Forthcoming Events:
The Festival of Kshtigarbha Bodhisattva

On Saturday the 9th of August we will be celebrating the Festival of Kshtigarbha Bodhisattva. Kshtigarbha is usually depicted as a monk, carrying a staff and a “wish-fulfilling jewel”, and symbolises gentleness and the importance of offering.

The festival day will start with two periods of meditation at 10am. These will be followed by the Festival Ceremony and a Dharma Talk and discussion, ending at 12.30pm.

In addition to welcoming visitors to the temple for the festival (please book in advance), we will also be holding the festival over zoom so that Lay Sangha members can join in from where they are. Full details of the festival will be sent out by email to Lay Sangha members prior to the festival.

New Offering Merit board

The temple now has a new Offering Merit board, which is on the wall in the inner hallway, just outside the door to the meditation hall. The previous board was a cork notice board that cards could be pinned on to, and had served us very well since the temple first opened over ten years ago, but was getting towards the end of its useful life.

The new board is based on the design of the board at Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey. Cards can be placed on the board for anyone who is ill, has died, or is in a difficult situation, for example, and we bear them in mind and offer the merit of our practice for their benefit. We are not asking for a particular outcoming, just making an offering of the heart.

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Some photos from the garden

It’s nice to have had some rain recently after the long hot spell. The berries have appreciated it, and we have had an excellent crop of both gooseberries and blueberries. The summer-flowering shrubs have appreciated it too, and a Japanese Anemone that was donated to the temple three or four years ago and has struggled to get established has finally bloomed properly in the back garden this year, as has our small Hibiscus plant.

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Alms Bowl Requests

Donations of Food
Offering food is a traditional way to support a monk, and all donations of vegetarian food are most welcome. In particular:

• porridge oats
• peanuts or other nuts
• peanut butter
• fresh fruit and vegetables (except garlic or peppers)
• dried herbs
• cheese, eggs and yoghurt

Any other suitable items would also be appreciated.

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Donations

The temple is dependent on donations for its continued existence, and any financial support you are able to offer is greatly appreciated. Details of how to offer support can be found on the Donations page of the website.

All donations are received with gratitude