VassaWe are almost half way through our winter, vassa retreat and the news is… that there really isn’t much news. This is surely how it should be with the community on retreat. The one exception is that we are still waiting for the vihara wood stove to be installed. The bottleneck has been finalising the council permit and **hopefully** this will be done in a few days – . We are all very appreciative of this opportunity and encourage you to join us (see next item) and on Sunday; afternoon meditation 1.30–4.30 and evening puja 6pm. How lucky we are. Sadhu!

Meditation WorkshopThis Saturday 5th, 1pm. You are welcome to join us for the meal at 10.30 and enjoy the monastery until then. This is an opportunity to give extended time to your practice in the context of guidance and discussion… and stillness and silence. All are welcome.

𐦂𖨆𐀪𖠋 PeopleAunty Suan is in Malaysia caring for her 96 year old mum in hospital. Lindsay’s health is improving and we hope that he will be back to normal soon – as normal as any of us are 🙂 The rest of the lay support team – Jasper, Hayden, Sumit & Winnie – are alternately having retreat time and supporting various roles about the monastery. Venerable Caranadhammo is on self-retreat until the 8th when Ajahn Kusalo will start his. Ajahn Ariyasantha and Anagarika Joshua are also on retreat and venerable Anejo will start his a bit later on. The overall feeling here is very peaceful and harmonious. And you all… continue to participate in different ways and generally offer wonderful support. Anumodana.

Time OutTo mark the mid-point of the vassa the community will take a ‘day off’ on Tuesday 8th heading out for a picnic and to visit a few of Wellington’s sights. The main point here is that there will be no sangha in the monastery to receive dana so do note this and share it with anyone who might be thinking to come on that day.

Kathina S.C.To mark the end of the vassa the Kathina season sees most monasteries celebrating. Our Kathina Season Celebration will be on Sunday 8th November. More detail on this closer to time.

Labour W’nd RetreatFriday 23rd — Monday 26th: A wonderful opportunity to explore deeper dimensions of your meditation. Practicing as a group brings enhanced energy to our shared dhamma with guidance and discussion providing scope for greater understanding. Monday 26th is the full moon and marks the end of the monastery vassa retreat… very auspicious. Accommodation is available; Book Here The (approx.) schedule and a few other details here. The retreat is suitable for all levels of experience.

PhotosWe try to regularly put photos on the website but with vassa being quiet the camera is also relatively quiet. A few of the photos are earlier, in winter, and now spring is sprung. You can view a few recent images of the monastery