Next Meditation Retreat Sunday 19th May 2024 & John’s Birthday
Dear Friends,
Trusting this note finds you well.
The last couple of months have been special at Ratanagiri – with the visits of Venerable Mettaji from Bodhinyana Monastery in Perth WA, and this month with Ajahn Tiradhammo visiting from Wat Buddha Dhamma near Sydney.
During the visit from these two Buddhist Monks – we received wonderful teachings and guidance which was both clarifying and inspirational, especially Ajahn Tiradhammo’s insights from his new book ‘Beyond I – Making’.
Through the support of Brendon we have created a Youtube Channel to share Teachings and Meditations with you especially for those that were not able to attend the Thursday or Sunday Sessions.
The YouTube Channel is called Sammasamadhi Meditation Sangha (SMS) – please see the link below –
https://www.youtube.com/@SammasamadhiMeditationSangha
We have also created a ZOOM Link – so that when we have Sunday Meditation Sessions – those that can not attend in person can still sit in via the ZOOM Link – which will always be the same – see the link below –
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82020665739?pwd=JPNtDW7SQder6vomcWj0eZTjDaQ7Gz.1
With the passing of days, weeks, months, seasons and years – I now find that I am arriving at my 60th Birthday!
Whilst this is but a chronological marker of the age of the body, which is always changing; it is however a worthwhile time for pause and reflection!
Certainly being 60 years old allows plenty of time passed to reflect on with regards to lessons and learnings, journeys and joys, achievements and acknowledgements!
Initially I considered taking some time to have a private retreat with quiet reflection, however on second thought I considered the joy of sharing this occasion with others in the form of a Meditation Retreat Day.
Since I left home at age 17 years, taking up Monastic Life as a Buddhist Monk – I have continuously lived with others and shared my life and joy – especially in Meditation and Dhamma Practice.
Life is ‘Relationship’ and sharing what one loves and finds most meaningful with others is very special.
So – our next Meditation Retreat Day will be on the eve of my 60th Birthday – Sunday 19th May 2024 at Ratanagiri – 11 Double View Road, Farrants Hill NSW 2484.
You are invited to attend in person or via zoom link.
It would be wonderful to share this special occasion with you especially as part of what we are developing here at Ratanagiri as an ongoing enduring support group – ‘Samma Samadhi Meditation Sangha’ and certainly if you have not attended a Thursday Evening or Sunday Session for some time – do come and connect!
Our day from 9.30am to 3.00pm with a shared lunch – please bring a plate of food to share, and will be on the theme of: ‘Meditations and Reflections on Mind – Life – Care’.
Much of the meaning, joy and quality of our Life, relates to the quality of our Mind.
When we appreciate this, then we become more motivated to take care of our Mind particularly through Meditation and living with Morality and Wisdom.
To Care is to be both Caring and Careful – Kind-ful and Mindful!
This appreciation and practice helps us to reduce stress and suffering in our life, create purity and simplicity, moving beyond complication and confusion. The Buddhas Teachings and Way of Practice is about exercising and engaging our Mind and Life with Care.
This is the Way to real happiness, peace, profound joy and ultimate freedom.
Please email me if you wish to reserve a place to attend this special day? info@wellawareness.com.au
Kind Regards,
John B.
