Like me some of you may have just received your copy of the February 2012 edition of The Middle Way, the journal of the Buddhist Society of SW London. This is an edition devoted, so the front cover announces, to Buddhist Chaplaincy. And there on the next page and within the first five lines of the Editorial I get my first mention with a statement that implies that prior to 1977 when I apparently took it over, the Buddhist Society had looked after Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy and it was only passed to me at the request of Ajahn Sumedho! While there may be some who think that the entire universe revolves around 58, Eccleston Square, the London SW1 home of the Buddhist Society, thankfully there are some of us who know it doesn’t. Several pages further on there are more passing references to me and to Angulimala, the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy but nothing in depth, even though I have been doing Buddhist chaplaincy longer than anyone in this country and Angulimala has with undeniable success been making Buddhist teaching and practice available in British prisons for just over twenty-seven years. There is a reason for everything and of course there is a reason for this omission too.

Before I left England in the summer of 1971 to make my way overland to India and then by air to Thailand, I went to see and say goodbye to Kaplilavaddho, the founder of the English Sangha Trust and the Hampstead Buddhist Vihara, who had just disrobed and ceased to be a bhikkhu for the second time. In the course of our conversation he not only made me promise to return, an undertaking I was only too willing to give, but he also mentioned the enquiries that came to him from time to time from various prisons. And it turned out that the Prison Service had had for some years the address of the Hampstead Buddhist Vihara as its place of reference for Buddhist matters, which is how in 1977 I became involved. In May of that year in response to an invitation from the English Sangha Trust, Ajahn Chah arrived in Hampstead with Ajahn Sumedho and I in attendance. It was supposed to have been a short visit of just over two months but within the first couple of weeks Ajahn Chah had caused the agreed sale of the two properties that comprised the Vihara and an adjacent bedsit house to be stopped and had told Ajahn Sumedho and I that we were to remain there in Hampstead after he went back. Also in those dramatic first few weeks we received a letter from the Chaplain of Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight, another from the Chaplain of Pentonville Prison in London and a phone call from the Chaplain of Holloway Women’s Prison, also in London, all of them asking for someone to visit their Buddhist prisoners. On the wet weekend of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee I went with Ajahn Chah to visit my parents on the South coast and on the train somewhere near Guildford I hesitantly told him of those requests and asked if I might respond. He answered me with one word, ‘Go’ and that is how my life with Buddhism in the prisons of England and Wales began.

Why was there in an edition of the Middle Way devoted to Buddhist Chaplaincy no account of my thirty-five years involvement in prison chaplaincy nor anything on the founding of Angulimala, the Buddhist Prison Chaplaincy Organisation with its team of fifty or so chaplains working in around 120 prisons? The answer: no one bothered to ask for a contribution or say anything about it to me or anyone else associated with me or Angulimala. Why? I don’t know. The first I heard was when an email reached me in Thailand on January 15th saying it was happening and lamely expressing some concern that I hadn’t been told and then a couple of days later there were a flurry of phone calls and emails trying to rush me into agreeing to something on Angulimala, even a free of charge advert, by the closing deadline of the next day. I couldn’t and I wouldn’t do it. I was travelling in rural Thailand with variable phone and internet connection, I was unable to consult with any of our Angulimala committee members, there was no time for anything worthwhile and I was suspicious of why I hadn’t been approached earlier.

In the end I don’t mind and I’m even rather glad we were left out because there are things in that Middle Way, particularly on military chaplaincy, that I can’t agree with and feel it’s best not to be associated with. But I felt I should set the record straight.

The second part of my time in Thailand this January commenced soon after the meal on the day after the Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day.

The good, willing Ken had already been entrusted with taking direct to Bangkok for me the bulky items in my luggage and had had loaded into his car the things presented to me on the last night of the meetings, which included a sizeable Buddha Image, the new edition of the Ajahn Chah biography and the set of Ajahn Chah display boards. So with little to encumber us, as soon after the meal on the 17th as was practicable, Ajahn Manapo and I piled our more immediate requisites into Ant’s car and with him driving and Joob in the front passenger seat we set off for Phitsanuloke. Even at Ant speed it was a long drive but an enjoyable and at times exciting one – if you dared look. Google makes it a more than thirteen hour drive but so far as I can remember we did it in about eight. We had one significant stop for refreshments in Khon Kaen at a sort of ethical coffee shop type place on the edge of campus where it was really nice to meet again Khun Goi who only the other day it seemed was still with us at Warwick Uni but is back now in Thailand and teaching at Khon Kaen University. And when we eventually drew into where we were to spend our three nights in Phitsanuloke there was another former Warwick and SOAS student waiting to welcome us, step forward Mr Excellent himself!

He and his dad came for us the next morning and it was at their house that we had our meal. Ex had done the cooking and gone to immense trouble to treat us, even to the extent of making big, thick chips, just the way we like them. Well, we couldn’t possibly eat it all and afterwards when we went to visit some ruins it was a bit of a relief to stretch our legs and walk off some of what we had eaten. That was when we met the elephant.

In the evening, with Ant and Joob, we drove into town to pay our respects before the famous and highly revered seven hundred year old Buddha Image known as Phra Buddha Chinnarat at Wat Yai.

