Cold outside, warm inside at Karuna Buddhist Vihara

January floods and February snow, but we weathered the storms just fine :) 

While the region endured torrential rains, causing landslides on some main roads and areas of flooding, KBV came through just fine. Similarly with the snowstorm--so far! Lots of downed trees and branches means lots of firewood and maybe some bonfires with friends in the future.

The spring-fed creek is KBV's water source. It's hard to believe that in September it may go dry!

Rainwater sluiced off the slopes, making beautiful waterfalls visible from the kitchen window!

Click here for more fun winter wonderland photos!

It's ok, the Buddha was completely cool already. ;)

Snowed in!

Ajahn Brahmali Visits Karuna Buddhist Vihara

Monastics explore the Santa Cruz Mountains. From right, Ayya Santussikā, Anigarika Sarana, Ayya Cittānandā, and Ajahn Brahmali

Ajahn Brahmali visited KBV for about a week in late January.  He traveled here from Bodhinyana Monastery in Australia. He offered daylong retreats, afternoon programs, and evening dhamma talks at several South Bay Dhamma centers. We so much appreciated his warmth, humor, and inspiring presence and Dhamma sharing.

​Recordings of these talks:

Wise Reflection for Unwise Times for the Sati Center/Insight Meditation Center - Saturday 1/21
Dealing with Craving a KBV event - Sunday 1/22
Is your Meditation Stagnating? Here's Why at Insight Meditation South Bay - Monday 1/23
How Faith Leads to Stream Entry at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery

Gathering in the sala

Exciting news! The new KBV in-town Meditation Center

Nice outdoor space for events like daylong retreats and Kathinas

Thanks to the moving crew, especially Neeta and Saket for renting and driving the van through the mountains to help the KBV community come together in person again!

Starting Wednesday, February 22, we started to get together again in town! We are so grateful for all the efforts and generosity of individuals and the community that make the opening of this new center possible. It will be wonderful to create and come together in a space of our own. Gathering at the center while including those on-line will become easier, too. The location is 909 Coachella Avenue in Sunnyvale. Please park around the corner at the shopping center at E Duane Ave and San Rafael St. The KBV nuns are looking forward to meeting with old and new friends in-person and on-line in this lovely, easily accessible, homey environment with reliable fiber optic WiFi. And, sutta study moves back to Wednesday nights.

Progress in building the Elder's Kuti

It's fun to see progress. Support for this shelter is so beneficial for alms-mendicants following the Buddha's path. You can see how the Kuti is held by redwood trees and beside the little creek. Not only is building going on, but also the landscape around it is being cleared of brush and downed or dead trees. It will be so satisfying to see the finished kuti and park-like surroundings. Supporters can imagine elders, starting with Ayya Santussika, well sheltered in this private abode, while still near the main cabin. 

Alms-giving Celebration Sunday, July 23, 2023

What? This is different!
Why, you might ask. Isn't the alms-giving ceremony in the fall? 
 Because
Ayya Santussika will be spending the Vassa (Rains Retreat) abroad.  Following the Almsgiving, she will depart for Perth, Australia. Then, after the Vassa, in November, Ayya Cittananda and Anagarika Sarana, accompanied by intrepid Dhamma friends, will meet with Ayya Santussika in Thailand.
SO
The annual almsgiving will be early this year

We are so glad to let you know that this year's alms celebration
will be sponsored by Kalen Krempley. Thank you, Kalen!    

This moving of the annual alms giving is allowed, but we will not be
calling it a Kathina, due to this early date.
Future newsletters will give more detail for this auspicious celebration.

Upcoming Residential Retreats

May 12-17, Becoming a Noble Disciple: Cultivating the Mind and Life of the Ariyasāvako,
Taught by Ayya Santussikā. Offered via the Barre Center for Budddhist Studies. 
www.buddhistinquiry.org/course/becoming-a-noble-disciple-cultivating-the-mind-and-life-of-the-ariyasavako/
 
June 2-15 The Buddha's Gradual Path: Spiritual Progress in Lay Life.
At Cloud Mountain residential Retreat. 
​Taught by Ayya Santussikā and Ayya Cittanāndā.  13 nights. 
cloudmountain.org/retreat/the-buddhas-gradual-path/

​June 23-28, Skillful Living in a World on Fire: Grounded in the Noble Eightfold Path 
Taught by Ayya Santussikā. Offered via the Barre Center for Budddhist Studies. 
www.buddhistinquiry.org/course/skillful-living-in-a-world-on-fire-grounded-in-the-noble-eightfold-path/