CHITHURST BUDDHIST MONASTERY
Newsletter – Winter 2026
Dear Friends of Cittaviveka, warm greetings,
As I begin to write this newsletter, the end of 2025 is rapidly approaching. Major holidays provide us with obvious reminders of passing time, as does the end of a year. For me, one of our often-chanted Dhamma reflections arises in my mind: ‘The days and nights are relentlessly passing. How well am I spending my time?’ This reflection is not meant to chastise ourselves, but instead to encourage us to consider with clarity how we can make adjustments to our lives, and how we can utilize our time in a way that leads to calm, stability, and insight into the Dhamma. If we do think that changes to our behaviours would be beneficial, then one of the other phrases we frequently chant is potentially helpful: ‘I should strive to abandon my former habits.’ Obviously, we don’t abandon our wholesome habits. These are to be kept and nurtured alongside the rest of our spiritual practice.
Departures, Arrivals and Time Away
The summer Rains Retreat (Vassa) has ended, and the Winter Retreat doesn’t start until early January. Autumn is a time in our monasteries when we see many community members coming and going, including Luang Por Sucitto and Ajahn Kāruniko, who are both spending some months abroad. Ajahn Kāruniko is expected back for the Winter Retreat, and Luang Por Sucitto is scheduled to return from South Africa in early March.
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, senior nun Ajahn Cittapālā has moved to Amaravati Monastery to carry on with her spiritual journey there. Once again, we wish to express our sincere gratitude for her years of dedicated service to both the sangha and the broader community. Sisters Ñānasiri and Vidurā are continuing their commitment to guide the women’s community at Cittaviveka. We are grateful for their presence and support.
Precept Ceremonies
Between early October and mid-December, three Anagārika Precept Ceremonies took place at Cittaviveka, welcoming Robbie Hurst, Lewis Jessop and Tomasz Gospodarczyk to a one-year commitment to practise Dhamma in a monastic form. We warmly welcome them into the Cittaviveka community.
Forest Work
The autumn Forest Work Period this year took place from 6 to 28 November. Led by Forest Manager, Chris Matthews, along with our resident forest liaisons, Venerables Sīhanādo and Cāgadhammo. Many people either stayed at the monastery or came as outside volunteers, attending to many tasks and projects within our beautiful forest, Hammer Wood. Gratitude to everyone who helped out!
Upcoming Events
There are a few upcoming events to announce. On Wednesday, 31 December, we will hold a meditation vigil to welcome in the New Year. The evening programme will commence at 7.30 pm and include chanting and silent meditation. Just before midnight, we will circumambulate the Ajahn Chah Memorial Stupa.
On Thursday, 1 January, the lay community has the opportunity to participate in our annual Precept Renewal Ceremony, formally requesting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts, commencing at 3:00 pm in the Dhamma Hall and led by senior monastics. People planning to participate may wish to bring a small bundle of candles (one or two), incense and flowers. A teatime Q&A with a senior monastic follows at 5.00 pm in the main house.
Friday, 16 January, marks Ajahn Chah's 34th death anniversary. On that evening, like New Year's Eve, we will have a meditation vigil commencing at 7.30 pm. The programme will include chanting, silent meditation and a Dhamma talk. As on New Year’s Eve, we will circumambulate the Ajahn Chah Memorial Stupa.
The 2026 Māghā Puja, also known as Sangha Day, will be on 3 March. An event that occurred at the time of the Buddha, about nine months after he had attained enlightenment, this day commemorates a spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks at the Bamboo Grove in Rajagaha, India, all joining together to listen to his teachings. On 3 March, Cittaviveka will mark this event with chanting, a meditation vigil, Dhamma talk and a candlelit circumambulation commencing at 7.30 pm.
Winter Retreat
From 4 January through 31 March, the monastic community at Chithurst Buddhist Monastery is observing our annual three-month silent retreat.
Commencing on Sunday, 4 January and continuing through Saturday, 10 January, a Dhamma reflection will be offered by senior members of the monastic community in the Dhamma Hall at 8.30 am.
During the retreat, day visitors are very welcome to come and participate in all of the meditation sessions and talks in the Dhamma Hall. The regular weekly guided Saturday Dhamma talk and Sunday guided meditation will take place at 7:30 pm in the Dhamma Hall. The daily meal offering is at 10:30 am. Please note that there is no provision of overnight accommodation for guests during the retreat.
Jāgarā – Cittaviveka Lay Secretary
The New Year will also bring changes in our office and administration at Chithurst. After 14 years as voluntary lay secretary, Jāgarā (Brigid Bruce) wishes to adjust the focus of her work to specifically support the monastic Cittaviveka sangha as assistant, thus stepping down as secretary. The new friendly voice on the phone and welcoming presence in the office will be Ariya, who will coordinate lay supporters’ requests and queries during the Winter Retreat. Although Jāgarā is not leaving the Cittaviveka community, this change marks a significant transition and offers a fitting opportunity to express our deep gratitude for her many years of dedicated service and her continued support of the smooth functioning of the monastery.
Gratitude
In closing, the Cittaviveka community extends our very best wishes for a peaceful and harmonious New Year and beyond, and to express our gratitude for all of the kindness and support we receive.
With all good wishes,
Ajahn Ahiṁsako – Abbot
Print-ready PDF available here.