Then the next morning Ex came for us again, this time alone and driving his new car but instead of to his house he took us into Naresuan University where some lecturers and students had assembled to offer us our meal. This had been organised by Ant and took place close to his department where his students were busying themselves experimenting with writing iPhone apps. Later on in the afternoon we went with Ant and Joob out into some beautiful hilly countryside to visit a most extraordinary development. Essentially it was a new large concrete chedi or stupa surrounded by gardens, ponds and images on different levels. What made it so unusual was that set into the concrete on all parts of the chedi, including the steps, floors and walls were thousands of bits of porcelain, plates, saucers and lids of all sizes and descriptions, as well as an assortment of coloured marbles like the ones we played with as children. It was an interesting concept but I couldn’t help wondering how long all these things were going to stay in place and when they did start falling out whether anyone would have the patience to put them back.

Next morning it was off to Ex’s again for the meal and then on the way back afterwards he surprised us with a little diversion to the river where he produced from the boot of his car a bowl of live fish and a big terrapin that he’d bought that morning in the market. They were sold of course to be eaten but good old Ex had spent his money to save them and so we took them down to the river bank and let them go. I can only guess at how relieved they must have been. Just imagine if it had been you waiting to be killed and eaten and then suddenly, unexpectedly, someone comes along and sets you free! Well done, Ex!

Then it was back to pack and clear up and ready ourselves for a drive with Ant to Si Satchanalai. This is one of three World Heritage Sites in the area and covers the ruins, mostly ruined temples, of what had been a vassal town of the ancient city of Sukhothai. We spent the afternoon here rambling about and climbing stone steps and taking photographs. Finally we drove to where we could access one last temple complex by crossing the river over a long pedestrian suspension bridge, which to my surprise Ajahn Manapo didn’t take to at all. And then we drove over to Sukhothai itself to find the pretty little resort where we were to spend the night. Once we’d checked in and occupied three of their six cabins and had some tea we ventured out again to try and have a look at some of the Sukhothai ruins by night.

And we were up and out there again early the next morning, practically as soon as it was light and just in time to beat the tourist rush, mornings being their favoured time while it’s still relatively cool. It’s a hugely compelling and impressive place; and a real reminder too of the destiny of all the temple buildings and Buddha Images that devotees are still frenetically building wherever they can. If only a similar energy could go into actually practising what the Buddha taught. But still I love this place and I’m not surprised that with Si Satchanalai it’s regarded as the cradle of Thai civilisation.

After our meal we had a little rest and then started driving again and eventually, that evening, ended up at Khun Yod’s farm, where we spent the night. And from there, the next day, Sunday, we drove South to be on the outskirts of Bangkok by early afternoon, where we met Ken, changed cars and said goodbye to Ant. Then I had three appointments. The first was with my old friend Ajahn Sathienpong Wannapok who is making a slow recovery from a stroke; the next was with Khun Piyaporn, an exuberant lady who had she not lost all her hair you would never have believed was suffering from an advanced cancer; and the last was with the well known Buddhist writer and activist, Ajahn Sulak Sivaraksa.

We had to be up very early the next morning because not only was it Chinese New Year but an Uposatha Day and we had to hear Patimokkha. When I’m staying in Bangkok it’s easiest to go out to Chonburi for Patimokkha at a very pleasant and beautiful branch of Wat Pah Pong where I always feel welcomed and where Ajahn Jundee is the abbot. These days they like to have the Patimokkha recitation soon after dawn, hence the need to be up and in the car pretty early. It was an easy run and we arrived in plenty of time. Afterwards we had our meal there and stayed for a little while before being driven back into Bangkok. My next appointment was in the late afternoon at the eye hospital again. The eye that they’d told me was showing some bleeding had become uncomfortable and I’d had difficulty in reading so back I went for them to have another look at me. Because it was Chinese New Year a number of staff were off with their families and so I had to wait quite a long time to be seen but it was very comfortable and I was well looked after and while I waited several tests were done. Eventually at about 9pm I was seen and the doctor assured me that nothing significant was amiss. Late though it was I was not quite the last patient of the day, that spot was reserved for HM the Queen of Thailand whose car was seen arriving as I left.

The next morning we had another early start but this time it was to catch a flight to Phuket where I was to have that long awaited rest that I’d been dreaming of for so long. High up at the top of Sri Panwa we had reputedly the best views in Phuket and from midday on Tuesday until midday on Friday I had practically nothing to do. It was wonderful. And we were so well looked after. But for all that it is such a heavenly place it had only a few weeks before our arrival narrowly escaped tragedy when Wan, the eldest son and the manager, had barely survived a murderous attack that had left him severely wounded. I’d been told he wanted to talk to me about it, partly because of my prison experience of course; and he did and gave me a pretty detailed account of what had happened and I’m pleased to say without any trace of anger or desire for revenge on those who had so nearly cost him his life.

Friday we returned to Bangkok but that night and the next morning I felt unwell and I just couldn’t face the midday flight back to the UK. Luckily my booking was changed and instead I flew back to the UK shortly after midnight.

