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If no-one else is found in front or behind, it’s extremely pleasant to be dwelling alone in a forest grove.
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Come now, I’ll go alone to the wilderness praised by the Buddha. It’s pleasant for a mendicant to be dwelling alone and resolute.
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Alone and self-disciplined, I’ll quickly enter the delightful forest, which gives joy to meditators, and is frequented by rutting elephants.
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In Sītavana, so full of flowers, in a cool mountain cave, I’ll bathe my limbs and walk mindfully alone.
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When will I dwell alone, without a companion, in the great wood, so delightful, my task complete, free of defilements?
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This is what I want to do: may my wish succeed! I’ll make it happen myself, for no-one can do another’s duty.
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Fastening my armor, I’ll enter the forest. I won’t leave without attaining the end of defilements.
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As the cool breeze blows with fragrant scent, I’ll split ignorance apart, sitting on the mountain-peak.
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In a forest grove covered with blossoms, in a cave so very cool, I take pleasure in the Mountain fold, happy with the happiness of freedom.
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I’ve got all I wished for like the moon on the fifteenth day. With the utter ending of all defilements, now there’ll be no more future lives.
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Theragata 10.2 Ekavihāriyattheragāthā
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Upcoming Events
Santi Katina on 19 November 2023
Currently the community as Santi are on their three month long Rains Retreat. This year there are 4 Bhikkhunis, 1 Samaneri (Ayya Nirodha, Ayya Upekkha, Ayya Karunika, Venerable Pasanna, and Venerable Pamocana - photo above) and up to 3 lay people spending the Rains period here. So far it has been quiet and peaceful at Santi and very conducive for the practice of deep mediation.
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We will keep you posted regarding the Katina Ceremony closer to the time. If you would like to join the volunteers who are organising this year's Katina then kindly send us an email to santikatina2023@gmail.com
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Ayya Karunika will be presenting at the upcoming Metta Convention, a transformative week of meditation, teachings, discussions, community dinner, and activities with renowned Buddhist teachers from around the world! This free event will be held at the Western Sydney University, Bankstown City Campus. It is open to the general public, Buddhist and meditation practitioners of all levels who are seeking to enrich their practice and engage with like-minded individuals in a supportive and inspiring environment. Find out more.....
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Ayya Karunika will be joining a special panel discussion on Thursday the 28 of September 2023 from 7-9 pm on 'Between Everything and Nothing- Cultivating Compassion and Wisdom'. Find out more....
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Ayya Karunika is also one of the panel speakers at the International Bhikkhuni Day organised by the United Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha International (UTBSI) and Maha Bodhi Society of India, to be held on September 29, 2023 via Zoom Meeting (IST 4.30pm – IST 7.30pm.) The theme is Bhikkhunī Saṅgha – A Beacon of Growth and Harmony. More information at the end of this newsletter.
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Dhamma talks by Santi Nuns
Ayya Karunika has been teaching at the Crows Nest Centre, 2 Ernest Place, Crows Nest, in the months of August and September and she will continue her teachings there until mid October 2023. All are welcome to join this free Dhamma offering which includes a Dhamma Talk, Guided Meditation and time for Q&A. It is on Wednesdays from 7-9 pm.
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In the past few months the following Dhamma talks have been offered by Santi Nuns.
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Ayya Karunika
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Finding stability in the midst of chaos
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Ayya Upekkha
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Guided metta meditation and discussion
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Ven. Pasanna
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News
On Sunday 30th July 2023 we had our Entry to the Rains Retreat ceremony at Santi (photos above). It was a beautiful sunny day and a nice gathering of people formally invited the nuns to spend the rains retreat period at Santi by offering to take care of our basic needs for this time of deep practice.
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Just before the retreat period Venerable Pasanna worked really hard to complete the renovation work on the caravan. It was ready just in time for Ayya Upekkha who arrived with a sprained ankle. It provided a conducive abode for her recovery as she entered into the retreat period. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers, both nuns and laypeople, who contributed to the renovation of the caravan (photo below).
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Venerable Pasanna and Alexandra (Alex) from New Zealand built a beautiful yet sturdy bridge over the creek to walk to our Milk and Water kutis. This was mostly done with left over building material (photo below).
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On Sunday the 17th of September, Santi Nuns joined the Southern Highlands Yes23 walk to show their support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and Voice referendum (photos below).
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Volunteers at work
Volunteers continue to support us with various work throughout the year and we are so very grateful to all our supporters.
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Become a volunteer at Santi by providing your details below.
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Join
Santi Volunteers
WhatsApp group
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Support the Growth of Santi Nuns Community
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By giving, one becomes dear,
one follows the duty of the good;
the good self-controlled monks
always resort to one.
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They teach one the Dhamma
that dispels all suffering,
having understood which
the taintless one
here attains nibbāna. (AN 5.35)
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Make a Direct Deposit
Santi Forest Monastery Inc.
BSB: 012-547
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Account Number: 3488-68601
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Make Online Donation
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News from other Organisations
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All are welcome to join the International Bhikkhuni Day 2023
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Meeting ID: 891 6161 6109
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