September 2016
Dear friends,
It’s with deep gratitude that we write this message of anumodana to all those who joined us either in person or in spirit for Saturday’s Almsgiving Ceremony at Aloka Vihara Forest Monastery. The feeling of joy, generosity and friendship was palpable throughout the day and it was heartwarming to welcome long-time supporters from the Bay Area, as well as new friends from the greater Placerville area.
More than 50 lay people gathered, along with five bhikkhunis and three samaneris for this year’s ceremony.
The money raised in this year’s Almsgiving Ceremony has been designated for the Nuns’ Quarters Renovations Project at Aloka Vihara. As of today, $20,700 has been donated! The monastery was also fortunate to receive a beautiful Burmese Buddha statue from a local supporter. People donated many items from Aloka Vihara’s wish list as well, including hair clippers, stamps, garden gloves and much more.
Anumodana is a traditional Buddhist way of saying that we rejoice in your goodness and hope that it is a source of great peace, happiness and liberation for you! With very grateful hearts, we offer an anumodana to all of you.
First Global Bhikkhuni Awards – we’re also happy to announce that Ayya Santacitta and Ayya Anandabodhi have recently received the Global Bhikkhuni Award from the Chinese Bhikkhuni Association and will be honored at a ceremony in Taiwan this November.
with much gratitude,
Dongshil Kim & Claire Trepanier and the Friends of Aloka Vihara