Now that I’ve been back for almost two weeks and with the details of my trip fast receding into the past I’d better record a few memories of those weeks away before I forget it all.

As usual my principal reason for going was to attend the annual Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day on January 16th, the anniversary of Ajahn Chah’s passing. This year was expected to be a bit more special because it was the twentieth anniversary and so we had decided to have one of our periodic International Elders’ Meetings over three days from the 12th till the 14th January at Wat Pah Nanachat before joining the greater gathering at Wat Pah Pong on the 16th.

I took Thai Airway’s evening flight on Monday, the 10th and arrived in Bangkok late the following afternoon Thai time. I was met and taken to spend the night in the very pleasant kuti that Khun Jung and family have made available in their compound and in the evening enjoyed the company of a trickle of visitors. I think I’d hardly arrived when Professor Yongyudt, President of the World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood, showed up with a couple of friends. As a former scout and now an adviser to the WBSB I am always pleased to see the Professor and hear his latest plans and news. Another visitor was Ken, a former student in the UK, who never seems to be able to do enough for me and later we were joined by Pie who used to be one of the stalwarts of Warwick University Buddhist Society.

The next day I went for my regular check up at Rutnin Eye Hospital. It took a bit longer than expected, partly because they saw some bleeding at the back of my good eye around the optic nerve. Anyway they decided that it was probably benign so then off I rushed to catch the plane for Ubon. At the airport I met up with Ajahn Nyano and his group from Malaysia and after the flight had been delayed a bit we all managed to arrive at Wat Pah Nanachat just in time to catch the closing moments of the evening meeting with Luang Por Liem.

There’s not much I can say about the meetings and what was discussed so I’ll just repeat here part of the statement that has appeared on the Forest Sangha website: “Luangpors Liem and Sumedho opened the gathering by offering encouraging addresses and Luang Por Khemadhammo presided over the meetings. More than forty monks and nuns, hailing from monasteries in Canada, USA, Europe, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, then met for three days of discussions. The gathering was consciously aimed at discussion rather than decision-making, an overriding intention being to strengthen the sense of fellowship rather than to create a governing body. Topics ranged from the standards established by Ajahn Chah, the role of abbots, support for women’s training, usage of internet and effective communications. As could be expected, opinions throughout the group differed on many topics, but the overall effect was one of enriching the quality of the dialogue rather than creating conflict.”

The order of the day was for every day to begin early in the outside sala with an informal meeting over coffee and tea and even soup for some, then we assembled in the main sala for the meal and afterwards had a break before reconvening at around noon. Then for some of the time we broke into different meetings, in particular the abbots of the official branch monasteries of Wat Pah Pong met on two or three occasions and we had another session that included the abbots or leading monks from associated monasteries and monasteries applying to be official branches. Periodically we all met together and shared some of what had been discussed as well as including reports from each monastery represented. In the evenings there were some slide shows of pictures of the different monasteries and surrounding areas.

On the last evening, after evening chanting the assembly asked their forgiveness of me and I gave a closing talk in which I thanked Ajahn Kevali and the monks of Wat Pah Nanachat for their hospitality and praised the fact that despite having some differences it had been an inspiring time and harmony had prevailed. I went on to say that the outstanding link that unites us is that we are all disciples of Luang Por Chah, many of us have had the good fortune to have known him, and we all now bear a responsibility to sustain and maintain the legacy we have inherited from him. I said that we must stick together, remember that the practice is all and that everything can and should be included in our practice, and often remind ourselves of Luang Por Chah’s fine example and how he lived and taught. This was followed by some presentations and the next day after another closing meeting with Luang Por Sumedho we all went over to Wat Pah Pong to pay our respects at the Ajahn Chah Chedi.

Back at Wat Pah Nanachat in the afternoon of the 15th most of us participated in a rather unusual and special event. It was the presentation by the World Tipitika Project of a complete forty volume set of their revised version of the Tipitika in Romanised Pali. They processed all the way from the gate and into the sala and volume by volume formally placed these beautiful books at the head of the sala in front of us. Six of the volumes were ceremonially presented to six of the leading monks and afterwards we presented Buddha-Rupas to six of their leading members.

On the 16th January, the twentieth anniversary of the passing of Luang Por Chah, in the early afternoon we went over to Wat Pah Pong in time for the afternoon sermons. There was one for monks delivered in the Uposatha Hall and another for the laity in the main sala. When these were over we all assembled in the main sala and then from there processed down the main avenue towards the old main gate, collecting as we went flower arrangements to carry as offerings. Out of the gate we turned left and proceeded along what had once been the road out to the Ajahn Chah Chedi that we then processed around, finally ascending the steps and entering. At that point the whole procession became gridlocked and then a dedication was read. We prostrated and left to allow the procession to continue and the hundreds of monks and thousands of lay people to lay their offerings on and around the Chedi.

In the evening and through the night there were Dhamma Desanas and for once I gave in and consented to climb into the Dhamma seat and speak for a short while in Thai. I think it was all right, at least they laughed in the right places.

