A Special Time at Vihara Pod Lasem

– The Visit of the Sangha and the Upasampadā of Sāmaṇera Jotiko

On the morning of Monday, August 24, something took place at Vihara Pod Lasem that will remain in the memories of those connected with the hermitage for a long time. But let us start from the beginning.

As we announced earlier, on August 22, the long-awaited and venerable guests from Slovenia arrived at Vihara Pod Lasem: Ajahn Ñāṇamoli, Ajahn Thanyo, Bhante Ñāṇadipo, Bhante Samiddhi, and their cheerful four-legged friend, Sunny!

One of the main reasons for their visit was the admission of a new member into the monastic Sangha – the upasampadā of Sāmaṇera Jotiko. The ceremony was scheduled for the early morning hours of Monday, August 24.

fot. Karolina Moskała

Many people announced that they would attend, and those who were able to arrive in the Podkarpacie region a little earlier had the opportunity to welcome the monks in person.

Our guests were also welcomed by beautiful weather. The sound of birdsong could be heard in the background, and the following day, during Ajahn Ñāṇamoli’s talk, a young deer also appeared – one that can occasionally be seen on the hermitage grounds.

Sunday began with sounds coming from the kitchen. The aromas also gave a clear sign that it would be a day filled with delicious, wholesome food, but also with generosity, peace, and learning. Laypeople could take part in preparing the meal, so there was no shortage of willing hands to help. We were especially grateful for the culinary ideas and, through them, for the journeys to different corners of the world that they offered us.

At 10:00 a.m., delicious dishes appeared on the prepared tables. Everyone who wished to – in this case, every lay guest – had the opportunity to offer a symbolic portion of rice to the gathered monks as part of the traditional offering of food (piṇḍapāta), preceding the communal meal. Surely, the opportunity to participate in preparing and offering the meal is something that remains in one’s memory for a long time.

fot. Karolina Moskała

The weather continued to be favourable. The August sunshine, a gentle breeze, and passing clouds made it possible to enjoy the visit and created a space for lay guests to ask questions of the monks. There were short interviews, individual conversations, and a series of questions for Ajahn Ñāṇamoli. And this was something everyone had been waiting for.

A place in the shade of a tree was prepared for Ajahn, and the questions began. In his answers, he developed one theme after another, creating a Buddhist narrative touching on teachings, difficulties, and other important subjects that those present wished to explore.

It was deeply moving to see listeners who had travelled from different parts of Poland to hear Ajahn Ñāṇamoli’s talk and those of the other monks. Guests came to us from Szczecin, Warsaw, and Kołobrzeg, from Silesia, as well as from Augustów and Rzeszów.
After the interviews, there was an opportunity to have coffee or tea and talk with members of the Sangha. There was also time to explore the grounds of the hermitage.

The late afternoon was a time for rest and for giving ourselves a little of the silence and peace that we so often lack in the rush of everyday life.

The upasampadā of Sāmaṇera Jotiko was also among the significant events of the August gathering. On Monday at 6:00 a.m., it was possible to hear and partially see the entire ceremony, conducted in the Pāli language. Jotiko was admitted into the Sangha and thus became part of history – this was the first ceremony of its kind to take place in our country.

Later that day, a communal meal was held. Once again, one could see the commitment and organisation of those who were happy to help with preparing the food. There was also time for questions to Ajahn Ñāṇamoli and opportunities to talk with the rest of the Sangha.

Such gatherings offer a unique opportunity for direct contact.

In the late afternoon, our lay guests gradually began making their way home, and the hermitage returned to its daily rhythm. This time was very important not only for Bhante Jotiko, but also for everyone to whom the Dhamma is close to heart.

Małgosia