Joy and Gratitude for the Almsgiving
This year's kathina sponsor, Lind Booth, makes an offering at the start of the almsgiving ceremony. From the left, Ayya Santacitta, Ayya Santusikka, Ayya Cittananda, Ayya Anandabodhi, and Anagarika Bethany.
Karuna Buddhist Vihara bhikkhunis felt joy and gratitude for support given during this almsgiving (Kathina). It was wonderful to meet again in person! There were 29 lay guests present as well as 36 joining on-line. The four-fold assembly was present: bhikkhunis, bhikkhus, lay women and lay men.
Before the meal, a line stretched across the grounds for lay practitioners to offer rice into each mendicant's bowl. This simple ritual is a sweet and intimate moment for all participating.
After the ceremony, Dhamma talks on the topic of joy were given by each of the eight monastics: Ayya Anandabodhi, Ayya Santacitta, Ajahn Kovilo, Bhante Jayasara, Anagarika Sarana, Anagarika Bethany, and of course Ayya Cittananda and Ayya Santussika. Ears and hearts were filled with happiness!
You can view the entire ceremony, talks and the virtual tour of the hermitage on the KBV YouTube channel (or enjoy the virtual tour separately).
More than $16,000 was raised for the vihara, along with many other useful material offerings provided by the generous lay community. Anumodana!
Before the meal, a line stretched across the grounds for lay practitioners to offer rice into each mendicant's bowl. This simple ritual is a sweet and intimate moment for all participating.
After the ceremony, Dhamma talks on the topic of joy were given by each of the eight monastics: Ayya Anandabodhi, Ayya Santacitta, Ajahn Kovilo, Bhante Jayasara, Anagarika Sarana, Anagarika Bethany, and of course Ayya Cittananda and Ayya Santussika. Ears and hearts were filled with happiness!
You can view the entire ceremony, talks and the virtual tour of the hermitage on the KBV YouTube channel (or enjoy the virtual tour separately).
More than $16,000 was raised for the vihara, along with many other useful material offerings provided by the generous lay community. Anumodana!
A few words from this year's almsgiving sponsor, Linda Booth
It was lovely to be at the Vihara for this year’s Almsgiving (Kathina) ceremony. When I offered the Kathina I knew that I wanted to help support Karuna Buddhist Vihara but I had no idea how much I would benefit from the experience.
It was a pleasure working with the Ayyas and all the volunteers who helped in so many ways and meeting so many dedicated practitioners. During the ceremony I had the privilege to offer the Kathina cloth. I felt metta all around me and so much joy in my heart. That’s the way with Dana. When our heart’s open to the spirit of generosity, we are enriched.
As many of you know, Kathina cannot occur unless someone comes forward to offer it. If you think you might be interested in helping for next year’s Kathina please reach out to the Ayyas or this year’s Kathina Committee at kathinacommittee@gmail.com.
It was a pleasure working with the Ayyas and all the volunteers who helped in so many ways and meeting so many dedicated practitioners. During the ceremony I had the privilege to offer the Kathina cloth. I felt metta all around me and so much joy in my heart. That’s the way with Dana. When our heart’s open to the spirit of generosity, we are enriched.
As many of you know, Kathina cannot occur unless someone comes forward to offer it. If you think you might be interested in helping for next year’s Kathina please reach out to the Ayyas or this year’s Kathina Committee at kathinacommittee@gmail.com.
Breaking ground and site preparation for the Elder's Kuti
Getting the digging done before winter's mud!
This kuti will be tucked into the forest next to a small seasonal creek. It is a short walk up from the main house and will have the necessary amenities for an elder to stay comfortably. Ayya Santussika will finally have a secluded space for rest and practice. It will also be a great place for senior monastics to stay when they visit KBV.
The site is beautiful and peaceful. But, in this photo, it is a building-site mess! The contractor will work through December to build the kuti, so that, hopefully, it will be ready for Ajahn Brahmali's visit in January.
This kuti will be tucked into the forest next to a small seasonal creek. It is a short walk up from the main house and will have the necessary amenities for an elder to stay comfortably. Ayya Santussika will finally have a secluded space for rest and practice. It will also be a great place for senior monastics to stay when they visit KBV.
The site is beautiful and peaceful. But, in this photo, it is a building-site mess! The contractor will work through December to build the kuti, so that, hopefully, it will be ready for Ajahn Brahmali's visit in January.
Retreat time for KBV Bhikkhunis
Ayya Santussika and Ayya Cittananda are getting some much needed retreat time from November 16th to December 19th. They will be supported by Olivia Winter and Paula Brottman, taking care of the monastery and the bhikkhunis' basic needs. It's wonderful that they've stepped forward to offer this precious opportunity for practice.
After the Ayyas finish their retreat, all the usual programs will start again, including a New Years day-long in person/hybrid at KBV on January 1st, a visit to Portland Friends of the Dhamma on January 8th, and events hosting Ajahn Brahmali for four in-person/hybrid events beginning January 21st. See the KBV homepage for details.
After the Ayyas finish their retreat, all the usual programs will start again, including a New Years day-long in person/hybrid at KBV on January 1st, a visit to Portland Friends of the Dhamma on January 8th, and events hosting Ajahn Brahmali for four in-person/hybrid events beginning January 21st. See the KBV homepage for details.
Harmony
(as shared by the Ayyas)
When the Buddha would visit his monastic disciples, he would ask them how they are getting along with each other. He put a high value on communal harmony. After all, it is very difficult to deepen our meditation when we're at odds with the people we live with, and working to be harmonious is a big part of the practice.
If the Buddha were to stop by this afternoon, we'd have good things to report. He encouraged thinking, speaking and acting with loving kindness towards each other, sharing what we have, living according to the precepts and keeping the ultimate goal of awakening in mind. He said, "These six warm-hearted qualities make for fondness and respect, conducing to inclusion, harmony, and unity, without quarreling." (MN 48). We know this is true from our experience. We also find that it helps to tell each other often how fortunate we feel we are to be living with one another. It is nice to hear and good to say, with that deep feeling of gratitude and blessing.
Of course, no two people, who are honest with each other, will always agree. If we work through differences in perceptions, values, and opinions with mutual respect, attentive listening, an ease in letting go of our own views and lots of benefit-of-the-doubt, we can make good progress in coming back into harmony. It's a bit of a dance, isn't it?
We are now headed into retreat time, but most of you are likely gearing up for the holidays. May all your gatherings with family and friends be peaceful, joyful and harmonious.
With much metta,
The Ayyas of KBV
If the Buddha were to stop by this afternoon, we'd have good things to report. He encouraged thinking, speaking and acting with loving kindness towards each other, sharing what we have, living according to the precepts and keeping the ultimate goal of awakening in mind. He said, "These six warm-hearted qualities make for fondness and respect, conducing to inclusion, harmony, and unity, without quarreling." (MN 48). We know this is true from our experience. We also find that it helps to tell each other often how fortunate we feel we are to be living with one another. It is nice to hear and good to say, with that deep feeling of gratitude and blessing.
Of course, no two people, who are honest with each other, will always agree. If we work through differences in perceptions, values, and opinions with mutual respect, attentive listening, an ease in letting go of our own views and lots of benefit-of-the-doubt, we can make good progress in coming back into harmony. It's a bit of a dance, isn't it?
We are now headed into retreat time, but most of you are likely gearing up for the holidays. May all your gatherings with family and friends be peaceful, joyful and harmonious.
With much metta,
The Ayyas of KBV