Later today we have let our Little Sister Uppalavanna go. She came here as a student wanting to spend three months as a mae chee before graduating and going back to Thailand. She didn’t look the most promising nun material but she’s been marvellous. She’s used her time here properly, practised well and brought a lot of fun and joy to the place. Well done and thank you Little Sister!

Christmas was very quiet at The Forest Hermitage. Mind you it seems ages ago and I can scarcely remember what happened but then I don’t think anything much did happen. But in the week leading up to Christmas I did manage to cram in visits to seven different prisons in four days.

In the week after, in the few days between Christmas and New Year I made only one prison visit. It wasn’t much but I don’t like to miss a week without visiting prisoners somewhere. I always remember the late Lord Longford who took very seriously Christ’s encouragement to visit the prisoners and wouldn’t allow a week to pass without making a visit. I too reflect that people in prison can’t come to me, they can’t visit the Temple, so I must go to them, I must take the Temple to them.

Just before New Year’s Eve I realised that I hadn’t done anything about reminding our followers that there would be a special meditation sitting on the evening before New Year from 8pm and leading up to midnight when we would chant the New Year in. So I quickly deployed all the electronic power at my disposal to spread the word in time. Either I was unsuccessful or by then people had other plans because in the event hardly anyone turned up. But that didn’t matter. We did what we did and it was fine.

Not having organised anything I expected only a few here to offer dana on New Year’s Day but how wrong I was, we were packed. And a great time it was too. I didn’t feel much like giving a desana but then someone started me talking about my past, some of which some people find very interesting, and at least that got me talking. At one time I didn’t much like going on about myself but I appreciate that I’ve led a very unusual and interesting life and I can see that speaking about it can sometimes be useful in leading people on to hear and take an interest in the Dhamma. People also came to make merit on Monday and Tuesday and they included more Sri Lankans than usual.

Since then I’ve been out to different prisons on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and I’ve begun the process of getting ready for my annual pilgrimage to Thailand. I’ve still got a way to go and I am supposed to be on Thai’s evening flight tomorrow so I shall have to end this update soon and concentrate on such mundane matters as getting my washing dry.

I will have one night in Bangkok and then go up to Ubon to Wat Pah Nanachat to attend a Sangha gathering and meetings. On the 15th I expect to be spending time at Wat Pah Pong and then on the 16th I will join in paying our respects to Luangpor Chah on the twentieth anniversary of his passing. I expect it to be a very big occasion. After that, from the 17th onwards, I’m not sure where I’ll be apart from a few days at Phitsanuloke. I come back on the 28th. You’ll be pleased to know that Ajahn Manapo will be meeting me at Wat Pah Nanachat and staying with me while I’m in Thailand. I’ll try and update this blog while I’m away.

Now I must get a move on but before I go I want to tell you how brilliant it was today to have so many come in to see me, especially a small group from Wat Santwongsaram in Birmingham that included two particular ladies who I used to see here often but who I haven’t seen for a long time.

Now I really must go. All the very best for the New Year.

I’ve got so far behind with this blog that either I must simply carry on as if nothing much had happened for four months or I must do one posting with potted summaries of the main events since the last posting. I think I’ll try the latter. And as the latest posting is always at the top I think I’d better start with the most recent and gradually work back in time down the page. I’d better say before I begin that a number of things and events, like our Monday, Wednesday and Friday public evenings, like my visits to Khun Peter’s Thai restaurant near Baker Street where I give a talk on the first Sunday of the month, and like the quarterly workshops that we organise for Buddhist Prison Chaplains, all carry on pretty much regardless and so may not get a special mention.

The Buddha-Dhamma Fellowship AGM

Last Thursday evening we finally got around to holding the AGM of the Buddha-Dhamma Fellowship, the body that supports and administers the affairs of the Forest Hermitage. One reason for the delay had been my decision to recommend that the Constitution be amended to simplify the membership by abandoning the two tiers of Full and Associate membership, so making all members eligible to serve on the Committee as Trustees. That was done at an Extraordinary General Meeting on December 11th along with other amendments that have updated the Constitution to allow for on-line banking, meetings by video-conferencing and communication of meeting notices by email. We’ve also added a clause that requires that in the event of needing to appoint a successor to me the Sangha at Wat Nong Pah Pong should be consulted. Our AGM successfully accepted the properly and independently examined accounts and as a result of the committee elections we have a revitalised committee of nine. David King is now the Chairman, Aung Soe is the new Treasurer and Anne Hurst is the Secretary.
If you are interested in supporting the Forest Hermitage by joining the BDF, please enquire by email.

Meditation at The Treasury

At our recent Angulimala Workshop Katherine Lam who is an economist working in the Treasury asked me if I would teach a lunchtime meditation group there. What could I say? So one Wednesday morning it was an early meal for me and then down I went to London in time to meet Katherine at 11:20. Christmas lunches had rather taken over the Treasury by then so it wasn’t a very large group but worthwhile nevertheless. At the end when I was asked for tips on how to deal with the stress and pressure they’re under I just told them it’s all rubbish really and not to take it too seriously. After all as the Economy is so firmly rooted in greed there’s no hope of it ever coming right anyway. It’ll just go on and on, the same old rubbish!

