November 2008
News
This last month at Santacittarama seems to have had a particularly Thai flavour.
The Kathina cloth was offered by two groups of Thais - Khun Namtip and friends
from Newcastle and Khun Chonlada and friends from London - with the assistance
of many Thais, Sri Lankans and Italians from all over the country, from as far
south as Catania and as far north as Aosta. We were blessed with the most
idyllic weather, much to the delight of all, especially our guests from England!
Our appreciation goes to all those who participated and contributed to making it
such a lovely occasion.
We've recently been visited by several Thai monks, two came from England, two
from Austria and two directly from Thailand. Phramaha Thongratana, a senior monk
well known to us from several previous visits, came on a special invitation to
receive an award given annually to an individual for their contribution to
inter-religious dialogue. Over the years he has worked with the Focolare
Movement, and recognition of his collaboration was acknowledged in a
well-attended ceremony in Rieti.
There have been some changes in our community recently. Luis returned to Spain
after spending a year with us - we send him our best wishes! - and in the
meantime we have been joined by Manuel from Madrid, who intends to begin his
monastic training here. Anagarika Gianni will shortly be going to England, to
spend the winter retreat at Chithurst Monastery, and is expected back in April.
Ajahn Chandapalo will be away again, from 17th-24th November in Sicily, and
possibly in Sardinia around 5th-9th December.
New mailing system
We are experiment
In English on the web
The latest issue of the Forest Sangha Newsletter is available at: www.fsnewsletter.org.
Talks in English by many monks and nuns can be downloaded from: www.dhammatalks.org.uk.