Sunday 27th October 2024
Arrival 9:00 – 10:00 am
Almsround & Lunch 10:00 – 12:00 pm
Ceremony 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Guided Tour 1:00 – 2:00 pm
The Robes Offering Ceremony marks the end of the Rains Retreat. On this occasion we rejoice in having spent the past three months at the Wat dedicated to the cultivation of peace and kindness. This is a rare opportunity to take part in an old and inspiring Buddhist ceremony and a chance to connect with other practitioners.
The core values that are celebrated during the Kathina are those that make living together in harmony possible; qualities like kindness, compassion, patience and acceptance. In our sometimes confusing and competitive world, it is important to remember that our own sense of well-being cannot be secure unless it is founded on acts of generosity and goodwill to others.
The ceremony will include taking the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, auspicious chanting and Dhamma talks by Luang Por Tiradhammo and Ajahn Khemavaro. After the ceremony there will be a monastery tour, where visitors can see some monks’ huts.
For further info, please call 0409 389-887 between 8-10 am and 11am -1 pm or email: wbdretreats@gmail.com.
Robes will be available for offering at the monastery.
Community List for Rains 2024
Monks
LP Tiradhammo
Ajahn Khemavaro
Ajahn Bhuripanyo
Layguests
Luke
Annie
Tam
Rob
Rebecca
Kristine
Phil
Wisdom of Stillness
New Year Retreat
with Ajahn Khemavaro
Saturday 28th to Wednesday 1st January 2025
New Year Retreat Registration
For further enquiries, please email: wbdretreats@gmail.com or call the office at 0409-389-887 between 8 – 12 noon.
Recent Talks on YouTube:
Nourishing the Mind with Meditation
by Ajahn Dtun
True Happiness
by Ajahn Dtun
The Path to Arahantship
by Ajahn Dtun
Buddhism and Psychology
by Ajahn Tiradhammo
Letting Go Letting Be
by Ajahn Khemavaro
Freedom from Desire Not Freedom of Desire
by Ajahn Khemavaro
Doubts and other Demons
Q: What can I do about doubts? Some days I’m plagued with doubts about the practice or my own progress or the teacher.
A: Doubting is natural. Everyone starts with doubts. You can learn a great deal from them. What is important is that you don’t identify with your doubts. That is, don’t get caught up in them, letting your mind spin in endless circles. Instead, watch the whole process of doubting, of wondering. See who it is that doubts. See how doubts come and go. Then you will no longer be victimized by your doubts. You will step outside of them, and your mind will be quiet. You can see how all things come and go. Just let go of what you’re attached to. Let go of your doubts and simply watch. This is how to end doubting.
Q: These days, there seem to be so many teachers and so many different systems of meditation that it’s confusing. Which one should I follow?
A: It’s like going into town. One can approach from the north, from the southeast, from many roads. Often these systems just differ outwardly. Whether you walk one way or another, fast or slow, if you are mindful, it’s all the same. There’s one essential point that all good practice must eventually come to-not clinging. In the end, you must let go of all meditation systems. Nor can you cling to the teacher. If a system leads to relinquishment, to not clinging, then it is correct practice.
You may wish to travel, to visit other teachers and try other systems. Some of you have already done so. This is a natural desire. You will find out that a thousand questions asked and knowledge of many systems will not bring you to the truth. Eventually you will get bored. You will see that only by stopping and examining your own heart can you find out what the Buddha talked about. No need to go searching outside yourself. Eventually, you must return to face your own true nature. Right where you are is where you can understand the Dharma.
An excerpt from Still Forest Pool by Ajahn Chah