Newsletter April 2025

Winter

This winter, the temperature didn't drop below -20°C for more than a few short days, unlike last year. After experiencing outdoor work in Vingrom to get used to the weather, I sought out activities to maintain a normal outdoor life and not be daunted by the cold.

Cutting Firewood in the Snow

This year, we ordered ten pallets of firewood (1000 liters/pallet) for the winter. However, there was no time to cut firewood from the forest for next year. So, I asked the laypeople who came to the Monday evening meditation session if anyone was skilled in using a chainsaw to help cut the wood into logs for firewood. With the help of many people, who took turns cutting, splitting, bagging, and moving the wood into the storage shed next to the kuti in the forest, it took several days.

Some people staying at the monastery saw that the firewood was not being stored correctly, as the air was not circulating, and the wood would not dry and could get moldy. So, they helped lift it onto a platform, placed corrugated iron sheets on top to keep it dry from the rain, and opened the plastic covering to allow the wood to ventilate better. They also used their free time to split the firewood into smaller pieces, ready for starting fires.

The lay supporters who came to offer food saw the type of wood we were using and its high moisture content, so they helped transport firewood, which was silver birch, from their homes in a trailer.

In summary, besides the firewood we bought, cut, and had delivered, we also received a firewood moisture meter. A few days ago, we received an additional 32 bags for next year, as well as firestarters, both cubes and packets, which are called Tennbriketter in Norwegian.

Cleaning the Barn

There were so many things in the barn that it was cluttered and inconvenient to use. It was difficult to organize, and many items were damaged, rusty, or old and had been stored for a long time without ever being used. Anything that still seemed usable, we asked the skilled lay supporter to help move and organize into categories. We also posted an announcement on Finn for anyone interested in taking them. For the rest, we decided to rent a waste container to dispose of those items. The work was completed quickly, thanks to the significant help from the guests staying at the monastery in January.

Water Pump

The monastery doesn't use municipal water but water pumped from an underground well. One day, in early February, the water stopped flowing. The first thing that came to mind was to ask our neighbor, as I couldn't think of who else to call. Even though it was quite late, the kind neighbors came to check the electricity, fuses, and power. He crawled in and out of the cramped basement to check the pressure pump. I couldn't help much but think that our neighbor had complete electrical equipment and seemed very capable. When it was time to try connecting the wires directly to the water pump, additional tools were needed. That's when I realized that he was a professional electrician, not an amateur.

The weather was freezing, and it was getting late, but the feeling of friendship and goodwill grew stronger as the night wore on. It was almost midnight when we concluded that the problem was likely a broken pump.

The next morning, electricians brought a new water pump to replace the old one, thanks to the neighbor's contact and the monastery patrons' financial support.

Cleaning the Stone Buddha Image and the Area

The white sandstone Buddha image on the stone terrace had accumulated green moss from the moisture of the snow and rain over time. Lay people who come regularly to the monastery helped clean the image and the stone terrace in front, making it look much cleaner.

Caravans

As spring arrived, caravans could be used as additional accommodations for people visiting the monastery. Lay people helped move them out of storage and park them in suitable locations. For safety and orderliness, an electrician helped check the electrical safety, and another person helped with the cleaning, making them more private than the shared rooms.

Food Offerings and Alms

The lay supporters who came to make merit and offer food on weekends joined together to offer alms food along with Vitee Thai and the Royal Thai take away restaurants in Fredrikstad every Friday. This included the driver who kindly picked us up for the pindabat. Even though they sometimes had to drive very fast to get back in time to prepare the food and then rush off to work, the lay supporters who prepared food on other days, whether ordering online and sending it to the monastery or braving the cold and snow, remained consistent. Some who couldn't come often would pack food in boxes, ready to be heated, and bring them or ask us to pick them up. When the weather permitted, we would occasionally go for alms in Skiptvet village. Rarely did the monks and novices return with empty bowls. Therefore, they didn't have to worry about food throughout the winter.

Having simple needs is also part of making everything easy. When people intend to visit or stay, they will be asked if they, too, can eat the alms food so kindly offered. Whatever the villagers eat and offer, we will eat. This makes the life of a samaṇa easier.

Visitors

ท่านผู้เพิ่งมาเยือน

Ajahn Maha Sompop (Big) came to help lead a meditation retreat in Thai from November 22nd to 24th of last year.

