INTERNATIONAL THOD PHA PA AND 40 YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CITTAVIVEKA MONASTERY, CHITHURST, WEST SUSSEX, ENGLAND.

A happy day at Chithurst celebrating the monastery's 40th anniversary.

A happy day at Chithurst celebrating the monastery’s 40th anniversary.

The monastry’s official website explains the reason for the celebration, which coincided with it’s 40th anniversary, held on 23rd June 2019.

” ‘Thod Pha Pa’ in Thai means ‘to offer forest cloth’, and is an occasion which brings to mind the mutual support of the lay and monastic communities. The monks and nuns aim to live simply, and offer teachings and examples to people who kindly offer the material support essential to the existence of the monastery as a spiritual centre for the welfare of all. It is also a warm and inclusive occasion in which any act of giving, or offer of service, contributes to the sense of co-operation and spiritual friendship.’ “

Guests join in the Refuges and Precepts taking place in the Dahma Hall.

Guests join in the Refuges and Precepts taking place in the Dahma Hall.

Pictures from the day’s events including the Rice Pindapata and meal offering.  Guest’s food offerings were laid out in the grounds and distinguished with wonderful Thai carved fruits.

Sign in the workshop.

Sign in the workshop.

Monks pass along the line of guests offering them rice.

Monks pass along the line of guests offering them rice.

Rice offerings

Rice offerings

The younger guests take an active interest in the ceremonies.

The younger guests take an active interest in the ceremonies.

Rice offerings

Rice offerings

Offerings made during the celebrations.

Offerings made during the celebrations.

7794 web CHITHURST BUDDHIST MONASTERY 40TH ANNIVSAERY Photo Tony Knigjht photography & MEDIA copy

One of the many beautiful floral tributes.

One of the many beautiful floral tributes.

7808 web CHITHURST BUDDHIST MONASTERY 40TH ANNIVERSARY Photo Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy7805 web CHITHURST BUDDHIST MONASTERY 40 TH ANNIVERSARY Photo Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy

Both food and guests were colourful.

Both food and guests were colourful.

7814 web CHITHURST BUDDHIST MONSASTERY 40TH ANNIVERSARY Photo Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy

7950 web CHIRTHURST BUDDHIST MONASTERY 40TH ANNIVERSARY Photo Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

Refreshments enjoyed by the Stupa.

Refreshments enjoyed by the Stupa.

A happy day was enjoyed by all.

A happy day was enjoyed by all.

A special guest was Mr George Sharp, who played an important part in acquiring the manor house and grounds in 1979 and gave out copies of his fascinating book ' The Story of Chithurst ' which he also personalised with his signature.

A special guest was Mr George Sharp, who played an important part in acquiring the manor house and grounds in 1979 and gave out copies of his fascinating book ‘ The Story of Chithurst ‘ which he also personalised with his signature.

Photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

E-mail    comarkuk@ntlworld.com