I’m happy to say that Katherine is turning her back on her nice job and going off to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in January. And then later I hope she’ll be back to help us with prison chaplaincy.

An Evening at Lambeth Palace

I had an invitation to attend a lecture by Crispin Blunt, the Prisons Minister, on Restorative Justice. It was hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace before an odd mix of the great and the good who had something to do with either prisons or religion and sometimes both. The former Bishop to the Prisons replied and then it was briefly opened to the floor.

It was a very interesting and enjoyable evening and courageous I thought of such prominent public figures to stick their necks above the parapet and argue in favour of a better way of tackling the damage that crime does. We haven’t quite still got rotting hulks moored in the Thames estuary crammed with prisoners waiting to be shipped to the other side of the world but the attitudes and policies haven’t changed much since we did. The fuss is still about exacting revenge on the perpetrator with the main idea to deport or exile him to where he can’t do any more damage and then forget about him – or her. It’s really time we grew up and started learning something from what people do and what makes them do it and recognising the mess that even one simple unskilful action can make for so many and then trying to clear it up. Understanding, it’s all about understanding!

You can read the transcripts here: http://bit.ly/vIG8oA

I had a quick chat with Archbishop Rowan and rather off topic I mentioned our concerns about the Points Based Immigration rules and the difficulties they’re causing a number of Buddhist temples because it’s now nearly impossible to bring monks in from places like South-East Asia and replace monks who want to return. ‘Tell me about it!’ was his reply and he went on to say that Christians, especially the smaller foreign churches are having the same difficulties. He said that perhaps it was time for him to speak up about it again.

Ajahn Manapo off to Thailand

At the end of October, I and the Forest Hermitage had to cope with a fairly radical tectonic realignment following Ajahn Manapo’s departure for Thailand. He’s been here with me for eleven years and my right hand for about nine of those years.  Of course, not being entirely unaware of the way things are and how people grow and change I’ve lived for for some time with the thought that sooner or later he would probably want to spread his wings and go off in search of more experience. And now it’s come. Well he’s been marvellous to me and I’m ever so grateful to him and for the time he’s been with me. I’m pretty sure he goes with a good foundation and I just hope that wherever he is he’ll keep learning and growing and be amongst the best of monks.

Kathina at King’s Bromley

I’ve learnt lately that I have a bit of a reputation for not going to events at other monasteries. True, I suppose but if there’s a reason and something to do, well, that’s different. When at a Thai monastery there’s a Royal Kathina, that is where the Kathina Robe is offered by the King of Thailand or a representative on his behalf, there’s supposed to be a monk with the rank and title of Chao Khun present to recite the blessing for His Majesty. It was for this reason that I was invited and went to the Kathina at Wat Buddhavihara at King’s Bromley. It was a bit different from the sort of thing I’m used to but I was delighted to be there, honoured to officiate and pleased to be of use.

The Completion of the Vassa

The Vassa this year ended on Wednesday, October 12th and the following Saturday we had our celebration. Once again we had a good crowd with a couple of coaches coming from Khun Peter’s in London and another with students from Warwick University. And we were honoured by the presence of the Minister from the Royal Thai Embassy, M.R. Adisorndej Sukhasvasti, and his wife. It was a very happy day.

A Visit from Dr Biddulph of the Buddhist Society

I was delighted one Friday afternoon in early October to welcome to the Forest Hermitage Dr Desmond Biddulph, Chairman of the Buddhist Society and Editor of the Middle Way. He was very charming and we had a pleasant and frank discussion. Now I have an invitation to give a public talk next year at the Buddhist Society about Angulimala.

The Springhill Buddha Grove Celebration

I’m really sorry it’s taken me so long this year to write up anything about the Springhill Buddha Grove celebration on September 18th. It’s very remiss of me, especially in view of the time and trouble so many good people went to to make it happen. Once again, as has happened year in year out with only one break since 1993, Thai people gathered at Springhill Prison to cook a marvellous Thai meal for all the inmates there and the Buddhist inmates in nearby Grendon Prison. The Buddha Grove was actually built and opened in 1992 but that first year there was only soup made by the inmates, it wasn’t until the next year that the Thais started to do the cooking. Every year’s the same, first a ceremony with chanting and speeches at the Buddha Grove, then the food for everyone and after the food we process with candles, flowers and incense three times around the Buddha Grove. The whole occasion is a marvellous act of generosity and faith in the decency and goodness that all human beings are capable of and I am so proud and grateful to everyone who takes part and who makes this extraordinary occasion possible. Anumodana!

Please note that next year will be the Springhill Buddha Grove’s twentieth anniversary.

Ajahn Amaro and monks from Amaravati

It’s a tradition, usually at the beginning or near the beginning of the vassa to go and pay respects of elder monks who live nearby. This year, Ajahn Amaro, the new Abbot of Amaravati, came with a group of monks from Amaravati to see me, to pay their respects and to ask forgiveness. This is a very lovely ceremony and I deeply appreciated their going to the trouble to come all the way to see me and do this.

