Happiness and Desire
Ajahn Kongrit
The happiness of the heart arises from obtaining what one desires. When material desires are within a scale and amount appropriate to one’s status, responsibilities, and way of life, they are generally accepted by society as proper. The accepted quantity might vary depending on the influence one has on those around them. For instance, if the person is beloved, influential, or powerful, exceeding the usual accepted standards occasionally might be tolerated or even accepted.
However, if the desire continues to grow endlessly, showing no sign of stopping—a case of "give an inch, and they'll take a mile"—it reflects the typical difficulty people face in finding limits, especially those who haven’t trained their minds. Without appropriate limits and boundaries, the pursuit of desires, regardless of the means, will be seen as lacking social grace and might even become repulsive or worthy of criticism. It’s certain that when desires aren’t fulfilled in quantity or within a timely manner, the resulting frustration leads to suffering.
The Buddha was saying that "Even if a mountain were to turn into gold, two such mountains wouldn't satisfy the desire of a single person." Human desires cannot be satiated by simply getting what one wants; instead, they are addressed by training and developing the mind to understand the nature of desire.
"Even if a mountain were to turn into gold, two such mountains wouldn't satisfy the desire of a single person." — SN4.20 Rajjasutta
From another perspective, it's precisely what we desire, what we love, and what we identify as "Me" and "Mine" that leads to disappointment and suffering. If we can see the truth that these things will inevitably be lost, separated, or left behind one day, our attachment and the notion that these things are "Me" or "Mine" will diminish and eventually disappear.
The Past Visits
Luang Por Lai (Wat Pah Bueng Thawai, Sakon Nakhon) and Ajahn Jaras (Wat Mettāgiri, Chaiya Bhumi) came to visit around 10 days at the beginning of April.
At the beginning of May, Luang Por Damrong (Wat Pluem Pattana, Buriram) and Luang Por Sophon (Wat Bueng Latthiwan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) stayed with us. They are both very senior direct disciples of Ajahn Chah and abbots of their respective monasteries in Thailand. Luang Por Kampong Wat Ubolmanee in Grimo to spend a couple of days with them here.
They then left after 2 weeks for Amaravati together with Ajahn Kongrit and Samaṇera Jotipañño to partake in the celebration of Luang Por Sumedho’s 90th birthday.
The event saw the gatherings of many seniors (and less seniors) monks and nuns from all around the world. To pay respect and tribute to Luang Por Sumedho for his dedication, commitment and for being an inspiration for so many over many decades. Many talks and photos of this auspicious event can be found on the Amaravati website. And if you don’t have your t-shirt yet, please visit us.
Farewell
Samaṇera Jotipañño didn’t return from the event at Amaravati and has now decided to continue his monastic training there.
Alby left the monastery in the beginning of June. After a year in the white clothes of an anāgārika, he decided to leave the training and to return to his home country to pursue his studies.
Entering the rains
It is now 3 weeks since the full month of Asāḷha (July). As it is customary the Sangha has entered the rain residence (vassā) on the day after the full moon by determining to spend the coming 3 months together in this monastery.
To celebrate that auspicious day we have redecorated the stupa with new cloth. The intention is to that every year, bringing the extended community together with the monastics in a joyful and uplifting celebration.
As usual at the approach of the vassa there have been some comings and goings among the monastic community.
For the departures:
Tahn Nipako has now returned to Amaravati.
Tahn Titthañāṇo who was visiting from England to sort out some administrative formalities finally got his visa sorted out and has now returned to Chithurst.
On the arrival side:
Tahn Tejasāro, Tahn Mahesako & Tahn Santidharo joined Ajahn Kongrit so 4 monks will reside at Skiptvet monastery during the rains retreat.
Connecting
In keeping in line with the Thai custom of visiting elders and keeping in touch with other communities at the start of the vassa the sangha here at Skiptvet had the opportunity to visit:
Wat Thai Norway to partake in the celebration held there to mark the new title received by the abbot - Luang Por Phra Rajvajirasassanavides.
The next day we drove to Vingrom to pay a visit to Ajahn Ajito and Tahn Marcus at Wat Bodhibhumivana. After the shared meal, we had the opportunity to walk around the monastery to look at the newly finished kutis, site of the future meditations hall and other on-going projects.
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 the community on specific occasions such as the "Monday evening Pūjā", the "One Day Retreats" on the first Saturday of the month or the "Lunar Observance Days"(moon days).
The last few Mondays saw a significant number of people joining us for the evening Puja.
Likewise the day retreat was very well attended. It was a great joy to spend the day together cultivating wholesome qualities.
On moon days there is usually a Dhamma talk after the evening Pūjā and the opportunities to take the 3 refuges and the 8 precepts. Also the sangha will practise sitting or walking meditation until midnight. Anyone is welcome!
Monday evening Pūjā (19:00-20:15) is the opportunity for anyone interested to join the evening chanting and meditation. After that there is refreshment available in the house and an opportunity to speak with a monk about Dhamma practice or wider subjects.
The One Day Retreats are happening on the first Saturday of the month between July-November. It is an opportunity to get an introduction to meditation or to deepen an already existent practice. More information can be found here.
Moon days
12 August – Half moon day
19 August – Full moon day
27 August – Half moon day
2 September – New moon day
10 September – Half moon day
17 September – Full moon day
25 September – Half moon day
2 October – New moon day
10 October – Half moon day
17 October – Full moon day
Upcoming visitors
We are delighted to announce that Ajahn Amaro (Abbot of Amaravati Monastery, UK) is planning to visit Skiptvet from 1st to 4th November.
He will therefore be here for the day retreat on Saturday 2nd November and the Kathina season's Pha-pah on Sunday 3rd of November.
Future Events
7 September – Saturday "One Day Retreat"
5 October – Saturday "One Day Retreat"
17 October – Last day of vassa (Mahā Pavāraṇā Day)
1 to 4 November – Ajahn Amaro’s visit
2 November – Saturday "One Day Retreat"
3 November – Kathina season's Pha-pah