August 2026 Newsletter
Updated: Aug 27
As the Vassa (Rains Retreat) approaches, monks begin selecting a suitable place to reside for the three-month period that year. When long-distance travel and visa applications are involved, preparations must be made well in advance to ensure everything is settled before Vassa. This year Vassa begins on the 30th of July but if obstacles should arise the Buddha granted permission in the monastic discipline (Vinaya) to enter the second Vassa a month later.
This year at Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery, Ajahn Chanaphairee Chandawaṃso from Wat Nong Pah Pong joined us for the first Vassa, while Ajahn Anejo (from Sweden) joined for the second Vassa.
Ajahn Chanaphairee previously served as a Dhammaduta (missionary monk) at Bodhiyanarama in New Zealand for one year, Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in England for two years, and Buddhabhodhivana and Bodhipāla in Australia for four years. Having spent considerable time abroad, he is very well-accustomed to living overseas. He traveled here using visa-exempt privileges granted to his official Dhammaduta passport and subsequently submitted his visa application within Norway. We sincerely hope that the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) will approve his long-term visa so he can remain and assist with the monastery's work as requested.
Ajahn Anejo arrived on the 20th of August. He previously resided at Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery before moving to Chithurst Buddhist Monastery (Cittaviveka). Currently involved in a project to establish a monastery in the Ajahn Chah lineage in Sweden, he will stay with us until the end of November before returning to Cittaviveka.
Official Branch Recognition
During the international branch monastery meeting on August 11th, the Sangha officially reached a consensus to recognize Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery as an official branch monastery of Wat Nong Pah Pong, also Suddhāvārī Buddhist Monastery in Brazil.
Upcoming Events
Open Day 2026
Saturday 5 September 2026 (11.00 - 14.00)
The Mayor of Skiptvet Municipality, Cecilie Agnalt, will officially open our annual Open Day 2026 at Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery. The schedule is as follows:
Program
Welcome speech by Mayor Cecilie Agnalt.
Greetings from Board Chairman Per-Otto Wold.
Short presentation of the monastery and its activities.
Serving of authentic Thai food.
Guided tour of the grounds.
Simple introduction to meditation.
The event is free and open to everyone.
Maybe you have driven past many times and wondered what lies behind the trees? Now you have the opportunity to experience Skiptvet Forest Monastery from the inside. Welcome!
School Visit to Askim Upper Secondary School
18 September 2026: As in previous years, the monastic community has been invited to teach and give an introduction to Buddhism at the school.
Special Guests
Special Guests Who Have Visited Us
As mentioned in our previous April newsletter, the monastery had the opportunity to welcome several senior monks. We began with Ajahn Preecha and Ven. Abhirak (Tao) from Santacittarama Monastery in Italy, who traveled as representatives of Most Ven. Phra Brahmasitthi (currently Somdet Phra Vajirasiddhācāriya) to enshrine a statue of Luang Por Chah in our meditation hall.
Furthermore, we were honored by the visits of many other teachers:
Ajahn Phawadol (Jiew) Piyasīlo, the abbot of Wat Pah Yen Boon in Chiang Rai Province, and Ajahn Knight traveled from Santacittarama Monastery in Italy to visit us (12–19 May).
Ajahn Dhammiko, a senior monk from Sumedharama in Portugal, led our Summer Meditation Retreat (22–28 June); he stayed with us from 12 June before returning to enter the Vassa retreat in Portugal on 17 July.
Ven. Mantano, a Swedish monk (5–11 June).
Luang Por Sucitto, former abbot of Chithurst Buddhist Monastery (Cittaviveka) in England, visited us (6–9 June ), as did Ajahn Mettiko from Muttodaya Forest Monastery (6–10 June). Luang Por Sucitto kindly led a one-day meditation retreat during his stay.
Ajahn Ekarit Puññakāmo, abbot of Wat Pah Huai Khao San Charoen Dham in Ubon Ratchathani, arrived together with Ajahn Songphol Guṇajayo, abbot of Wat Ubon Manee (23 June ), departing back to Thailand the following morning.
Ajahn Dhammasīha, abbot of Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage in Brisbane, Australia (5–13 July), and
Ajahn Ahiṃsako, abbot of Chithurst Buddhist Monastery (5–9 July).
Additionally, Ven. Vūpasamo and Ven. Khemadassī stayed with us for a month and a half, and one month, respectively. Only Ajahn Khemasiri had to alter his travel plans and was unable to visit us this time; we sincerely hope he will be able to visit us next year.
