Helpers welcomed for moving Sila Dynasty Stupa -- THIS WEEKEND

[Aranya Bodhi Hermitage]

Site of Sila Dynasty Stupa, at the Aranya Bodhi Hermitage

Dear friends of the Hermitage, 

The stars have aligned for moving the Sila Dyasty Stupa, thanks to extraordinary contributions of Amparo, Pimjai, Amdee, Jill R, Luisa G, Julie C, Gwyn W, Shari, and Don.  We are going to move the Stupa this Sunday, September 11, in time for the Binara full moon, the anniversary of the ordination of Mahapajapati and 500 women, the foundation of the bhikkhuni sangha.

If any of you would like to be on hand for this project, we can use a few extra hands ... It has been an adventure working out how to lift up these heavy stones safely.  The main help that we need now is in the realm of driving, and maybe a little pushing and pulling.  Here is the schedule.  If you can participate at either end of the move, contact Ayya Sobhana, Hermitage Prioress, awakeni...@gmail.com,  and she will provide the details.  ***Starred items are where your participation is welcome.

Sunday, 9:00 am.  Removing the last three pieces of the stupa from Amparo's home in Hayward ***
Driving by rented truck to the Hermitage
Sunday, early afternoon, after 1:00 pm.  Moving the pieces from the rented truck up to "the saddle" by forklift, and installing the pieces on the knoll on the saddle. ***
Sunday or Monday: returning the rental truck from the Hermitage to Petaluma, and retrieving our vehicle from Petaluma***
Monday around 9:00: Picking up Ajahn Anandabodhi and Ajahn Santacitta at Petaluma bus stop and bringing them to the Hermitage***
Monday 10:00 am arrival of Bhante Shantarakshita and Bhante Punnananda to the Hermitage for Poya Day.  Offering dana.***
Monday after dana,  Dhamma talk by Bhante Shanta and installation of Buddha relics in the stupa ***

Then, on International Bhikkhuni Day, Saturday, September 17, there will be a formal dedication of the stupa, along with time for meditation,  dhamma discussion, and lunch dana ***

Friends, I hope you will not be offended by this very short notice of a wonderful spiritual milestone.  We feared to make an announcement until we were sure that all the parts would come together, and had a date certain.  In our monastic life, we practice to expect the unexpected and to be flexible with last minute changes.  Please rejoice with us now, and let Ayya Sobhana know if you wish to participate in person.