Sati Saraniya Hermitage

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On May 9th, we were blessed with a very special visit by Bhante Gunaratana, one of the most highly revered elders of the Theravada Bhikkhu Sangha in the world. He was accompanied by Bhantes Jinananda and Yasassi as well as about 20 devoted Dhamma friends.

‘Bhante G’, as he is affectionately known, joined us for the alms-giving meal and led us in a power walk around the forest at a pace that challenged even the younger members of the crowd following behind him. He also blessed us with a beautiful Dhamma talk, A Question of Birth and Death. Enjoy the photos of our memorable day with ‘Bhante G’.

On the vernal equinox day, three wild crocuses appeared on the land where our Dhamma hall is to be built. What perfect heralds of Spring and Dhamma activities!

We welcome you to our Sunday afternoon meditations at the Hermitage from 2-4 pm:
May 27
June 3, 10, 17

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These images of 2011 reflect what a pioneer year it has been. Guided by the Buddha’s teachings, Ajahn Chah and all our other great Dhamma teachers, and the principles of ‘sati‘ and ‘saraniya‘ – wise attention and goodwill towards others – we worked hard, meditated, conducted retreats and Dhamma programs, and participated in a bhikkhuni ordination ceremony.

We were also fortunate to welcome many wonderful visitors to the Hermitage: Ajahns Viradhammo and Kusalo, Ajahns Karunadhammo, Anando and Venerable Pavaro, and Bhantes Muditha, Rahula, Khemaratana and Jivananda, as well as so many devoted friends who came to meditate with us, share a meal, work in the garden, or stay a few days to help as stewards.

This year has been momentous in terms of the growth of our spiritual community. On October 17, Ayya Nimmala was one of three women ordained as a bhikkhuni in a moving ceremony at Spirit Rock, California. A dual Sangha of Theravada bhikkhus and bhikkhunis led the formal proceedings in the presence of several hundred well-wishers. You can see the slideshow and photos to learn more about this historic occasion.

Changes have also come to the Hermitage with the completion of many welcome renovations, especially a new roof on our main building and the disappearance of our ancient ‘falling-down’ barn. When you drive through the main gate, however, what stands out most is our newly refurbished garage/workshop – now a safe dry space for tools, car and other needed equipment.

In addition to these improvements, thanks to the kindness and generosity of so many, Sati Saraniya Hermitage has saved enough funds and has also received pledges to help begin the expansion of our community vision in 2012. We hope to put up two adjacent buildings: a meditation temple and nuns’ common area.

The temple will accommodate 70 meditators and enable us to welcome our communities for indoor gatherings such as danas, ordinations and Kathina ceremonies. The main features of the project include:

• A shrine room with covered outdoor walking meditation porches around the perimeter
• A nuns’ common building with offices for charity business and pastoral care, a work/meeting room, composting toilet, shower, laundry and storage
• A vestibule adjoining both buildings for coats, boots and storage also housing a mechanical room for hot water tanks, pumps etc.
• Public toilet facilities near the meditation hall
• Heating – solar energy supplemented by propane for in-floor heat and hot water

Before we break ground, we will take time for silent retreat from January through to March 31. Putting down our building plans, we turn our minds to our core work: building parami – the pure qualities of the heart – inwardly through our meditation practice. We will be supported by the stunning silence of the snows and the kindness of two resident stewards and our community of supporters.

Reflecting not only on the cycles of nature but on the fluctuations in our minds and in the world around us, we continue to share the goodness of our practice with all beings.  May it bring blessings for those near and far. May we all realize the radiant joy and peace within our own hearts.

We are on retreat during the Winter months, from January to March.  We look forward to welcoming you to our MARs  – Meditation and Reflection Days – in April, 2012
here at the Hermitage:  Sundays, Apr. 15, 22, and 29 from 2-4 pm

According to our monastic code of discipline, we have four basic requisites: robes, almsfood, lodging, and medicines. Lodging means a roof for one night. Fortunately, we have monasteries in the west where samanas, both men and women renunciates, can live and train their minds to awaken.

To live with the attitude that we are here for only one night is a useful reflection for letting go attachment and staying in the present moment. It helps that we have no ownership over the buildings which we occupy at Sati Saraniya. They do not belong to us individually but we act as custodians, maintaining them for future generations of nuns who come to live this life devoted to Dhamma.

Some tasks, like repairing the roof, are far beyond our capabilities. We were grateful to have a professional crew do the job for us.

When it comes to internal ‘roof repair’, there is no one else we can rely on to shelter us from the storms of life.  We have to do the work ourselves every step of the way by learning how to develop a mind that it is not patched or thatched but sturdy, steadfast, and weatherproof in all conditions.

When we grow in mindfulness and wisdom, skilfully and patiently cleansing, repairing, and caring for the mind, then we are bound to find the heart’s true refuge and a sure way to inner peace.