Recent events
The sesshin in June, with its opportunity to do five days of intensive meditation, was much appreciated by the seven of us who sat all or most of the retreat. In addition, a few other people joined for parts of the sesshin, either in person or online. The schedule included eight meditation periods each day, as well as Dharma talks and discussions. There was also plenty of working meditation and by the end of the sesshin the Priory building and the gardens were looking very well cared for. Working meditation in the kitchen produced some fine meals, with lunch being eaten formally in the meditation room. There was also time for rest and contemplation. This was our third sesshin in recent years and it flowed very smoothly, as the core group of attendees are now familiar with the process. The chance to practise together in this way is invaluable and I am grateful to everyone for their whole-hearted participation and for making the sesshin such a positive experience. The photo below shows some of the retreatants ready for another meditation period.
This year’s Summer Party had to be relocated from our usual lovely venue in Erpingham at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. A smaller gathering took place at the Priory and we were able to utilise the gazebo and a parasol to enable us to sit on the patio and make the most of the sunny weather. The garden was looking splendid, after all the work done on it during the sesshin and by the garden group. Everybody contributed to producing a fine bring-and-share lunch, which was enjoyed in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. It was a very pleasant occasion and I’d like to thank everybody who came along, especially those who offered extra help with setting up, washing up and tidying up.
In late June, we held a memorial for Frederico, Margarete Busatto’s dog, who died suddenly back home in Brazil. Margarete is staying in Norwich for a few months and so it was especially sad for her not to be with Fred when he died. It was good to be able to offer a ceremony for her and her family to participate in. Besides several Sangha members who were present at the Priory, a few others joined us online, including Margarete’s sons, Renato and Pablo, who attended from Brazil.
Forthcoming events
We shall be celebrating the 12th anniversary of the Priory on Sunday 2nd November. More details will be given nearer the time, but the morning will follow the usual schedule: a meditation period at 9.45, with a ceremony at 10.30 to express our gratitude for the life and teaching of our founder, Rev. Master Jiyu, followed by a Dharma talk and discussion. Rev. Alicia, from Sitting Buddha Hermitage in Derbyshire (who is one of our charity’s trustees) will be joining us, as part of a visit to the Priory that weekend. Rev. Alicia had hoped to be with us for the Summer Party but she had to postpone her stay.
Our next sesshin is scheduled for 26th-30th November.
The Priory will be closed 15th-18th August and 5th-19th September.
Garden work
The garden group has continued to meet every Tuesday afternoon, focussing on regular maintenance. The bank from the front garden to the road, which was recently shored up with wooden boards, is beginning to look quite impressive, as colourful hardy geraniums start to take over, while the back garden has been providing pleasure throughout the summer for the Prior and visitors who can sit on the patio and enjoy the view.
Thanks
Thank you to everyone who has been helping with keeping the house (inside and outside) and the gardens tidy and well-maintained, as well as to those people who offer help with various office and administrative tasks, especially the bookkeeping and accounting.
With best wishes and in gassho,
Reverend Leoma