Hilltop Newsletter: Wednesday 10th December, 2024
Today, Wednesday 10th, is the New Moon day for the month of January 2024.
The next Uposatha Day will be the Full Moon, which falls on Thursday, 25th January, 2024.
Current residents at the monastery are: Luang Por Munindo, Ajahn Punnyo, Tan Samacitto, Samanera Nibbuto, and Anagarika Craig.
On the evening of Sunday, 31st of December, a Dhamma talk titled, 'The Open-Hearted State' , was given by Luang Por Munindo. It discussed the chronic condition of the contracted heart. The desensitisation that results from living in such a state means we lack the normal warm-hearted responses to life such as empathy and compassion. The good news is that there is something we can do about it. And if we do what needs to be done to address this chronic contracted state, then not only might we rediscover how to live life without feeling like running away all the time, we could also discover a capacity for truly learning from whatever life gives us.
On Sunday 7th January the community at Aruna Ratanagiri entered our annual Winter Retreat. This means limited availability. Friends and supporters are welcome to join and contribute to the midday meal as usual.
LOOKING AHEAD:
This news/blog has gone into semi-hibernation. Only very basic messages will be sent out each New Moon until after the retreat.
The First Sunday of the Month Meditation Classes will continue at Kusala House, commencing at 5.30pm
Other than on Sunday evenings (puja at 7pm), the Dhamma Hall will not generally be heated, however visitors are still welcome to use it. Perhaps wear more jumpers than usual.
Accommodation will become available again for guests after 1st April.
Anyone wishing to contact the monastery during the Winter Retreat can send an email to sangha@ratanagiri.org.uk or telephone us and leave a message on 01661 881 612.
If you are interested in being part of the Winter Retreat Kitchen Support Team you can contact Bee Wan on, 07912 683 576
Bookings are already being accepted for the 2024 Summer Lay Retreat to be led by Ajahn Nyanarato: June 24th to 28th.
Throughout 2024 there will be a number of one-day retreats with dates to be announced in April.
With good wishes.
