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This page contains photos from Bhante Joe’s Instagram page. To go directly to his Instagram page… click here.

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Warm greetings Everyone, On October 1st, I'm plan

Warm greetings Everyone,

On October 1st, I'm planning to participate in the Metta Convention. This a weeklong convention organized by the Metta Centre in Australia.

Myself and another monastic, Brother Tenzin, will be sharing a session. The session is on the traditional Buddhist practice of wandering. It is scheduled for October 1st, from 3.45 - 4.30pm, Sydney time. More information is available here...

https://dhammavinayapatipada.com/events/

More information on the convention in general is available here...

https://www.mettacentre.com/the-metta-convention/

Mahatthayas Hiran, Madura, and Chandana came by th

Mahatthayas Hiran, Madura, and Chandana came by the kuti for the day to pracitce meditation. They did some meditation in the morning. In the afternoon, we had a Dhamma discussion and they went to visit the forest. They headed home in the evening after a Q & A. Nice to see their interest in bhavana.

Warm greetings Everyone, The Metta Centre in Aust

Warm greetings Everyone,

The Metta Centre in Australia is organizing a meditation, Dhamma talk, and Q & A via. Zoom. It's scheduled to take place on August 30th, from 7 - 8:30pm Sydney time. Details are available here...

https://www.mettacentre.com/event/practicing-the-buddhas-teachings-from-the-suttas-to-the-heart/

Killarney Wilderness

Killarney Wilderness

In early July, had the wonderful opportunity head

In early July, had the wonderful opportunity head out on a camping trip. Irfan Pirbhai and Denis Save organized everything smoothly. We had a great group -- there were seven of us in tota -- and, I think all Buddhists (including Keanu -- Denis's young son!).

Canada has some of the world's deepest forest. We camped at Killarney, which is about 400 km from Toronto. Killarney is the most beautiful campground I've been to. The solitude in the wilderness was extremely inspiring.

At the present time, Buddhism is still new in Canada. So, many of Canada's forests are not so easily accessible for long-term meditation practice. If Buddhism ever develops in Canada as it has in Asia, the potential for solitude and practice in the wilderness would be incredible. Even a short taste was excellent. Sādhu!

Carika: Pickering to the Toronto Zen Buddhist Temp

Carika: Pickering to the Toronto Zen Buddhist Temple

The road version of wandering seemed like a good for the Canadian city context. Hope to go again in the future.

June 2023: Headed out to the Rouge Valley with Mar

June 2023: Headed out to the Rouge Valley with Martin and Song. Canada has many beautiful forests. The Rouge Valley is actually located within the most populated area in Canada. It is Canada's first 'National Urban Park'. A wonderful place to go to find solitude, while still in the city.

On pindapata at Ishani's house in Pickering. Here,

On pindapata at Ishani's house in Pickering. Here, her husband offering pindapata. Had actually met Ishani through Facebook. Years ago, I posted a photo of a pindapata in Pickering. As it turned out, Ishani and family lived in the area where I was going pindapata.

Daily pindapata is one of the thirteen dhutangas recommended by the Buddha. The great forest master, Ajahn Mun, emphasized the importance of a daily pindapata practice.

During the trip, Indi and Piyal stopped by frequen

During the trip, Indi and Piyal stopped by frequently to offer pindapata. In Canada, people don't know much about dana. Much of the food I got on Pindapata came from the Sri Lankan Buddhist community.

When I first came to Toronto, years ago I knew very few people in the Buddhist community. When I met Indi and Piyal, they helped to introduce me to the community. At that time, I had a serious stomach ailment. Indi used to send me messages frequently to see how I was doing. Indi and Piyal almost always seem to be involved in helping the Sangha or people in need. Nice to see them again, after a long time.

Here with Bhante Saranapala. Bhante invited me to

Here with Bhante Saranapala. Bhante invited me to come to his meditation class. He asked me to talk about my experience living in Sri Lanka.

When I first met Bhante, years ago, I was not interested in teaching. I used to refuse most requests. At a dana one day, Bhante 'put me on the spot'. To my surprise, he announced that I would be giving the talk after the dana. Since then, I've been much less reluctant to teach.

Bhante has been like an 'older brother'. It was wonderful to have the chance to pay respects to him again -- after a long time.

May 2023: With my old Dhamna friend, Sensei Shinza

May 2023: With my old Dhamna friend, Sensei Shinzan. On the way to Canada, I stopped in to visit his Zendo in California. Years ago we lived together at the Toronto Zen Temple. At that time, he was the 'older brother's at the Temple. His steady hard work has been an inspiration for me. He is now one of Roshi Joan Halifax's dharma heirs. Wonderful to see his dedication.

Arankele Carika

Arankele Carika

Meditation Sessions to Resume Our weekly meditati

Meditation Sessions to Resume

Our weekly meditation sessions at the Toronto Mahavihara will resume. The sessions will once again take place on Tuesday evenings, from 7pm until about 8:30pm. The first session is scheduled to start tomorrow: May 23rd at 7pm.

Back in Canada for about two months, after more th

Back in Canada for about two months, after more than three years away. Planning to be here for until mid-July. Very nice to be back.

In late April, Ven. Sumana came for a visit to the

In late April, Ven. Sumana came for a visit to the Pilikuttuwa area. Ven. Sumana is an American samanera, who ordained at Mitrigala. He is happy training at Mitrigala. He seemed interested in doing a good job of completing his nissaya (5 year dependence). An inspiring thing to hear from a young monk. Nice to have him stop by.

With Ven. Pasado outside the Navaloka hospital. A

With Ven. Pasado outside the Navaloka hospital. A gentleman kindly helped to arrange for myself and Ven. Pasado to see an autopsy. A wonderful opportunity.

Behind us is a 'lifecycle mural'. It depicts a man being born, reaching middle age, then growing old and dying. It a mark of the strength if Sri Lanka's Buddhist culture that it is displayed outside a hospital. A great reminder, especially given its location.

In late March, I had the wonderful opportunity to

In late March, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit my Pali teacher, Bhante Ratanasiri. Bhante kindly opened his Temple to me during my time in Toronto. I used to phone to ask if I could spend the night there. At one point, Bhante replied 'I consider you to be a resident of this Temple. You can stay whenever you like.'

Bhante has constructed one of the most beautiful residences that I have seen in Sri Lanka. A blessing to have the opportunity to pay respects to him in Sri Lanka.

Inside the Glot During the Rain: During rainstorm

Inside the Glot During the Rain:

During rainstorms, the glot can keep one remarkably dry. Rain tends to run down the mosquito net. The net is finely woven. Therefore, it offers some protection. One can take one's groundsheet and pull it over one's knees. Then one takes cover under the glot sitting up.

Many rainstorms last from 30 mins to 1hr. A wonderful shelter for monks while they wander.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Vesak with all the ble

Wishing everyone a peaceful Vesak with all the blessings of Dhamma practice

In February, Susantha Mahatthaya (L) arranged for

In February, Susantha Mahatthaya (L) arranged for me to spend the night in the cemetery at Maharagama. Staying in a charnel ground is one of the 13 dhutangas taught by the Buddha. An excellent opportunity to reflect on maranasati.

The staff were very accommodating. Wonderful that these opportunities are available in Sri Lanka.

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