May 2018 Newsletter
Setting up the New Property
There has been a lot to do to get the new property sorted out and organised after the busy week of moving in early March. There are still lots of boxes to unpack, but items are gradually being moved to the rooms that they need to end up in. Most of the things that need to go into attic storage, at least for the time being, have now been moved to the attic, freeing up space in other locations. There are still quite a few pieces of furniture in the garage, as well as other items, which are yet to be moved into place, but we have made a good start.
Although the weather has mostly been quite cool since we moved, there have been enough dry days that we have managed to make a start on tidying up the garden, which had been neglected whilst the property was empty over the winter. There is still a lot to do, but at least it is beginning to look cared for.
As the plants come into leaf and flower we are beginning to get a sense of what is in the garden already. Pushed against a fence on one side was a small tree with lots of dead wood in it. It is now coming into leaf and is a Japanese Acer with delicately cut leaves. It seemed to deserve a more prominent place, and is now towards the centre of the patio, outside the window and door of the main room. It needs some attention, including feeding and possibly re-potting, but is looking reasonably happy for now.
Day Retreat in Nottingham
On Saturday the 14th of April we had a well-attended Day Retreat at the Tiger Boe Centre in Nottingham, with over a dozen people coming for all or part of the day. Tiger Boe works very well as a venue for a day retreat, and there was no one else using the building on that day, which meant that we had a bit more space available to us than usual.
It also meant that the building was quiet, which was particularly appreciated during our morning meditation periods. As part of our morning schedule we also celebrated Morning Service, and in the afternoon Rev. Aiden gave a Dharma talk, which was followed by a very helpful discussion. The wide selection of different cakes that people had kindly brought helped to round off a very nice day.
Thank you to all those who helped to make the day happen, either by helping to organise things, bringing contributions to our bring-and-share lunch, or other practical help, as well as by the offering of your practice.
The next day retreat in Nottingham is scheduled for Saturday September the 22nd, also at Tiger Boe. The next time Rev. Aiden will be visiting the Nottingham group for an evening meeting will be Monday the 14th of May.
Alms Bowl Requests
Thank you to all those who have donated items to the temple. We are very grateful for donations of any household or other items that the temple might be able to use. Please contact Rev. Aiden if you have an item to offer but are not sure whether it would be useful.
Donations of Food
Offering food is a traditional way to support a monk, and all donations of vegetarian food are most welcome. In particular:
- peanuts or other nuts
- porridge oats
- fresh fruit and vegetables (except garlic or peppers)
- fresh or dried herbs
- yoghurt and eggs
- brown rice and pasta
Any other suitable items would also be appreciated.
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.