BUDDHIST MONKS OUTREACH VISIT TO SOUTHAMPTON

web MONKS SOTON Tony Knight photography & MEDIA 1503 copy

A small contingent of Monks from the Cittaviveka Buddhist Momastery at Chithurst near Petersfield have made a pastoral outreach visit to members of the Buddhist community in the Southampton area.

web MONKS SOTON Tony Knight photography & MEDIA 1463 copy

A familiar daily sight in Thailand,but highly unusual in Southampton, a line of 4 monks in their familiar olive coloured robes processed through the city’s Above Bar.

web MONKS SOTON Tony Knight photography & MEDIA 1460 copy

During the short visit, alms and necessities for daily living were donated by those present.

web MONKS SOTON Tony Knight phjotography & MEDIA 1491 copy

Communal chanting, a token ‘ presentation ‘ of alms and a promise to return to the community when possible concluded the short community nexus.  The monks then withdrew to consume their daily meal under the protecting boughs of the surrounding oaks.web MONKS SOTON Tony Knight photography & MEDIA 1513 copy

Photographs & words :  Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

KATHINA 2018 – CITTAVIVEKA, CHITHURST BUDDHIST MONASTERY.

The 2018 Kathina ceremony took place at the Cittaviveka, Buddhist Monastery at Chithurst, West Sussex on Sunday 11th November. The wet weather which had threatened the morning’s events, rolled away as guests arrived.

Guests made their donations of rice and food, making their way into the Dhamma Hall for refuges and precepts.

3906 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photograhpy

This beautiful floral peacock took 2 days to assemble and was the center-piece of the tributes

3923 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photogaphy & MEDIA

Always popular with the gathering is the moment they get to give offerings of rice. This year over 40 monks and nuns passed along the rows of eager adults and children.

The rice Pindapat and meal offering.

The rice Pindapat and meal offering.

3943 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography copy 3929 web CHITHURST copy 3923 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photogaphy & MEDIA

4082 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

After the rice offering, the monks and nuns selected food for their meal.

4096 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy

Tributes of money given during the day was announced during the afternoon as £10,000 for the benefit of the upkeep of the Monastery.

4176 web tex CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy

An opportunity for the young to learn to how pay their respects too.

4127 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

The offering of the Kathina Cloth is preceded, by processing three times around the outside of the Dhamma Hall.

4193 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy

Small tokens of respect are given by the children to the Monks and Nuns in the Dhamma Hall during the presentation of the Kathina.

4205 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy

Monks and Nuns and guests assemble in the Dhamma Hall.

4237 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy

During the day many friends met to celebrate together.

4257 web CHITHIURST Copyright Tony Knight photograpy & MEDIA copy4265 web CHITHURST Copyright Tony Knight photography & MEDIA copy4270 web CHITHURST copy

Words and pictures : Tony Knight photography & Media.