News Updates, Page 26

Vesak:
Wow. Everything went right, nothing went wrong. Lots of people came – we estimate over 200. Luang Por Sumedho gave a large group the eight precepts in the morning. Two groups of children then offered a selection of devotional songs. This was followed by what must be the longest rice-pindapat we have seen at Tisarana. We then enjoyed a superbly generous meal together. The weather was sublimly cool in the morning and warm and sunny in the afternoon so people could eat on the lawn and, with such a large crowd, spill out of the tent during the afternoon activities. After lunch a play based on the Cullahamsa Jataka (the taming of Nalagiri the elephant) was presented. We were delighted to have three monks visiting from Ottawa and Ayya Medhanandhi from Sati Saraniya and the entire sangha joined in offering auspicious blessing chants to mark the propitiousness of the occasion. Luang Por Sumedho then gave an uplifting dhamma talk. To end the afternoon many took the opportunity to tour the monastic area and view the kutis (a once-a-year event). Monastery residents and friends had made an array of gifts – Buddha amulets, bodhi leaves and a selection of books – and these were appreciated.… Read the rest

Friday Volunteers:
We still need volunteers this Friday, May 27 to get ready for Vesak. It is an Uposatha day (Full Moon) so we will also have a 2 PM meditation. Ajahn Sumedho will be here for the meal.

Parking Volunteers – Vesak:
We need four people on the 29th to help with parking from 9:30 to 11:30 and four more from 11:00 to 1:00. If you can help, contact Bhante Khema:

Vesak Detail:
If you would like to sit on the ground, bring a cushion. We will have some chairs available. Food should be brought ready to serve – no re-heating facilities. Park in the old golf course. See the schedule on the website for details

Visit During the Week:
We will be asking Ajahn Sumedho to give a morning reflection after the 7:15 breakfast. There may also be the opportunity to chat after the 11:00 lunch. Please join us.

Food to Share:
When you come to the monastery for the meal, you may want to bring food ready to eat. We will also need groceries during this time as well. The dana page on the website will be updated regularly.

Dhamma Talk – Sunday:
Ajahn Sumedho will give a talk at 1:00 pm this Sunday, May 27 at Tisarana.… Read the rest

Whats the Buzz:
Word on work has it that the bees are still needed at Tisarana. There is lots of light work to do indoors and out, so please consider coming, rain or shine. If you are not able to come on the weekend, we will still need help all next week. It would help to know if you are coming, particularly next week. Contact:

Food for Vesak:
If you are planning on bringing food for the Vesak dana, we are requesting that it can be transported and eaten cold. There will be no opportunity for re-heating food.

Wheel Chair Access:
There will be a wheelchair accessible toilet on site outdoors at Tisarana for the three weeks that Ajahn Sumedho is here. If you have and questions contact:

A Pride:
It certainly pertains to lions. I wonder if we could also have a pride of privies? There are several of them ready for the crowds we are expecting during the three weeks of Ajahn Sumedho’s visit and they are so nicely constructed the builders have reason to be proud. [photo]

Perth Public Talk:
Yes, indeed, Ajahn Sumedho is giving a public talk in Perth on Sunday, June 6 at 3:00 p.m.… Read the rest

Working Bee:
Next weekend – 22nd & 23rd May. This is mostly in prepartaion for Ajahn Sumedho’s visit. Come in the morning and work up an appetite for lunch then work off the excess in the afternoon. There is lots to do and something to suit all skill levels.

Working Bee:
U mide tink hiss were a little title typo. I tis egg jelly an attention grabbing device 2 get U 2 read the first item again. Even again. Read it again. Author strikes confident pose and ponders next item.

Next Item:
Thinks… can my esteemed audience tolerate more work bee encouragement? Perhaps better not bee overworking the medium and just move on.

Vesak Volunteers:
Please write to: if you are able to volunteer for part of the day, Vesak, May 29. We will need help from morning till afternoon. Stewarding, car parking, food management, etc.

Ajahn Sumedho:
The first event of his visit will be Vesak on Saturday the 29th May. There will be a public talk in Perth on Thursday June 3rd and at Ottawa University on Friday June 11th. See the web site for details. The retreat is fully booked but please check the University web site for details.… Read the rest

Work Weekend:
This Saturday and Sunday, May 8 & 9, to help with preparations for Ajahn Sumedho’s visit. We will work from 8 am to 5 pm BOTH DAYS, taking a break for meals and the Saturday 1pm program. There is space available to stay overnight, so you can make a weekend of it; book through the website. We will have work for people of all abilities and skills (or lack thereof).

Vesak Program:
09:00 Ajahn Sumedho gives 8 precepts 09:30 Suggested arrival time (earlier is better) 10:00 Welcome / introduction 10:15 Children’s devotional songs 10:30 Rice pindapat 11:30 Lunch 01:30 Children’s Jataka Play – Abhaya Auspicious chanting Dhamma Talk Once-a-year Kuti tours

Toronto Visit:
A group of about 20 people associated with Toronto’s Mahamevanawa Temple came and spent Saturday at Tisarana joining with the regular dhamma program and helping with work. Various projects were seen to but the rain eventually drove us into the barn where several staging platforms were constructed. [photo]

Porch Cover:
A temporary cover is being built over the porch outside the kitchen to extend available space during Ajahn Sumedho’s visit. It is a very simple affair but will take the load off the kitchen. [photo]

Bypass:
Access to the monastic area across the stream has tended to be right past venerable Atulo’s kuti.… Read the rest