A Meeting of TBSUK

Our August meeting of the Theravada Buddhist Sangha in the UK, our organisation of Theravada monks and nuns, met under my chairmanship at the London Buddhist Vihara. As usual, the meeting was dominated by the trouble being cased us by the Points Based System recently adopted by Immigration. It’s making it virtually impossible for any of us to bring monks from South-east Asia to stay for any length of time. The main stumbling block is the high level of English competence required. If something isn’t done it’s only a matter of time before some of our temples have no monks.

Another week of summer coming and going and back again. The top picture was taken towards the end of July with the corn ripe but still standing. In the centre is Bhavana Dhamma, our retreat house and nun’s accommodation on the other side of Hampton Wood. The trees in the background are Hampton Wood. The second photo is one I took this morning from the other side of those cornfields. Behind me the ground falls away sharply down to the River Avon. And in front, in the centre of the picture, or just right of centre you can see Bhavana Dhamma, or really it’s the trees and hedge of the garden to the rear of Bhavana Dhamma. The harvest around here is pretty much done as you can tell from the second photo. A few days ago it felt quite autumnal already but this morning was beautiful, warm and sunny and a joy to be out and about. With the seasons appearing to come and go, sometimes within a day let alone a week, one is kept well in touch with the changeable nature of things.

As is usually the case, last week began with Sunday, which being the first Sunday of the month meant that I had to go to London for my monthly date with Khun Peter’s restaurant near Baker Street. As he was going to be away in Thailand, Khun Peter made a point of asking Sister to go with me to make sure that everything was properly organised and as we had Ex staying at the time it was a full car that swept down the motorway last Sunday morning. After a very enjoyable time at the restaurant where following the food I had given a talk and answered questions and then met with some Angulimala people, we went over to Leicester Square to visit my old friend, Victor Spinetti. When I rapped on the door of his flat it burst open and there was Victor wearing a Victor Spinetti mask! A bit of a laugh that set the tone of a hugely enjoyable afternoon reminiscing and gossiping about old times and the people we used to know, Olivier and Gielgud and a range of old friends. We talked of the importance of living in the present and of caring for the things that are happening now and caring for those people who are with us now: always, now!

On Monday morning Khun Penn gave dana for her birthday and in the afternoon Sunanda came by with a charming Vietnamese lady who is willing to help us with the growing number of Vietnamese, most of whom don’t speak English, in our prisons. On Tuesday I was at Gartree prison in the afternoon and at Stocken in the evening. Then on Wednesday we had a meeting of TBSUK, the Theravada Buddhist Sangha in the UK, at London Buddhist Vihara. On Thursday I was at Wellingborough prison for the afternoon and on Friday I didn’t go out or have any engagements.

      At Wat Mahadhatu in 1971                 At the Forest Hermitage on Saturday

On Saturday I had a very special guest. In 1971 when I arrived in Thailand a Thai monk who was then living and studying in England returned to Thailand to do a study of a Thai village and having helped me with my ordination as a samanera he took me to Ubon to help him with his work. For me that glimpse of traditional life in a remote little village called Ban Pai Yai was an invaluable experience. Then he took me to a couple of Wat Pah Pong’s branch monasteries and eventually to Wat Pah Pong itself, where he introduced me to Luang Por Chah. Three of four years later Phra Maha Raundej Srimuni, for that was his name, disrobed and I saw no more of him until a few years ago and then again on Saturday when he came here to visit me.

On Saturday afternoon I went to visit another old friend. This was not such a happy occasion. Crane, Khun Yod’s son, kindly drove me the 150 miles to Ipswich, where I went to a hospice to see David who just over seven years ago lived here and drove for me. Sadly, he is dying of cancer and has only a few days left to live. What could I say but aging and death are closing in on all of us, what else is there but to practise the Dhamma.

Last Sunday, July 17th, we held our celebration of Asalha Puja when we remember the Buddha’s First Sermon. It was a lovely occasion and we were particularly fortunate because when it was time to go outside for the pindapaht (almsround) the rain stopped and the sun came out. Later on, after the food and when I’d given a talk we were again blessed with sunshine.

Later when almost everyone had gone we had a surprise visit from the Thai Ambassador and then just as he was leaving who should walk in but my old and very dear friend Victor Spinetti. He’s probably best known for having been in all the Beatle films and it was while working on a play that he and John Lennon compiled of John’s verse and that Victor directed and that I was in that we became friends about 43 or 44 years ago. I was so pleased to see him.

     With H.E. Mr Kitti Wasinondh                               With Victor Spinetti

On Monday, June 13th, in the company of Sister Khema and Dharmachari Sunanda I nipped down the M40 for an evening at Admiralty House in Whitehall. The event we had been invited to was billed as a reception to celebrate the contribution of the Buddhist community to the UK and the invitation had come from the Rt Hon Baroness Warsi PC. What it was all about we couldn’t quite understand and when we got there it seemed we weren’t the only ones.

