Hilltop Newsletter: Saturday 30th November 2024

Today, Saturday 30th, is the New Moon day for November.

The next Uposatha Day will be a Full Moon, and falls on Sunday, 15th December, 2024.

Current residents at the monastery are: Luang Por Munindo, Ajahn Punnyo, Ajahn Mahachomgaew, Tan Sudhammo.

Over the past month I gave three talks: 27th October, This New Religious Paradigm; 3rd November, Nekkhamma and Option Fatigue; 24th November, Outshining The Sorrow.

Tan Sudhammo has joined us for the next few months. Originally from Scotland, Tan Sudhammo has spent most of the last ten years in Thailand.

For those who listen to the Q&A sessions on the dhammakatha.org website, please note that new content has recently been added: Stages of Dealing With Previously Denied Dukkha and Unburdened With Duties.

Meat, Fish and Bottled Water:
In a move that might surprise some of you, I want to say something about applying mindfulness and clear comprehension (sati and sampajanna) more widely. We all know that the Buddha taught to be mindful. However, observers from outside the monastery might wonder just how mindful we are being when they see how much meat and fish is being given, and how many plastic bottles of water are offered.

For many years now it has been well known that plastic is causing massive environmental problems. Likewise, the animal slaughter industry has long been causing pollution of the rivers, oceans and atmosphere. This is on top of the horrendous pain being caused to our fellow living beings: both that of the animals killed, and of those doing the killing. If we are serious about following the Buddha’s teachings, surely we will want to pay attention to the effects of our actions.

In support of this, I am asking friends and supporters to refrain from offering meat, fish, and bottled water to our monastery. The Buddha didn’t forbid monks from accepting meat so long as they didn’t know or suspect that the animal had been killed specifically to feed them. Hence our willingness to accept whatever offerings supporters bring. However, I respectfully ask that you think carefully about how the offerings you bring impacts the world and the living beings we share it with.

LOOKING AHEAD:

From Singapore, another live Q&A Zoom session is planned to take place. Questions can be sent in advance to: https:bit.ly/ajahnmunindo

DATE: Saturday 7th December
TIME: 9am UK time
ID: 834 4386 9973
CODE: 123

A One Day Retreat (in the Thai language) led by Ajahn Mahachomgaew, is scheduled for Sunday 1st December. The times have changed because of the shortening daylight hours. This session will be 9.00 am until 2.30 pm. To participate, please book in advance with Daranee Batty: daraneebatty@yahoo.co.uk

NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Our annual New Year’s Eve Forgiveness and Renewal gathering is scheduled to take place on 31st December, starting at 7 pm, ending approx. 12.15 am

NEW YEAR’S DAY:
A Beginning with Goodness event is planned for New Year’s day, starting in the Dhamma Hall at 10.15 am with formally taking the 5 Precepts, then Paritta chanting, followed by a rice alms-round and shared meal.

There are potentially still vacancies for anyone interested in being part of the 2025 Three Month Winter Retreat Team.

With good wishes,
Luang Por Munindo