We would like to express our deep appreciation (Anumodanā) to all the lay supporters who provided such wonderful care and service to all the visiting teachers.
Past Events
Summer Retreat
This year, Venerable Ajahn Dhammiko from Sumedharama Monastery led the Summer Meditation Retreat from 20 to 28 June 2026, with 12 participants in attendance.
Amaravati Meditation Retreat
Ajahn Kongrit led the Thai-language meditation retreat at Amaravati Monastery from 24 to 28 July2026, alongside Ajahn Suddhanai, with 40 participants attending. It was an auspicious opportunity for the retreatants to also join the celebration of Luang Por Sumedho's 92nd birthday on 27 July.
Weekend Meditation Retreat
From 31 July to August 2, 2026, the monastery held a weekend meditation retreat to commemorate Āsāḷha Pūjā Day and the beginning of Vassa (Rains Retreat). The retreat was led by Ajahn Kongrit together with Ajahn Chana-phairee, who had just arrived on 28 July with 9 participants joining. On Saturday 1 August, retreat participants gathered to drape a new cloth around the Stupa—which was chosen to be blue this year to honor and dedicate merit to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother.
Building relationships
Volunteering at Isegran with Hope Cathedral, Fredrikstad
Upon receiving an invitation from Rev. Einar Tjelle, we joined a volunteer day at Isegran's Hope Cathedral alongside Solveig Egeland, the cathedral’s artistic leader and visionary. On 22 April 2026, representatives from the monastery attended the event and brought food to support and encourage the volunteers working that day. The visit concluded with a warm dialogue on living in harmony with nature, and we were presented with fruit juice and colorful, eco-friendly tote bags handcrafted by supporters of the Hope Cathedral.
International Vesak Day
The Union of Thai Sanghas in Europe, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Sangha and the Permanent Missions of Thailand and Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, organized an International Day of Vesak celebration on 30 April 2026, at the United Nations. Ajahn Kongrit was designated to deliver a speech on behalf of the Union of Thai Sanghas in Europe. Statements were also presented by the Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Bhutan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Singapore, and India, as well as representatives from the Permanent Missions of Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Nigeria, followed by a joint meditation session.
On this occasion, Most Ven. Phra Brahmasitthi, Member of the Supreme Sangha Council, Regional Ecclesiastical Governor (Region 11), and Abbot of Wat Saket Ratchaworamaha Vihara, presided over the monastic ceremony to enshrine Buddhist scriptures from the Bhumibalo Bhikkhu Foundation.
The event was attended by Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives, members of diplomatic missions and international organizations, Thai and Sri Lankan monastics residing in Europe, as well as Thai and Sri Lankan lay Buddhists living across Europe.
Peace Walk Celebrating Vesak Day
The Buddhist Federation of Norway organized a two-day Peace Walk on 30–31 May to celebrate Vesak Day. The walk commenced from Eidsvoll Verk Station, included an overnight stay at the Lotus Temple (a Vietnamese Buddhist temple), and concluded with a Vesak celebration ceremony at Wat Thai Norway. Ajahn Mahasomphob from Sumedharama was also invited to participate in this event.
New Abbot of Sumedharama
Ajahn Kongrit traveled to Sumedharama in Portugal alongside Ajahn Mahasomphob to attend the Abbot Handover Ceremony. Ajahn Vajiro retired from his role as Abbot—a duty he had faithfully served since 2012—and officially passed the leadership of the monastery to Ajahn Appamādo, a Portuguese senior monk.
Food Stall at the Village Festival
Lay supporters of Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery brought a Thai food stall and a traditional Thai fruit carving demonstration to the annual Village Festival, held on the grounds of the Skiptvet Municipal Office on 13 June 2026. Blessed with beautiful weather, the event saw a larger turnout than in previous years, creating a lively atmosphere. Our food stall offered free Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup) and mango sticky rice, alongside interactive Thai fruit carving demonstrations for interested attendees.
Volunteering at Bodhibhumivana Monastery (Vingrom)
On 27 June 2026, we traveled to assist with volunteer work at Vingrom (Bodhibhumivana) Buddhist Monastery to haul and stack slate roof tiles—procured by the temple—onto the main hall (Ubosatha). Nearly 30 persons, both monastic and lay volunteers from various communities gathered to help.
Ordination Ceremony at Santacittarama, Italy
Ajahn Kongrit attended the monastic ordination ceremony of Ven. Dhīrajitto (from Slovenia) and Ven. Jotiko (from South Africa) on July 19, 2026.
