Ajahn Amaro
Auckland, New Zealand
December 2009
At the beginning of December we were visited by Ajahn Amaro, co-abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery in California and author of numerous books. During his time here, Ajahn Amaro gave an excellent talk at the Vihara
Listen to Not Attaching to Fixed Views
Conference Speakers and Guests
Auckland, New Zealand
December 2008
On December 5-7, Vimutti Buddhist Monastery, the Auckland Theravada Buddhist Assoc., The Auckland University Buddhist Society, Richman Wee and the Buddhist Fellowship from Singapore combined their strengths to sponsor the first major Buddhist conference in New Zealand.
Held at the Auckland University, this three day event featured speakers from around the world. Beginning with a public talk by Venerable Ajahn Brahm on Friday evening, the teachings continued throughout the weekend. Saturday and Sunday offered a full schedule of presentations from monks, nuns, leading academics and Buddhist Community leaders. Topics ranged from the nature of mind and consciousness to Buddhist economics, from gender equality to death, dying and rebirth. Venerable Bhante Gunaratana gave a number of talks and led the audience in a guided meditation. The conference was also an opportunity for local groups and traditions to gather in a spirit of harmony and unified purpose. The food and catering for the entire conference was donated and organised by the local ATBA Thai and Sri Lankan communities, and Vimutti Monastery was full to the brim hosting the eminent Sangha members, both bhikkhus and bhikkhunis. The program of events flowed smoothly all weekend, a testiment to good organisation. All in all, it was a joyful occasion to celebrate the Dhamma arriving in a new land with the warmth of kalyanamitta friendship and mutual support.
Kobe, Japan
November 2008
Buddhist leaders from 32 nations around the globe joined hands in an extraordinary gathering to lend their support to world peace, participate in a global conference and commemorate the opening of a new Japanese temple complex of gigantic proportions. Ajahn Tiradhammo was joined by Ajahn Chandako and two members of the Wellington Theravada Buddhist Association to represent New Zealand. In this article Ajahn Chandako recollects some of his enduring perceptions of the summit:
April 2008
Tudong South Island
At the end of March two Buddhist monks, Ajahn Chandako and Tan Mettiko, left to wander the South Island of New Zealand for more than a month. Traveling without money, without carrying food and even without fixed plans, their experiences meditating in nature, trusting in the unknown and regularly coming in contact with human goodness touched their hearts and influenced many others along the way. The tales of their adventures will be gradually posted on this website.
Click the link at the bottom of this article for the full story.
March 2008
Sunil and Cliff building the new kuti
The summer of 2008 has been witness to many positive developments at Vimutti Buddhist Monastery. We feel fortunate that the development is progressing so well. During this time there have been three excellent monks coming to stay, Ajahn Yatiko, Ajahn Sudanto and Venerable Mettiko. They have given inspiring teachings to the lay community and been supportive to the monastery in many ways. Ajahn Yatiko has now left for Abhayagiri Monastery in California. Ajahn Sudanto will have to leave at the end of March due to difficulties extending his visa. During his time here he has offered a great amount of his expertise and practical experience in building and website design. Venerable Mettiko returned with me from Thailand and plans to stay for a few months before he goes to Germany to assist in establishing a forest monastery there.
For many years our good friend and supporter, Sunil, has wished to offer a kuti in memory of his late father. This summer we were able to begin the project. We began with a land blessing ceremony on a beautiful day in December. The location for the kuti is a serene spot next to our stream, nestled in a patch of thick native NZ bush. Ajahn Sudanto helped me finalize the design, and since New Year Sunil and Cliff have been coming weekly to help us complete the building. It is wonderful to see Sunil involved with the project from the very beginning stages right through to the end. May he experience deep satisfaction with his filial offering. I hope to move in before the next rains retreat (to view pictures of building process, visit the new photogallery).
The Day of Peace Meditation workshops have been very well attended this year. It is great to see our sala full with people who are interested in learning how to transform their hearts in a positive way through learning meditation.
During the summer we had more people wishing to stay at Vimutti than ever before. Usually our accommodation was fully booked, so many people were happy to stay in tents. People combined to create a harmonious and diligent little community. Dennis has just left to follow the summer north of the equator, and Beth has gone to Australia temporarily to join a long retreat. She plans to return the end of July.
Other physical developments at Vimutti included digging two new ponds. Having water features makes such a difference for creating an atmosphere of tranquility. There is now a covered bench by one of the ponds by the entrance. This is already a favorite place to relax and meditate.
The Dhamma School children came for their annual visit, and once again we all had a lot of fun with the Dhamma game show. The two teams were so evenly matched that there was quite a bit of suspense and excitement coming down to the final question. I think the parents learn just as much as the children!
At our New Years Eve celebration we kicked off our fundraising effort to purchase an adjoining piece of property. Since then we have raised over half the money! It is wonderful to see people respond with generosity and to see that people value what we do here.
With metta, Ajahn Chandako