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Dhamma-Vinaya Paṭipadā

Dhamma talks and activities of Bhante Joe

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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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There is a tradition in Sri Lanka to offer monks o

There is a tradition in Sri Lanka to offer monks on almsround a drink such as soup or tea. After every almsround, Asanka's mother (Upasika Amma) offers fresh milk. Usually people will put out a chair for the monk to sit on. Sometimes, they will also dress in formal clothing before offering alms. Amazing to see the see the strength of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

As was heading back from searching for Ven. Wimala

As was heading back from searching for Ven. Wimalabuddhi's Kuti, it started to get late. Had originally thought that would head over to Kuragala and then down the main road. Ended up changing my mind and decided to go back along the same route. I decided to cut across on a diagonal route, but ended missing a some landmarks.

It was getting dark, and thought that might have to camp on a rock for the night. Nyanadipa Bhante said that he sometimes had to sleep at the root of a tree when he was late coming back from his kuti. However, the Alltrails app said that I was right next to the kuti. I thought the GPS was off, as I was standing next to a large boulder with tall grass leading down a hill. I couldn't recognize the location.

Thought to try to climb over the boulder to see if the app was accurate. If the path to the kuti was not where it said it was, then I would look for a good rock. As it turned out, I climbed over the boulder and the kuti was exactly where the app said it would be. An excellent asset for backcountry hiking.

On the search for Ven. Wimalabuddhi's kuti. It tur

On the search for Ven. Wimalabuddhi's kuti. It turned out that the path down to his kuti was actually down a valley further northeast. Ven. Wimalabuddhi came to the monastery and pointed out the path down the mountain.

Another important, and easily-forgettable piece of

Another important, and easily-forgettable piece of tudong gear -- a cup. These are often small and metal, but a coconut shell can be used as well. Monks will often carry the cup in a bag to avoid scratches. A friend, former Ajahn Sallekho, kindly sewed this bag by hand almost ten years ago.

Twisting together two pieces of plastic cord in ho

Twisting together two pieces of plastic cord in hopes of making a rope. If one twists each strand counter-clockwise (left) and lays them over one another left over right, they don't unravel when one let's go. Had the opportunity to learn this neat trick from YouTube.

Had the amazing opportunity to go on tudong in Thailand several years back. From recollection, our tudong (carika) teacher, Ajahn Siripanyo taught the importance of having a good cord. Many thanks to the Venerable Ajahn 🙏🏽.

Past 'Halgamidiya' (think this might be the name o

Past 'Halgamidiya' (think this might be the name of the large rock at the top of the mountain) descending the other side of the mountain. This was steep in areas. There were actually some monkeys on the ground near the top.

Ven. Wimalabuddhi actually walked this path when the grass was quite tall. Impressive to see his accomplishment.

Hiking up to 'Halgamidiya'. Headed back again in h

Hiking up to 'Halgamidiya'. Headed back again in hopes of finding a path to Ven. Wimalabuddhi's kuti below.

A video at the top.

A video at the top.

A panorama from the top.

A panorama from the top.

Was finally able to make it out to the top of the

Was finally able to make it out to the top of the nearby mountain. The way was previously blocked by tall grass but is now accessible, thanks to the recent burn. A beautiful area.

Wishing a happy Canada Day to all fellow Canadians

Wishing a happy Canada Day to all fellow Canadians.

"Bhikkhus(Monks), when kings are righteous, the royal vassals become righteous. When the royal vassals are righteous, brahmins and householders become righteous. When brahmins and householders are righteous, the people of the towns and country side become righteous. When, the people of the towns and countryside are righteous, the sun and moon proceed on course. When the sun and moon proceed on course, the constellations and the stars proceed on course. When the constellations and the stars proceed on course, day and night proceed on course . . . the months and fortnights proceed on course . . . the seasons and years proceed on course. When the seasons and years proceed on course, the winds blow on course and dependably. When the winds blow on course and dependably, the devtas(angels) do not become upset. When the devtas(angels) are not upset, sufficient rain falls. When sufficient rain falls, the crops ripen in season. When people eat crops that ripen in season, they become long-lived, beautiful, strong, and healthy."

-AN 4:70

The monks at the main monastery found some abandon

The monks at the main monastery found some abandoned baby squirrels. They took them for temporary adoption. Saw them do the same with a baby rabbit last year. Impressive to see their compassion.

The 'Akashaya' or 'sky' kuti. One of the monks rec

The 'Akashaya' or 'sky' kuti. One of the monks recently led the construction of an elevated kuti. The walls are made out of robes mixed with concrete. It apparently only took about three weeks. He dedicated to the Maha Sangha. Impressive to see his skills.

On the walking meditation path near the kuti. One

On the walking meditation path near the kuti. One of the original kutis at this site was a cave kuti. They made a walking path underneath an overhang. A lovely area.

Doing some sewing at the kuti. When robes start to

Doing some sewing at the kuti. When robes start to get a bit worn, it's possible to strengthen the cloth by sewing a grid pattern.

"...If you were to establish your mother & father

"...If you were to establish your mother & father in absolute sovereignty over this great earth, abounding in the seven treasures, you would not in that way pay or repay your parents. Why is that? Mother & father do much for their children. They care for them, they nourish them, they introduce them to this world..." [1]

Wishing a happy Father's Day to all Father's everywhere.

1. AN 2.32. Translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. A full translation is available at www.dhammatalks.org

A nice view at night.

A nice view at night.

Villagers had set fire to the grass near the kuti.

Villagers had set fire to the grass near the kuti. Looks like it might make for some easier walking.

Had the wonderful opportunity to head to the ordin

Had the wonderful opportunity to head to the ordination of a new Canadian monk. The ordination was held in the Galduwa tradition, which is perhaps the most strict in Sri Lanka. The ordination was held in a water sima (pictured here). Impressive to see their standards of Vinaya and wonderful to see new members of the Sangha.

Was planning to head out for a night in the glot,

Was planning to head out for a night in the glot, but spotted a grass fire approaching the rock where had planned to stay. Villagers set fire to the tall grass every year. Once the grass has been burned, it becomes much easier to walk around.

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