Thailand:
It has been a while since Ajahn Kusalo was in Thailand attending alms giving ceremonies but we thought you would be interested in some detail of that time. Here is a collection of photos and text that will give you some idea of his time there. It was very beneficial on several counts; making contact with people in Bangkok who support Tisarana, meeting up with several senior Ajahns who have an interest in monks in the West, connecting with the Thai western sangha generally and to recieve the financial generosity so warmly given. There was also a Malaysian man who made an extremely generous donation to Tisarana. Our mortgage is now very manageable. Thank you to all those involved, both here in Canada and overseas. [photo]

LPSumedho Visit:
Things are on track for his visit at the end of May. The first main event will be Vesak on Saturday 29th May starting at 10.00 sharp. Check the website for general infomation and the calendar for specific details.
The Vesak Schedule:
09:30 You arrive
10:00 Welcome / introduction
10:15 Children’s devotional songs
10:30 Rice pindapat
11:30 Lunch
01:30 Children’s Jataka – Abhaya
Auspicious chanting
Dhamma Talk
Once-a-year Kuti tours

Lavish Decor:
We have a whole crew working on the construction of several privies for the kutis.… Read the rest

** Visit NOW!! to help with preparations for Ajahn Sumedho’s visit **
We have lots to do here at the monastery in the weeks leading up to this event and the best way to help is to book an overnight visit and stay for as long as you can. We could really use your help, whatever you are able to do.

If you think you have a particular skill to share, please e-mail work@tisarana.ca.

** Annual General Meeting **
The Tisarana Annual General Meeting for the year 2009 will be held on SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. at the monastery. All are welcome. Please mark your calendar. This will follow the regular Day of Mindfulness activities.

** Gratitude for the retreat **
The resident community would like to express its appreciation for all the support it received during this year’s Winter Retreat. There were volunteers here to cook almost every day for the whole three months, a record for us so far. If you were here and enjoyed your stay, tell your friends. If you are interested in supporting the retreat next year, feel free to ask us any questions.

** Life at 1356 Powers Road **
We are springing forth from the winter retreat with many plans for preparations on our minds.… Read the rest

Ajahn Sumedho Visit Date Change
The dates for Ajahn Sumedho’s visit have changed slightly. He will be arriving at Tisarana on Friday 28 May and departing Friday 18 June. More information can be found on our website at www.tisarana.ca/includes/server.php?act=LPS

Ajahn Viradhammo needs rides.
Now that we are without anagarikas or regular stewards at the monastery, we are again in need of driving support for Ajahn Viradhammo on the weekends. Please contact him at office@tisarana.ca if you are available. Because of monastic rules there needs to be another male in the vehicle.

We’re still open
Even though we are on retreat, the monastery is still open to day visitors. The Saturday and Observance Day activities continue uninterrupted. Please feel free to stop by as usual. We appreciate the quiet time and hope you will, too.

2009 AGM
The Tisarana Annual General Meeting for the year 2009 will be held on SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. at the monastery. All are welcome. Please mark your calendar. This will follow the regular Day of Mindfulness activities.

Winter retreat stewards–almost there!
We are so grateful for all the people who have helped and will help with supporting the winter retreat. There is space for a second person from now until April 1.… Read the rest

Farewell Janko
Anagarika Janko is leaving Tisarana this week to continue his training in Asia. We appreciate all the service he has offered the community and wish him well in his travels.

Monk Fear Rumour
We have heard a rumour that there are people who want to offer a meal, but they are scared of cooking for monks. Have no fear! As far as we know, no one has ever gotten hurt offering dana to the Sangha. Monks are easy to cook for. The community is very small (3 or 4 people). Our only dietary requirement is that we finish eating by 12:00 noon. We can eat the same food you do. There can always be someone available to answer questions. To schedule a meal offering, please contact steward@tisarana.ca.

Winter Retreat Support Still Needed
As it stands, there is no one scheduled to be here to cook from March 7 to 22 or from the 29 to 31. If you are able to serve during that time please contact bookings@tisarana.ca. Ideally, potential volunteers will have stayed at Tisarana in the past and are able to stay for at least a week. We have room for a second volunteer most weeks until April 1, but the most urgent need is during the time listed above.… Read the rest

Luang Por Sumedho Retreate Registration Now Open:
Registration is now open for Luang Por Sumedho’s weekend retreat in Ottawa June 12 and 13, 2010. Use this link for more information: Weekend Retreat. This is a non-residential retreat with registration required. There is some campus housing available for those coming from out of the area. See the link above for more information. Housing registration and retreat registration are separate.

Winter Retreat Volunteers Still Needed:
There is no one signed up to support the winter retreat at Tisarana from Jan 29 to Feb 14 as well as from Mar 1 to Mar 31. The main responsibility is cooking the meal for the small group of residents on retreat. This is an excellent way to integrate your meditation practice into daily life activities. We are seeking past guests who can commit to a week or more. Contact Bookings 0100090000036900000010001c0000000000050000000b0200000000050000000c020000000004000000020101000400000004010d0008000000fa0200000000000000000000040000002d01000007000000fc020000ffffff000000040000002d0101001c000000fb020000080000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000040000002d010200040000002e011800050000000902ffffff00040000000701030007000000430f2000cc00000000000300000000000000000000000000 if you are interested.

Dana Meals Still Welcome:
The community is welcome to bring dana meals during the winter retreat as normal. Please contact the Steward 0100090000036900000010001c0000000000050000000b0200000000050000000c020000000004000000020101000400000004010d0008000000fa0200000000000000000000040000002d01000007000000fc020000ffffff000000040000002d0101001c000000fb020000080000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000040000002d010200040000002e011800050000000902ffffff00040000000701030007000000430f2000cc00000000000300000000000000000000000000 if you are interested. The monastery calendar is updated to note the days people have already signed up.

Saturday Program Continues:
The Saturday program continues through the winter retreat.… Read the rest