Glenn and Sol putting a roof on the ablution block, connecting in the work, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The next project for the volunteer accommodation are will be installing some kind of kitchen so that volunteers can prepare some of their own meals at Dāna Vihāra.
SAP ran from March through to September 2024, guided by the consistent presence of Mark Schrader and Kath Mitchell, with huge support from Tracy, Bonni, Matthew, and many others. SAP itself is an evolution of many years of community hui and dreaming around what the needs of Wangapeka are, and what it could look like to have a more consistent community of practice …
A full house of 14 adults and 10 children came together for a weekend in early October. The theme was Connection, and we explored the many facets and levels of connection – to planet, to the whenua, to self, to the body, to other living beings, to each other, to our inner life, to play, to the dharma and what …
The Abiding of Generosity The Volunteer Accommodation has a name! “The crew had a ongoing discussion about what we should name the space in which the volunteers lived. Initially some names like Dana space, Dana zone and volunteer accomodation were suggested. While Sam, Jacinta and I were at SAP with Mark Kath and Tracy; we finally decided on Dana Bhumi …
One of my earliest words as a child was “lichen.” On nature walks through my native North American state and national parks with my parents, I was obsessed by how lichen flourished on trees and rocks, on brick and mulch, even on metal. To my young eyes, lichen seemed miraculous. Now, as an adult, I witness lichen with even more …
Written by Louise Petzold Kia ora e te whānau, Beautiful spring has come to the Wangapeka valley with lighter days, heaps of rain and lots of sunshine. Growth is happening! In the spirit of mahi tahi and working together towards a shared outcome, the BoT have decided to all have a turn writing Kumanu after our meetings, so you can …
Kia ora e te whānau, Greetings from your Board of Trustees! Kumanu is our way of keeping you up to date with what has been happening, what we’re working on, and what we’re grappling with. It is by no means exhaustive, but we hope it gives you a sense of “What’s Up” in Wangapeka land, and what’s on the seemingly never-ending …
Do you like the idea of living at the beautiful and peaceful Wangapeka – serving retreats and caring for the land; sharing in the Dharma and comradery; having access to retreat teachings and being part of a broad caring community? Do you like solving practical problems? Do you have excellent communication skills, and love working with others as well as …
Kumanu is about sharing the process of the Board of Trustees, and getting feedback from the community on topical issues. As most of you will know, a new Board of Trustees was elected at last weekend’s AGM. Your new Board consists of : Co-Ordinator – Louise Petzold Secretary – Graham Price Treasurer – Maree Murray Assistant Co-ordinator – Chani Grieve …
Retreat in a Nutshell “What is your hearts deepest desire?” is the question posed early in retreat. Later becomes “How do I live?” Be good. Be kind. Be patient. With myself and others. All others. I becomes we.