It was back in April when Lord Avebury emailed me to say that the Baroness’ office had been in touch with him and asked his help with drawing up a guest list for a reception that would be attended by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Since then there had been various conversations and tweaks to the programme. The PM and Deputy PM had both dropped out and the military presence toned down. I still hadn’t been terribly happy about it and at one stage I thought I wouldn’t go but in the end there I was that Monday evening, the three of us in Whitehall trying to get past the security lady on the gate. She wasn’t of the brightest I’m afraid and seemed to have great difficulty manipulating her glasses and reading her two versions of the guest list. In the end we took the sheets of paper from her, pointed to our names and that was it, but we could have pointed to anyone’s name and in fact Sister Khema’s was already ticked off but it didn’t seem to matter.

By the time we got in such non-alcoholic, liquid refreshment as they could afford at a Government function in these straightened times had practically run out and you could see why, the place was packed! Buddhists of all shapes and sizes, types and schools, robed and not – the dress code by the way had been lounge suit or national dress! – were mingling in animated conversation. Such cocktail party type events have never been my thing so I hung about on the fringes and avoided the main room, which meant I missed Baroness Warsi’s words of welcome and her mangling of some reference to me and Angulimala. Profuse apologies followed later when we were introduced. But before then and perhaps the best part of the evening for me was meeting again Ricky Hyde-Chambers who I hadn’t seen for forty years. I also ran into Dr Biddulph of the Buddhist Society who several times said he would come up and see me as though he could hardly bear to live another day without doing so.

The most grotesque part of the evening had to be the military presence: uniformed and bemedalled, the Armed Forces Buddhist Society if you please. This goes to show how far some of what currently purports to be Buddhist has moved from what the Buddha taught. A few years ago when the then Government decided to appoint a Buddhist chaplain to the Armed Forces I supported the idea, not because I support the Armed Forces or in any way, shape or form condone warfare or support violence, but because I recognise that in the Armed Forces are people, men and women, suffering humanity who might benefit by hearing about and practising Buddhism. The mistake was for the Buddhist chaplain to be directly employed by the Ministry of Defence. I was part of the original committee set up to endorse and monitor the Armed Forces Buddhist Chaplain, a committee that still exists but for the time being has no influence and I remember saying at the MoD one day that if Forces personnel converted to Buddhism they would have to resign. Why? Because what people in the Forces are trained to do and expected to do is incompatible with what the Buddha taught. Sunil, the Armed Forces Buddhist Chaplain, once disagreed with me when I said that being a soldier was wrong livelihood, he insisted that only trading in weapons was wrong livelihood! How he managed to work out that it was not all right to sell them but all right to use them I don’t know. Some of those medals so ostentatiously on display that evening must have been campaign medals, some might have been for extraordinary acts of bravery but I’ll bet that none were for keeping the Five Precepts on the battlefield. However splendid the uniforms and glamorous the marching bands, however stirring and romantic the tales of valour and of past campaigns, the sad and undeniable reality is that the Armed Forces and the men and women in them are there to impose the Government’s will by force and if necessary by killing and maiming fellow human beings and damaging and destroying their property. There’s no getting away from it, when the army goes into action the five precepts go out of action.

I’m glad the Government took the trouble to acknowledge our presence and the contribution we make and I’m sure that were there more in British society observing moral precepts and practising the Noble Eightfold Path it would have a profound effect and make of us a much happier, fairer and more contented nation.

This year, far from being the merrie month of traditional folklore, May was for us a most unusual and demanding month. First there was the transformation of the kitchen, then the arrival of a party of monks led by Luangpor Liam, Abbot of Wat Pah Pong, and thirdly and most spectacular, our Visakha Puja celebration, the largest gathering we have ever had at The Forest Hermitage.

It was on the second Wednesday of May, as I talked to a group of prison chaplains, here to learn something of Buddhism as part of the Prison Service’s World Religions Course, that a series of thumps and bangs from the other side of the wall heralded the destruction of our old kitchen. In the next few days that miserable and barely fit for purpose place was cast into outer darkness and the stage set for a new beginning. In all it was two weeks of disruption, during which we went to eat every day at Bhavana Dhamma, our annexe on the other side of Hampton Wood where Sister Khema and Maureen live and where occasional retreats and women visitors are accommodated, before the curtain rose on our bright, shiny and beautifully appointed new kitchen.

While that work was going on some other repairs and redecoration, a slight modification to the Shrine Room and the installation of a new sound system, were also put in hand. These, together with a great deal of lively discussion were all part of our preparations for a visit by Luangpor Liam and Luangpor Anek with three other monks, Ajahn Kevali,  Tahn Moshe and Tahn Asoko in tow, and the mammoth Visakha Puja celebration at which they would be the guests of honour that we’d been planning for weeks. One of the important questions we had to address was where to put them for the four days they would be with us. As anyone who has spent any time here knows, we are woefully short of accommodation and we were expecting some students to stay and help as well as Ajahn Cittagutto, the first monk to be ordained at The Forest Hermitage who now normally lives in the North of Thailand. Fortunately, Sister and Maureen generously volunteered to absent themselves from Bhavana Dhamma for a few days so that our guests could be comfortably accommodated there. Maureen booked into a local Bed and Breakfast place and one of our Thai supporters gave Sister her spare room to sleep in. Inevitably not all our preparations went entirely without a hitch, one of the marquees we’d ordered didn’t show up in time and the mobile toilet was only with great difficulty and some skill manoeuvred through our gate and into position. But we made it and by the evening of Saturday, May 28th, just in time for their arrival, we were ready.

