Early in the morning on May 17th, just prior to the Vesak Program, two laywomen, Frances Huang and Ranxi Huang, shaved their heads and then took vows to become novices (sramanas, sanskrit/samanas, pali). Both Ven. Jen-chun and Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi presided at the ceremony where only a few were in attendance. Frances has the Dharma name of Ci Hu and Ranxi took the Dharma name of Ci Jiu. Approximately 60 people participated in the Vesak Program and many people brought delicious food offerings that were eaten at lunch. There were generous contributions made for relief of victims of both the Myanmar cyclone and China earthquake. Ven. Subhuti, a visiting monk, gave an impromptu talk in the afternoon. We appreciate his generosity in sharing the teachings with us. At the end of the program Ven. Jen-chun conducted a ceremony for five people who became Buddhist lay disciples by Going for Refuge to the Triple Gem and undertaking the Five Precepts.

Local Person Needed to Shop Each Week for the Sangha

The monastery is in need of a main shopper who can regularly grocery shop for the sangha on one day a week and then deliver and stock the pantry/refrigerator. A substitute shopper(s) who could substitute on occasion for the main shopper would be helpful too. The shopping itself takes 1 hour or so and stocking the shelves of the pantry and refrigerator about 15 minutes. It would be helpful if you can commit to this task for at least 6 months so that there won’t be a need to search too soon in the future for another shopper. A grocery list will be provided each week. If you are interested, please send an e-mail to: bodhimonastery@gmail.com