No Local Sangha Available, What Now? Thai Forest Tradition.

Gavin

As a complete beginner the Sangha is vital to me but the only ones within travelling distance to me are of different traditions to the path I wish to follow. I am very drawn to the Thai Forest Tradition which is about remote practice so I'm wondering if there is an online Sangha to support remote practice?

Citta

Where do you live Gavin ?

Gavin

Eastbourne, I've actually just found out about Chithurst Monastry which s about a two hour drive and http://forestsangha.org/ which is centred around Ajahn Chah who helped found Chithurst.

Is it possible to practice via an online Sangha?

Citta

Where do you live Gavin ?

Gavin said:

Eastbourne, I've actually just found out about Chithurst Monastry which s about a two hour drive and http://forestsangha.org/ which is centred around Ajahn Chah who helped found Chithurst.


Is it possible to practice via an online Sangha?

I strongly recommend a visit to Chithurst if you can get there, an hour or two in their company is worth weeks of reading....really.

Gavin

I would imagine a cash offering may not be ideal, what sort of offering would be suitable if I did go to visit? They don't seem to have an email address to ask these things.

Citta

If you get there early enough you could take food for the Dana meal. Or flowers for the shrine..or good incense sticks...they will welcome you whatever. Make sure before you go that they are not on retreat or you will see little of the monks.

Gavin

Citta said:

If you get there early enough you could take food for the Dana meal. Or flowers for the shrine..or good incense sticks...they will welcome you whatever. Make sure before you go that they are not on retreat or you will see little of the monks.

Thank you very much for your help.

Citta

My pleasure.

FairyFeller

Is there such a thing as a universally 'good' incense? All my local shops sell what I would call smelly smoke whereas I prefer http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tibetan-Original-Healing-Incense-Tension/dp/B0012Q16O0 which is probably rolled and dried cow dung.

Citta

Try pure-incense.com

MaryAnne

@fairyfeller

Poke around this site for incense and other goods:

http://www.nmcnews.org/NMC1/incense.html

What they don't make themselves is still high quality imports from India, Tibet, etc.
I've ordered from here for many years, and I've never been disappointed.
One of my favorite all-round incense is "Kewda", and it's very difficult to find elsewhere. It's a floral and spice scent without being too sweet and cloying.
Their patchouli is also high quality, without that 'wet dirt' smell many patchouli sticks or oils can have.... AND their prices are absolutely phenomenal.

Citta

Try www.pure-incense.co./

Citta

Try www.pure-incense.com/

Citta

Try www.pure-incense.com/

Citta

Thats odd. I didnt post that three times... :eek2:

FairyFeller

Citta said:

Thats odd. I didnt post that three times... :eek2:

Maybe it was your future and past selves?

Citta

Not according to Ajahn Buddhadasa...

Sabre

I'd say it's not bad to look around different groups. Decide whether you like them on their virtue and deeds instead of information from internet or books. You may be pleasantly surprised.