Dear Dhamma Friends,
As I write from the lower landing, the
redwoods are drinking in a cool morning mist. Our 2011 Vassa is just
about over, in time for the true seasonal rains of northern
California. It has been a quiet time these three months. With the
blessing of a month long time of seclusion for each monastic and lay
resident, one can see how the community is maturing and progressing
both collectively and individually. The first year laid much of the
foundation for the current state of energy here. As we see the gifts
of so many faithful supporters and the work of those who have devoted
their time coming to fruition in the form of a practicing bhikkhuni
sangha in the United States, a sense of awe arises. A 2600 year-old
tradition preserved in the pages of the Pali Canon, having held its
breath for centuries, is now breathing anew for women.
The month of October will bring us many
opportunities to welcome you to our hermitage as well as to our
activities in the neighboring areas. We are sharing our calendar
below and inviting your presence on many very special occasions.
Share with us the joy of the blossoming efforts of years of
preparation and dedication as our second Vassa at Aranya Bodhi
concludes.
Presently, thanks to your
loving-kindness and generosity, our food store is filled to capacity.
You are most welcome to visit and offer meal dana throughout the
month of October and especially on these days indicated below. View
our Calender
View our Calender
12
Oct:
Full
Moon Uposatha - End of Three Month Vassa-time Retreat - Aranya Bodhi
Pavarana
(End of Vassa Monastic Community Meeting). Meal dana welcome.
13
Oct:
2
bhikkhunis go for Pavarana to Wat Buddhanusorn, Fremont
14
Oct:
Visit of Ven Bhikkhuni Metteya with Alfred and Metta to Aranya Bodhi
(Meal dana welcome).
15
Oct:
Visit of Ven Bhikkhu Khemaratana and Ven Bhikkhu Jaganatha (Meal dana
welcome)
16
Oct:
Ven
Bhikkhu Analayo's teaching at Spirit Rock (2-4 pm), Ordination
Rehearsal at Spirit Rock (5-7 pm)."Mindfulness
According to Early Buddhist Sources"
Bhikkhus and bhikkhunis stay at Spirit Rock and with nearby
hosts.
17
Oct:
Bhikkhuni Ordinations at Spirit Rock (9:30 am to 5 pm), Western
Buddhist Monastic Gathering begins at City of the Dharma Realm in
Sacramento (7:30 pm)
Oct
18:
Ven
Bhikkhu Analayo's teaching at Sati Center in Redwood City "Dynamics
of Insight Meditation" and "Protecting Oneself and Others
Through Mindfulness"
Ven Ayya Medhanandi and Bhikkhuni Nimmala's visit to Aranya Bodhi
Oct
17-21:
Western
Buddhist Monastic Gathering, Sacramento
Oct
22-23:
ABS
Kathina, Sacramento
Oct
27:
New
Moon Uposatha Lunar Observance at Hermitage (Meal dana welcome)
Oct
29:
Aranya
Bodhi Hermitage Kathina (end of Vassa - awarding the Robe of Merit)
Celebration
With
Metta,
the
Community at Aranya Bodhi Hermitage
