NEWS and MUSINGS

It's a beautiful sunny day and we've just got back from Nottingham where we had been to a Songkrahn celebration at Yod and Nid's Yod Siam Thai Restaurant.
It was a wonderful occasion with a lot of people there. It began with those who wished to taking the Refuges and Five Precepts, then we chanted the Parittas. Next we went pindabaht outside and everyone had the opportunity to contribute to our meal by putting in our bowls something they'd brought or something from the delicious food Yod had provided. After everyone had eaten came the ritual bathing of the Buddha Image, followed by we monks and then whoever you wished. Then there was a lull while three young babies were brought forward for the traditional cutting of the first hair. Next came the very generous offerings of flowers and various supplies for the temple. And that was followed by a few words from me. When I'd said the usual things about keeping the moral precepts and behaving well I mentioned how I'd first come to Nottingham during my career with the National Theatre. I remember it was bitterly cold and snowing and the theatre was old and there was no way we could keep the draughts and snow from blowing into our dressing room. The impression that I held in my mind then of Nottingham was that it was a pretty grim place. But today what a different Nottingham with the sun and hundreds of Thai smiles shining upon us.
We got back safely after a pretty speedy drive at three o'clock, the car laden with food, flowers and all sorts of useful things, including a bag of cash containing £829 which should make our treasurer smile too.
Anumodana and a Very Happy Thai New Year.
Go to the Photos tab at the top to see some pictures of today in Nottingham.
Tomorrow it's Songkrahn at Wat Pah Santidhamma, The Forest Hermitage.