New Anagarikas at Santi
Our newest Anagarikas: Dania from Canada and Varada from the UK. Wishing them the best for their spiritual paths.
Jackie's Anagarika Ordination
Before
our Entry to Rains Ceremony this morning (18/07/08), we were blessed to
witness the Anagarika Ordination of Jackie from Michigan, USA. With
Jackie's homelessness, we now have 8 anagarikas. See this photo for the full group of White Angels.
The Rains Retreat (Vassa)
During this time Buddhist monks and nuns remain in a single monastery to focus more on meditation, solitude and contemplation of the Dhamma. This Vassa we have 23 people who have committed to stay for the three-month period. This is the largest number of people who ever stayed in the monastery for the rains retreat and even though we do not have proper lodging for all, some are brave enough to stay in tents (this is winter- remember!).
The Vassa begins on the 18th of July and
finishes on the 14th October, but don't despair! This Vassa we have
three open days to which all are welcome to attend. This gives the community a chance to share the beauty of our monastery with all.
Here is more info on the Vassa, open day dates etc.
Recent rainbow...
...and other landscape photos.
First open day
Our first open day has been a wonderful sunny day after a long rainy week. Quite a few people have made it from Sydney and Canberra which made us very happy indeed.
As every open day there is an organized pindabata where lay people offer food to the sangha - for more pictures from the open day visit our online album.