Phra Videsaratnabhorn (Than Chao Khun Thanat Atthatthachari), Abbot of Wat Thai Washington D.C., Secretary-General of the Council of Thai Monks in the United States of America, and Phra Maha Pasan Piyadhammo, Abbot of Wat Phra Maha Chonok, Bahn Palang Pian, Griffin, Georgia, USA, kindly visited the temple on November 27th

Tahn Mantano returned to visit Scandinavia for the first time. Although it was a short visit, it clearly showed his determination in practice, his selflessness, and his excellent care for the monastic community. He returned to Thailand on January 5th.

In the afternoon of March 3rd, after the ceremony to present the statue of Carl Bock, the author of the book “Temples and Elephants: A Narrative of a Journey of Exploration Through Upper Siam and Lao,” based on his 140-year-old travelogue of Siam, to the Historical Museum in Oslo, Phra Phrommasiddhi (Thongchai Sukhanyano), Abbot of Wat Saket, Acting Regional Abbot of Region 11, and member of the Sangha Supreme Council; Phra Ratchavajirasasanavides (Samruaj Kamalo), the abbot of Wat Thai Norway, and his delegation; along with a delegation of Chinese Buddhist monks from Singapore and Phra Videsapunyabhon (Chao Khun Sweden), Abbot of Wat Buddharam, Sweden, kindly visited Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery. While waiting to welcome and pay respects to the venerable abbot and his delegation, the sky displayed nacreous clouds, known in Norwegian as “Perlemorskyer,” a beautiful natural phenomenon that we had the opportunity to witness and learn.

Ajahn Songphon and Tahn Peerayot (Aum) traveled from Wat Ubonmani in Gismo to welcome Phra Khru Ubonwarabanphot (Samran Vatthano) from Wat Tham Nam Thip, Ubon Ratchathani Province, and Ajahn Srisak Analayo from Wat Pa Kham Kha Thammaram, Ubon Ratchathani Province, who were visiting Norway for the first time. They stayed at Lokuttara Vihara from March 13th to 16th, with lay devotees from the city of Prosgrunn visiting and staying at the monastery, too.

Anagarika Shjon, a white-robed American from Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in Hertfordshire, England, arrived on the evening of April 2nd to apply for a UK visa. Anagarika Shjon will be staying at our monastery until early May.

Departures

Tahn Santitharo returned to Santacittarama Monastery in Italy on December 1st of last year, before the arrival of winter, after staying at Skiptvet for three months.

Sāmaṇera Vipassiko returned to Wat Pah Cittavivek in Chithurst, England, on April 2nd.

Upcoming visitors

The group of Phra Khru Ubonwarabanphot and Ajahn Srisak will return to stay at our monastery again on the evening of April 17th before departing for Thailand on the morning of April 18th. We invite all those who wish to pay their respects and see off the group of the Venerable Phra Kru to come and welcome them at the aforementioned time.

Ajahn Kalyāṇo will visit Skiptvet between May 13th and 19th.

Ajahn Karuṇiko, former abbot of Cittaviveka Buddhist Monastery, will visit our monastery along with Tahn Anejo and Tahn Titthayano, who also resided at Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery for many years, between May 27th and 30th.

Luang Por Pasanno, former abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery in California, USA, is spending this year's rains retreat at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in England to allow Ajahn Amaro a one-year sabbatical from his duties. Luang Por Pasanno will be visiting Norway and Skiptvet for the first time between June 8th and 12th.

Tahn Ādicco, a French monk who stayed with us during the winter of the previous year, will have completed five years as a monk this year and intends to return to stay with us from June onwards.

Ajahn Gambhiro, a Hungarian monk with 12 years of ordination, will come to reside at Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery for the rains retreat. He will arrive on July 6th.

Beauty

Ajahn Kongrit

Beauty is another important aspect of life, whether in business, speech, expression, manners, livelihood, or the pursuit of desires. If beauty is lacking, those things, even if successful, will lack refinement and appear crude, brash, and rude. If it goes as far as being unmannerly and not following customs, wanting to gain unilaterally to an excessive degree, to the point of forgetting that others have desires no different from our own, it can be described as repulsive. If it is a naive child, it is somewhat forgivable, but if it is an adult or a leader, they are seen as having lost their dignity, honor, and value, and as being unworthy of respect or association.

Living a life of value, with artistry and beauty, incorporating the essence of benefit in the conduct of life, in order to attain the highest value that a human being should attain, is a matter that should be given more attention, or at least as much as the attention given to beauty from physical appearance, status, wealth, and career, which are external matters. It is normal that to do anything beautifully, meticulously, and with value, that thing requires attention to detail. Therefore, it is difficult to do, and it is the work, the method, and the way of thinking of a skilled person.

