Forest SanghaNewsletterOctober 1987
THIS ISSUE Cover:
Articles:



Editorial:
 Settling in at Stokes Valley; Ajahn Viradhammo
Roots of the Forest; Ajahn Sucitto, (part II)
Letter from Chithurst; Ajahn Anando
Tudong in the Lakes; Venerable Amaro's notes
Desana; Ajahn Lee Dhammadaro
Meditation and Prayer; Ajahn Sucitto 		HOME
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EDITORIAL
Meditation and Prayer


In August of this year, Ajahn Sumedho was one of the invited speakers at the United, World Religions Conference being held in the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in California. (They don't do things by halves in the States.) He called from there to give the Sangha at Amaravati notice of a Harmonic Convergence -- an auspicious line-up of planets -- that was being recognised by many spiritual groups in the West as a time for meditation and prayer. So in Britain, we followed suit in our own fashion. Although it seemed quite normal for us, it was uplifting to consider how many people might be inclining their minds towards peace at such a time. But what about the rest of the time? Sustaining that inclination towards peaceful co-existence and co-operation is a daily effort against the pull of selfishness, and it needs some encouragement.
 
Sustaining that inclination towards peaceful co-existence and co-operation is a daily effort against the pull of selfishness - and it needs some encouragement.
  
Buddhist customs serve as reminders of such themes. After Vassa, comes the Kathina Ceremony, an occasion that typifies the harmonising of the household and monastic lifestyles to support the Holy Life. It's a time for harmonic convergence throughout the Buddhist world; and it establishes our intentions as householders or mendicants to support and set an example to each other. So you are invited to take the opportunity that occurs to participate in this 2,500-year-old ceremony at your nearest monastery.

Meanwhile, another convergence of sorts: Herein a gathering of letters, articles and notes to remind you of the Sangha's presence in the world. For the next Issue, please send material to 'Newsletter' Amaravati, by November 20th.

Ajahn Sucitto