Hilltop Newsletter: Tuesday 21st October, 2025
Today, Tuesday 21st, is the New Moon day for the month of October 2025.
The next Uposatha Day will be a Full Moon, and falls on Wednesday, 5th November, 2025.
Current residents at the monastery are: Luang Por Munindo, Ajahn Punnyo, Tan Siri, Tan Sucinno, Samanera Dhiracitto.
The latest talks given by Luang Por Munindo were titled, Inspiration and Modesty, and Aiming at Simplicity.
Our annual Rains Retreat (vassa) ended about two weeks ago marking the beginning of a time of increased movements between monasteries.
Thanks to the support of several university students from Newcastle the Lake Work Day for this month was very productive.
LOOKING FORWARD:
Harnham Buddhist Monastery Trust (HBMT): A meeting is scheduled to take place on Saturday 8th November.
Lake Work Day: The next Lake Work Day is planned to take place on Saturday 22nd November.
Robe-offering (Pah Bah): Since we only had four monks living here for the Rains Retreat this year we will not have a formal Kathina. Though there will be a Pah Bah, or robe material offering ceremony, taking place on Sunday 26th October. See ANNOUNCEMENTS for details. Do be aware that the CLOCKS GO BACK the evening BEFORE our gathering. Events are due to begin 10 am.
Sangha Arriving: Sangha from Cittaviveka and Amaravati are expected to arrive on Saturday 24th and depart Tuesday 28th October, with a few others arriving a bit earlier.
We are looking forward to having Tan Mahesako shortly join us for an extended stay - probably around the end of November or early December.
For those who missed the earlier announcement, the bhikkhu being considered as a replacement for Luang Por Munindo, Ajahn Ariyo, is due to arrive just prior to the Rains Retreat 2026.
Winter Retreat Support Team: We are already accepting applications for participants in our 2026 Winter Reteat. This year it will be a bit shorter: 1st February until 31st March. See the announcement for details.
IT Support: Sometimes the complexity that results from increased use of IT in the monastery is beyond our ability to manage and we need help. If there is anyone local who would be interested in advising, please be in touch. Alternatively, if you know of a reliable professional service that you would recommend, feel free to let us know.
Kitchen Manager:There is still an opportunity for someone to serve as the monastery kitchen manager. Please see the announcement under News.
With good wishes