In practicing the teachings of the Buddha, the focus is not on blind faith or strict adherence that causes hardship for oneself and those around, but on seeing clearly according to reality, and living in accordance with that reality. The art of seeing according to reality is the beauty of practice. To see the beauty of form and external images, one must have healthy eyes that are not blurred or defective. To see the subtle and profound nature of the mind, one must have good wisdom. The better and more perfect the mindfulness is, the easier it is to see according to reality. The more one sees according to reality, the more one's life becomes beneficial, refined, beautiful, and happy, step by step.

Past Events

Activities

Villages and monasteries mutually support each other, a cultural heritage that has continued since the time of the Buddha and has crystallized into Thai culture. Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery, even though located abroad, has been able to sustain itself without lacking the four basic necessities, and this is solely due to the generous support of faithful devotees.

A Thai Language Meditation Retreat was held between November 22nd and 24th. Phra Maha Somphop (Big) also participated in and led the meditation during this retreat.

Prior to the 2024 New Year's Eve event, Ajahn Sindre helped clean the fireplace chimney. The event began with paying respects to the Buddha, chanting, sitting meditation, and mindfulness practice, alternating with the chanting of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta and the Anattalakkhana Sutta. Ajahn Sindre gave a Dhamma talk in Norwegian. Following this, the participants chanted the Adittapariyaya Sutta and concluded the ceremony with the chanting of the Jaya Paritta (Jayanto).

In January, the monastery accepted invitations for New Year blessings at the homes of Mr. Bjarne and Phakawan, and Mr. Paul and Siyada. We also participated in an interfaith meeting organized by the municipalities of Indre Østfold, Marker, Rakkestad, and Skiptvet. At the end of the month, the monastery was invited for a meal at the home of Mr. Chris-Anton's father.

In February, the monastery participated in the "Friluftslivets år 2025" event, which encourages people to engage with nature alongside the residents of Skiptvet municipality, held at the Skiptvet Library auditorium. The temple also accepted a home invitation of Ms. Nittaya.

In March, the monastery accepted invitations for New Year and Teacher Appreciation ceremonies of the Thai Language and Culture Association, together withAjahn Wigran from Santinivas Monastery (Wat Thai Rygge), Ajahn Maha Khamsing and Ajahn Maha Phichitchai from Wat Thai Norway.

At the beginning of April, there was a “Spring Walk”. After a meal together, the walk started from the monastery, with a rest stop to make a fire and drink tea at Steinhytta, passing through Søllskanuten. The distance of 7.5 kilometers took approximately one and a half hours to complete. There were a total of 9 participants and 2 dogs, making it a great activity for fostering familiarity among everyone.

Building Connections in Thailand

Ācāriya Pūjā Food Stall: The Teacher Veneration Ceremony (Ācāriya Pūjā) at Wat Nong Pah Pong, held annually between January 12-17 to commemorate the anniversary of Luang Por Cha's passing. We included a food stall this year. The working team was led by Khun Mo Rasikarn with family and friends in Dhamma

The team tried to come up with menus of Norwegian national dishes that Thai people would enjoy, which was not an easy task. However, the team presented a variety of dishes and also gave Children's Day gifts to the children. Additionally, they wore traditional Norwegian costumes, which Khun Mae Nathnophin tailored two sets of Norwegian national costumes, adding to the vibrancy of the food stall.

Although a food stall may seem like an insignificant activity, it is one that shares smiles and happiness with both the one who receives and the one who gives. I hope unifying activities like this can be expanded widely.

Building Connections in Norway

Visit to Bodhibhumivan Monastery in Vingrom, Lilihammer from December 10th to 12th, traveling with Tahn Mantano. I had the opportunity to offer a small help with the construction of the main monastery building (Uposatha) using the traditional Norwegian log cabin building technique called "lafteverk." The skilled carpenter prepared each log so that they fit snugly on top of each other. Moss ("moser") is used between the logs as insulation against the wind and to help preserve the wood.

Working outdoors, I helped place moss on the logs and trimmed any excess. It was a simple task, but in temperatures of around -5 to -7 degrees Celsius, it was quite an experience and a great opportunity to learn new things.

We invited Ajahn Sindre, the Abbot, to join our New Year's Eve chanting ceremony on December 31st. Later, on March 8th, I once again returned to help raise the roof structure. This time, the work was completed under the bright sun all day, a contrast to the previous visit.

Ajahn Kongrit led meditation retreat at Wat Thai Norway on February 8th and 9th to dedicate merit on the occasion of the 73rd birthday celebration of Luang Por Yai, the abbot of Wat Thai Norway (Phra Rajchavimolvajirasasanawites).