Now here I must digress for a moment to mention a special occasion earlier on that day. It was the naming ceremony for the great-grandson of an old friend of mine. Way back when I first discovered Buddhism and started attending the Hampstead Vihara there was another actor who used to be seen there. He was twenty years older than me and a much more experienced Buddhist. His name was John Garrie. When I returned to Hampstead with Ajahn Chah in 1977, John reappeared and became quite a favourite with Luangpor Chah. By then John had become a Buddhist and meditation teacher in his own right, he’d established the Sati Society and become known as John Garrie Roshi. When I had a place on the Isle of Wight John came to stay and later visited me here and remained a good friend until his death in 1999. That morning of May 28th John’s daughter, Gail, was here and with her her big son and with him his little son. I am so delighted to retain this contact with John and his children and it was such a pleasure to have them here, to have Gail cook for us and offer the meal and for me to perform that simple but important ceremony.

Now back to the evening and the moment when we got the call that the vehicle carrying our guests was near Junction 15, the motorway junction on the M40 closest to The Forest Hermitage. Dropping everything we dashed through the forest to be ready and in place to receive them. Just in time as I adjusted my robe, from an upstairs window I spotted their blue bus approaching in the lane across the fields and in a few minutes it had turned and wound its way round the bend and into the track that leads down to Bhavana Dhamma. Coolly, we sauntered out to greet them.

We welcomed them inside and paid our respects. Then showed them their rooms and introduced them to the two Thai laymen who would be staying to look after them, Khun Yod who had postponed his holiday by a few days for the privilege and Khun Art who had only just got back in time from Thailand. Then, although some were ready for a rest, a walk was suggested and so with Luangpor Liam we strolled across the field and down the lane and into Wat Pah Santidhamma, The Forest Hermitage.

Next morning it was all systems go. Three coaches were expected from London, another from Warwick Uni and we had no idea how many cars might have to be parked in the lane. Into all this was injected the possibility that a local farmer might be driving his sheep past at any moment! Thankfully the rain was holding off, the marquees that we’d put up the previous afternoon were still up, the mobile toilets were plugged in and all then that was left was to see if our elaborate plans for the food, the rice pindabaht, and the events of the afternoon would work out. Well, I’m very proud and grateful to be able to say that they did. We must have had over three hundred people here and it was marvellous how well organised it was. On the pindabaht, the almsround, the line of people waiting to put rice in our bowls stretched all the way round the Pagoda garden and through and out into and around the rough field garden, past the Ajahn Chah tree and into the car park where the food tent was. One of our visiting monks counted 274 people putting rice in our bowls. This was by far the biggest event we’ve ever had here.

When everyone had eaten we came out to pay our respects at the Buddha-Rupa under the Ajahn Chah Memorial Tree and then with candles, flowers and incense we processed around and into the Pagoda garden, around the Chedi and up to the Walking Buddha Image where we laid our offerings. Then we came inside and before hearing a sermon performed the forgiveness ceremony: the lay congregation asked forgiveness of the Sangha and presented ceremonial offerings to the three senior monks and then Luangpor Liam granted the forgiveness and in turn asked the laity to forgive us and followed their acquiescence with the recitation of a blessing. It was then Luangpor Anek’s turn and he gave a fine sermon in Thai which Ajahn Kevali translated. And the afternoon concluded with more chanting and the sprinkling of the holy water over the heads of the congregation.

Monday, which also happened to be a Bank Holiday and not a day for travel, was fairly relaxed. A crowd came in the morning to offer food but it wasn’t until the early evening that we went anywhere and then it was only to Stratford for a look at the Butterfly Farm. The husband of a couple who come here is manager and part owner and he and his Thai wife opened up specially for us and gave us a fascinating guided tour. Afterwards we crossed the river to the church where Shakespeare is buried and walked slowly back along the river bank past the new theatre and gardens. As you can imagine the photo opportunities were legion and far too good to miss. Later, looking at this shot of us in front of the theatre, I couldn’t help thinking that way back in 1966, when with the National Theatre I’d spent a week at Stratford on tour, I never dreamt that one day I’d be appearing in a scene like this.

Again on Tuesday we had a small crowd bring food in the morning and then in the afternoon we took a short drive to Baddesley Clinton for a look round this famous old moated manor house and gardens. It was something to do although I don’t think they were terribly interested and I missed my chance to point out the priest holes and tell them of England’s turbulent and bloody religious past.

Wednesday was the Uposatha and early in the morning before the meal we heard Patimokkha. Ajahn Manapo was the reciter, the first time he’d done it for some years. Then they went to pack so that as soon as the meal was over and the last photos taken they could be on their way to Leamington Spa Railway Station to catch the train for Newcastle and the North. We’d thought about their visit and planned for weeks and suddenly it was all over.

My gratitude and congratulations to everyone who worked so hard and contributed so generously in so many ways to help us and make a success of this visit and our Visakha Puja celebration. Anumodana!

More photographs can be seen here.

And courtesy of Khun Peter there are some more photos here, and here and a video here.