From Venerable Ajahn Khemadhammo

Sitting in the passenger seat of a car as it overtakes a cyclist in our narrow lane you can't help feeling a bit apprehensive, especially when they wobble as you go by. But that's nothing to how you feel when it's not some sort of fairly normal bike that you're passing, but an old chap, or even a young chap, perched on top of a penny-farthing! And there were four of them strung out along the lane the other day when we came back. These were the stragglers, the last four competitors, in a penny-farthing race from Rugby to Bristol. Well, I have to say, rather them than me! Very commendably, these people were giving of their time, their energy, their machines and themselves, that others might also give. Their colourful progress proclaimed the need of some good cause or other and gave those who saw them a little glimpse of an earlier era, and, like us, something to talk about for days and days.

Coincidentally, that same afternoon our lane was host to another charitable event - one that contrasted with the penny-farthing riders in almost every conceivable way. The penny-farthing people were affable and fairly easy going, the treasure hunt competitors in a hurry and wanting to win. But for me the most important distinction was that while the former were commending the virtue of giving, the latter were promoting the depravity of greed. I know that there will be some out there, like the promoters of the National Lottery, who'll throw up their hands and chorus, 'But it's in a good cause!'. Yes, but how and why still matters. Never mind the loot you're likely not to win, just watch out for that greedy-growing mind.

Incidentally, while all these charitable activities were going on and treasure hunters were trying to solve a clue with a look at the date on our signboard, an occupant of one car that stopped nipped into the concealed but open side-door of our garage-come-workshop and made off with an armful of tools. It had only been left open for a few minutes while things for a new workbench were being barrowed up from down the garden. Whether this had anything to do with the treasure-hunters we may never know of course. But when you incite the greedy mind you rouse an attitude that recognises no boundaries.

Giving was always praised by the Buddha and in a life-style that ideally allows no quarter to greed, hatred and delusion it has always been for the Sangha to depend on alms for all its material and bodily needs. And not unconnected with that principle I would like to remind you that if you want to get involved and be helpful there are two organisations with which this newsletter is connected that you may join and which would welcome your help and support. Both of them offer you the chance to give and to belong. The first is the Buddha-Dhamma Fellowship which goes now by the nickname, 'Friends of the Forest Hermitage'. This is the formal support group for this monastery that manages the business and things generally that bhikkhus cannot do. Membership doesn't bring any special treatment, no reserved parking or seating, nothing but the satisfaction of being involved and helping this place and all that happens here to exist. Then there's Angulimala, the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy Organisation, which also relies on a supportive membership. Again, there are no special privileges, but you can feel you belong to what we're doing, by joining you're helping to make Buddhism available in the prisons and any particular help you can offer is welcomed. Giving is what it's all about - and when you give you fly in the face of attachment and all the suffering that engenders.

Speaking of giving, next month will be the Fourth Anniversary Celebration of the Buddha Grove at Springhill Prison when some of the Thai community and other Buddhists and locals join the prisoners for ceremonies, then provide and share a Thai meal with the whole prison and conclude the evening with a candle-lit circumambulation of the Buddha Grove. We usually manage a short trip into the adjacent Grendon Prison too. At this time not only do we celebrate the availability of Buddhism in the gaols, but we acknowledge our common suffering and the potential that we all have, in and out of prison, to change and to become Enlightened.

Now I know that some people don't have much time for prisoners and someone once confessed that before I asked him to run a group of them over here on a day out he'd been like that too, but meeting them and during the journey he had discovered that they were all right, human beings, and much the same as himself and everyone else.

Which brings me to some very sad news, for that man, Khun Warudon Manapol, known to most of us here as Don, passed away in a Bangkok hospital on August 10th. He'd been fighting cancer for about a year. Don was a marvellous person who had been immensely generous to me and this Wat, both while he was living in the U.K. and more recently when he was back in Thailand. Condolences to Khun Yupa, his widow, and any merit arising from this newsletter and any merit associated with this Wat this month is dedicated to Khun Don. May he ultimately attain the secure peace of Nibbana.

Life has been livened up for us recently by three novices, lads who gave up some of their school holiday to ordain and learn some Buddhism.

Take care, and be well and happy!

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