A Winter Update

Posted byLinda

Happy 2026!

The Hermitage has entered into the Winter Retreat time, which is from January 1st – March 31st. As previously noted, Ajahn Sudanto will be the only monastic in residence through the end of March. This is the first time that Ajahn has had the chance to spend winter retreat at the hermitage alone, and to really limit activities so that he is more fully in retreat mode. It is particularly good timing since his new kuti is complete, and he is very grateful for this time of peaceful, dedicated practice.  The community is happy to offer him this gift of supported solitude.

Ajahn’s Travels

Ajahn Sudanto returned to the Hermitage in early December after traveling for nearly two months. His journey began in October, when he visited Abhayagiri for the Kathina.  From there, he stopped in Japan to visit a relative in Kyoto before heading to Thailand. He spent more than a month in Thailand visiting eight different monasteries. The majority of his time was spent at Wat Khao Opat, Wat Pah Boonlorm, and Taotam Forest Hermitage, though he also visited Wat Pah Nanachat, Wat Nong Pah Pong, and Wat Pah Subthawee Dhammaram, among others. What a beneficial gift for Ajahn to spend time with the monastic Sangha in Thailand.

Ajahn Sudanto receiving a gift fr.om Luang Por Liem, at Wat Nong Pah Pong on the eve of his 84th birthday
Monks guest cabin at Wat Khao Opas, Rayong, Thailand.
Path to guest cabin at Wat Khao Opas, Rayong, Thailand.
Dhamma hall at Wat Khao Opas, Rayong, Thailand
Ajahn Sudanto visiting with the monks at Wat Pah Boonlorm, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

While in Thailand, Ajahn Sudanto was offered quite an auspicious gift specifically for the Monks’ Retreat House project.  The offering was a beautiful Buddha Rupa image and stand.  Crafted from sandstone, it depicts the Buddha’s first teaching at Deer Park, in Sarnath India.  More details about this beautiful and timely offering will be shared in a separate post very soon.

The new Buddha offered in Thailand for the upcoming Retreat House project.
Detail of the new Buddha offered in Thailand for the upcoming Retreat House project.
Ajahn Sudanto with Ajahn Achallo, and Ajahn Nyaniko chanting blessings for the new Buddha offered in Thailand for the upcoming Retreat House project.
Ajahn Sudanto with Ajahn Achallo, and Ajahn Nyaniko visiting Bangkok Modern Granite to chant blessings for the new Buddha offered in Thailand for the upcoming Retreat House project.

Tuesday nights at Yoga Samadhi

Though Ajahn is on retreat, Tuesday evenings at Yoga Samadhi will continue through the winter.  Tuesdays are a great opportunity to talk Dhamma with Ajahn during this time, and as a reminder the schedule is as follows:

  • 5:15 PM – 6:15:  Silent meditation (doors are locked at 5:15 sharp)
  • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM:  Community meditation and Dhamma reflection

Anyone can join either or both sessions whether you have joined before or not, all are welcome.

Winter Meal Dana

A meal dana update for the winter was recently published here.

Looking Forward

We will begin our Garden Parties in April as usual.  The first one will be held on Saturday, April 4th, mark your calendars.  Caring for the Hermitage land is a wonderful way to welcome in Spring and connect with the community.

Ajahn Sudanto will be away traveling for two weeks from mid-March.  In May Ajahn will be at Birken for the annual tradition of the Birken-Pacific Hermitage retreats from May 1st – 24th.  (Reminder that registration is now open until January 21st.) Following the retreats, Ajahn will travel to Abhayagiri for its 30th Anniversary celebration.

May the community be happy and well, and may 2026 be a fruitful year on the path.