Saturday, July 21, 2007

Good Folk, Nice Welcome, Awesome Atmosphere

Ajahn Sudanto and Tan Karunadhammo arrived yesterday late afternoon. After a nights rest and a hearty meal, Scott came by and drove the monks and myself out to the Hermitage land. Alistair was there, Michael and Mimi too, getting a tent set up for viewing.



It was a very good feeling to see Tan Karunadhammo inside the kuti and on the land where he’ll spend the next three months in retreat. I was surprised at just how beautiful the setting seemed as I've been there so many times before. Something about seeing the monks on the land, the tent up and the walking path complete, added a lovely element of worthy purpose to my emotional atmosphere.

Tomorrow we work on finishing the second tent site, build steps in the trails and quietly celebrate the fruition of our good efforts.



As silly as this may sound, the day was filled with happy, smiling faces. Micheal and Mimi invited neighbors over for tea, introduced the monks and casually visited. Good folk, nice welcome, awesome atmosphere. This feels good . . .