Aruna Ratanagiri during our Winter Retreat, from 1st February to 31st March 2027. If you are fit, healthy, and interested in meditation, we would appreciate your help with cooking, cleaning, and daily monastery tasks for at least a month. It is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in spiritual community life. All residents are expected to follow the monastery routine and the 8 precepts.
Please read through our Visiting & Staying page before getting in touch. If you are interested, send an email to guestmaster@ratanagiri.org.uk
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:
The next Lake Work Day is Saturday, November 21st.
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. Please note that this will be our final work day of the calendar year, and we look forward to picking back up in April 2027.
Feel free to simply turn up at 8.30 am at the lake with suitable footwear and work clothes.
If you would like more information, contact:
e: workmaster@ratanagiri.org.uk