Building Connections in Europe

Meditation retreat at Wat Pah Panyagiri in Spain. Phra Ajahn Kongrit traveled to Spain for the first time to lead a meditation retreat and visit Wat Pah Panyagiri, the first Thai Forest monastery in the lineage of Ajahn Chah in Spain. It is located on a farm called “L'Aragall” in the town of Aiguafreda (meaning, "cold water"), about 45 minutes north of Barcelona. The retreat took place from March 14th to 16th, with 13 participants were Thais, Spanishs, and Norwegian. Although initially planned as a Thai-language retreat, it organically evolved into a Thai-English retreat.

After the retreat, Khun Piti Leelertphan and his family donated a Buddha rupa (image) to the monastery. Approximately 60 laypeople, both Spanish and Thai, attended the ceremony.

Lay devotees participated in the practice, provided assistance and translation, and offered transportation and food throughout the stay at the monastery. Excellent support was provided, demonstrating sincere interest and dedication to supporting the establishment of the monastery in Spain. The primary obstacle experienced for my visit was communication due to differences in language.

One of the most impressive experiences was with a young devotee who loved to draw and did so almost constantly. When bored, he would get a little fussy, but soon after, he would compose rap songs, singing and entertaining himself with imaginary drum and bass sounds that blended smoothly. When quiet (meaning he fell asleep), he would awake and instantly resume drawing again. This made me realize that if we have "Chanda" (wholesome design) for whatever task or work we do, like this young devotee, success is not far off. This aligns with the words of Antoni Gaudí, the renowned architect who designed the Sagrada Familia basilica, who said,

"To do things right, first you need love, then technique." Antoni Gaudí

Upcoming Activities

Songkran Festival: Join us in preserving the traditions and culture of the Thai New Year. The monastery cordially invites the devotees of Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery to come together on April 13th, which will also include a Punsukula cloth offering ceremony. For more details, please see here.

Summer Meditation Retreat (English): 21 - 29 June. Ajahn Khemasiri, former abbot of Dhammapala in Switzerland, will be the guiding teacher for the meditation retreat. Those interested can find more details here.

Robing Ceremony of the Stupa on Asalha Puja Day: 10 July. The monastery will host a celebration to commemorate the first sermon of the Buddha, known as the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.” This discourse was offered in Sarnath, outside the Indian city of Varanasi, 2613 years ago. and it marks the beginning of the spreading of Dhamma (the teachings of the Buddha) in the world. On this day, there will be a robing ceremony of the pagoda in the afternoon and meditation practice until midnight. The following day will be the beginning of the Buddhist Lent.

Buddhist Lent Retreat (vasaa): For those interested in participating in the Buddhist Lent retreat and meditation practice, please contact here.

Beginnig of the vassa Meditation Retreat 11-17 July
In the Vassa Meditation Retreat (Thai) 8 - 10 August

Activities

As usual, the monastery is open for daily or overnight visits. You can join in the daily routine of the monastery and contribute in any way you can. There are also many opportunities for the extended community to join us on specific occasions such as the “Monday evening Puja” and the “ Lunar Observance Days” (Moon Days).

Moon Days

Usually include a Dhamma talk after the evening Puja and the opportunity to take the Three Refuges and the Eight Precepts. Additionally, the Sangha will practise sitting or walking meditation until midnight. All are welcome!

Monday Evening Pūjā (19:00 - 20:15)

The opportunity for all interested to join the evening chanting and meditation. Refreshments are available in the house afterwards and an opportunity to speak with a monk about Dhamma practice and/or wider subjects.

Day Retreats

Held on the first Saturday of every month. For the year 2025, it will begin on the first Saturday of May and conclude on the first Saturday of November. More information can be found here.

Moonday

12 April – Full moon day
20 April – Half moon day
26 April – New moon day

4 May – Half moon day
11 May – Full moon day
19 May – Half moon day
26 May – New moon day

3 June – Half moon day
10 June – Full moon day
18 June – Half moon day
25 June – New moon day

3 July – Half moon day
10 July – Full moon day (Āsāḷha pūjā)
11 July – (Vassa begin)
18 July – Half moon day
25 July – New moon day

2 August – Half moon day
9 August – Full moon day

Support

If you wish to support Skipvet Buddhistkloster, you can find more details on this link

Natthi citte pasannamhi, appakā nāma dakkhiṇā; If one gives even a very small thing with a confident heart to the Supreme Vv. 47