First, "The New"
The beautiful new statue has arrived!
Thank you to everyone who has helped create this serene, natural shrine area.
The beautiful new statue has arrived!
Thank you to everyone who has helped create this serene, natural shrine area.
A New Bhikkhuni Enters the World!
Ayya Santussikā and Ayya Cittanāndā took part in a bhikkhuni ordination in Winchester, Virginia. Ayya Kurunegala Dhammadinna is the new bhikkhuni. KBV Ayyas carried the role of chanting Acharyas, conveying the instructions and supporting the new bhikkhuni throughout the ordination. It was inspiring for them to be part of this monastic sangha of eleven bhikkhunis and twenty bhikkhus making this ordination possible. In addition to the bhikkhuni ordination, Ayya Dhammadinna's former husband, Bhante Kurunegala Siladassana, also ordained as a samanera there that day, along with a new novice nun, Samaneri Bhadda Kaccana. It was beautiful watching the simultaneous ordination of a new novice monk and a new novice nun, equal in the eyes of the Sangha.
Ayya Santussikā and Ayya Cittanāndā took part in a bhikkhuni ordination in Winchester, Virginia. Ayya Kurunegala Dhammadinna is the new bhikkhuni. KBV Ayyas carried the role of chanting Acharyas, conveying the instructions and supporting the new bhikkhuni throughout the ordination. It was inspiring for them to be part of this monastic sangha of eleven bhikkhunis and twenty bhikkhus making this ordination possible. In addition to the bhikkhuni ordination, Ayya Dhammadinna's former husband, Bhante Kurunegala Siladassana, also ordained as a samanera there that day, along with a new novice nun, Samaneri Bhadda Kaccana. It was beautiful watching the simultaneous ordination of a new novice monk and a new novice nun, equal in the eyes of the Sangha.
Then "The Old" with Fond Familiar Friends
Seasoned Practitioners Gathered for Retreat
After a few years gap, the KBV Ayyas return again to Samish Island to lead a 5 day residential retreat, "Embracing Change, Mastering Letting Go", for the Bellingham Insight Meditation Society during the first week of October. The retreat was held on Samish Island, in the Puget Sound north of Seattle, Washington. Practitioners from far and wide enjoyed deep conversations and reflections on this calm, beautiful island, a perfect setting for being with the Dhamma. This photo shows a small group session under the gazebo.
Seasoned Practitioners Gathered for Retreat
After a few years gap, the KBV Ayyas return again to Samish Island to lead a 5 day residential retreat, "Embracing Change, Mastering Letting Go", for the Bellingham Insight Meditation Society during the first week of October. The retreat was held on Samish Island, in the Puget Sound north of Seattle, Washington. Practitioners from far and wide enjoyed deep conversations and reflections on this calm, beautiful island, a perfect setting for being with the Dhamma. This photo shows a small group session under the gazebo.
Then "The REALLY Old"
Almsgiving - Kathina
Keeping a 2500-year-old tradition
2022 Alms Giving Ceremony (Kathina) "Joy on The Path"
Saturday, October 29th
at Karuna Buddhist Hermitage and online.
Tours, teachings, pindapata, giving and generosity in all directions,
celebration and blessings!
Including Ayya Anandabodhhi, Ayya Santacitta, and Anagarika Bethany in person
and Ajahn Kovilo, Bhante Jaysara and Anagarika Sarana on-line
This link will take you to all the details:
https://www.karunabv.org/event-details.html
2022 Alms Giving Ceremony (Kathina) "Joy on The Path"
Saturday, October 29th
at Karuna Buddhist Hermitage and online.
Tours, teachings, pindapata, giving and generosity in all directions,
celebration and blessings!
Including Ayya Anandabodhhi, Ayya Santacitta, and Anagarika Bethany in person
and Ajahn Kovilo, Bhante Jaysara and Anagarika Sarana on-line
This link will take you to all the details:
https://www.karunabv.org/event-details.html
As Kathina day approaches, it is so inspiring to see people coming together to help prepare and pitching in with various offerings. A big anumodana for all your good will, generosity and kindness!
And "The Timeless"
The Buddha's Teaching on Non-Conflict (as shared by the Ayyas)
We all wish for peace, but the reality is that conflict has always been a part of human life - both inner conflict and conflict with others. Over the past few days, here at KBV, we have been reflecting on the Buddha's teachings that guide us away from conflict and towards peace, tranquility and kindness.
In Majjhima Nikāya 139 "The Analysis of Non-Conflict", the Buddha gives a short list of ways to avoid conflict. This is not the kind of conflict avoidance that we commonly see in human behavior: trying to avoid people, situations, conversations, our feelings, etc. This list offers ways of speaking, acting and thinking that do not stir up conflict, that lead to peace and harmony, while still addressing situations and truthfully identifying issues. This list includes how to speak without praising or blaming others and how to discern between the pleasure that brings true happiness and pleasure that leads to competition and conflict. Largely, this is done through foreseeing the results of actions and speech, and through applying simple techniques that change results. For instance, leaving references to people out of our identification of harmful behavior and just sticking to citing the consequences according to Dhamma. There is no accusation and no conflict.
The Buddha applies this method himself in a beautiful way when he talks to his son, Rahula, about the consequences of lying in Majjhima Nikāya 61. Here he gives the lesson on what happens to those who shamelessly tell a deliberate lie, and he does it without accusing, belittling, scolding, or punishing.
If you want to dig deeper into this topic, check out the sutta references and watch for the talk on it (given on Saturday 10-22) soon to show up on the KBV YouTube channel.
We wish you all much peace and happiness (and much less-than-the-normal conflict :)
- The Ayyas
In Majjhima Nikāya 139 "The Analysis of Non-Conflict", the Buddha gives a short list of ways to avoid conflict. This is not the kind of conflict avoidance that we commonly see in human behavior: trying to avoid people, situations, conversations, our feelings, etc. This list offers ways of speaking, acting and thinking that do not stir up conflict, that lead to peace and harmony, while still addressing situations and truthfully identifying issues. This list includes how to speak without praising or blaming others and how to discern between the pleasure that brings true happiness and pleasure that leads to competition and conflict. Largely, this is done through foreseeing the results of actions and speech, and through applying simple techniques that change results. For instance, leaving references to people out of our identification of harmful behavior and just sticking to citing the consequences according to Dhamma. There is no accusation and no conflict.
The Buddha applies this method himself in a beautiful way when he talks to his son, Rahula, about the consequences of lying in Majjhima Nikāya 61. Here he gives the lesson on what happens to those who shamelessly tell a deliberate lie, and he does it without accusing, belittling, scolding, or punishing.
If you want to dig deeper into this topic, check out the sutta references and watch for the talk on it (given on Saturday 10-22) soon to show up on the KBV YouTube channel.
We wish you all much peace and happiness (and much less-than-the-normal conflict :)
- The Ayyas