Food Offering for the Extraordinary Meeting (UTSE Region 3)
Lay supporters of Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery prepared and offered meals to support the monastic sangha participating in the Annaual Meeting of the Union of Thai Sanghas in Europe (Region 3), held on 26 July 2026.
World Peace Awards
Ajahn Kongrit and Ajahn Anejo attended the World Peace Award 2026, led by Chao Khun Sweden (Abbot of Wat Buddharam, Sweden), held at the Stockholm Concert Hall in Stockholm, Sweden, on 22 August 2026. Ven. Bhikkhu Paññākara was honored as one of the World Peace Award recipients and delivered a keynote address.
Exhibition of Buddha Statues & Gestures: The Various Mudras
The monastery, in collaboration with Skiptvet Public Library, is still hosting an exhibition featuring various postures and gestures (mudras) of the Buddha. This exhibition aims to provide an educational opportunity for those interested to study and understand. Another noteworthy aspect of the exhibition is the provision of small Emerald Buddha images, available for interested attendees to acquire for veneration. Previously Exhibited:
The featured display for this August is the First Sermon Buddha (Dhammacakka Mudrā), honoring the Āsāḷha Pūjā and the beginning of Vassa (Rains Retreat). It commemorates the Buddha’s very first sermon delivered to the earliest five disciples, guiding them to understand the Truth he had discovered at his Enlightenment. This stands as proof that the Dhamma (teachings) is accessible and can be learned by every human being. Most importantly, it is something we all should learn and reach for—especially if we recognize that there are still problems in life that need solving.
In September, we will be displaying the Holding the Alms Bowl Buddha (Piṇḍapāta Mudrā). During our Annual Temple Open Day on the 5th of September, various Buddha images will also be on display at the monastery. You can learn more about the different Buddha postures showcased at both the monastery and Skiptvet Public Library at https://www.lokuttara.net/statues-and-gestures
Whether We Stay or Go, May We Be Loved
By Ajahn Kongrit
To be accepted, respected, understood, praised, loved, and appreciated is something that all human beings desire. Deep down, we know these things cannot be given or received from one side alone; there must be both giving and receiving—a mutual exchange. Yet, what we so deeply desire for ourselves, we often struggle to offer to others. This becomes even harder when dealing with those who are different from us or different from our group.
Asmi-māna-anusaya (the subtle underlying tendency of ego or self-conceit) is a refined feeling clinging to the minds of ordinary people. It is the deep-seated sense that there is a "me" or an "I." When there is an "I," there follows "mine"—our beliefs, our views, our people, our group. This is quickly followed by feelings of superiority, inferiority, or equality, leading to contempt, devaluation, hatred, division, and pushing others away to alienate them from us.
One day, while sitting in a coffee shop at Oslo Central Station waiting for a lay follower to ask the staff for permission to eat our meal there, I noticed a man sitting at an adjacent table. He was angrily confronting a family dressed in plain, faded, somewhat traditional clothes—unlike typical modern attire. It was hard to tell if they were religious practitioners, nor could I identify their ethnicity or nationality. In a furious and aggressive tone, yet spoken with a flat, steady voice, he said words to the effect of: "You people sh*t my life every single day." This was followed by two or three more sentences uttered with the same heavy, forceful tone. As far as I could observe, the man and the family did not seem to know each other personally. The targeted family did not argue back; they simply stood up from their seats and quietly walked out of the coffee shop.
As I sat there listening and observing, I felt deeply saddened. The monk accompanying me did not see the incident, so I told him about it. I remarked that for someone to feel such hatred toward complete strangers simply because of their race or nationality, what must the groups on both sides have done to one another for someone to speak so harshly and disrespectfully in such a public place?
Asmimānassa vinayo etaṃ ve paramaṃ sukhanti "The removal of the conceit 'I am' is indeed the highest happiness." Muccalinda sutta (Khuddaka Nikāya, Udāna 51)
Let's look at it from another angle: when people try to insist that "They love us, and those whom they love also love us", my direct experience is that it always yields the same result. Whether through their posture, tone of voice, or clinging tightly to conversations without letting go, and regardless of whether the listener responds or cares, the impression seems to be: "Whoever is offered this love and does not accept it or understand it is wrong and deserves severe punishment."
Hearing it sounds like a subtle threat: "If you don't love the way I love, or don't love the ones I love, you are wrong." At times, it is even filled with fierce anger and resentment.
This sense of "self" is extremely subtle. It is not easy to abandon instantly; it feels as though something vital would be missing. It becomes the root cause of relationship issues—from close personal ties, families, and coworkers, all the way to global conflicts—simply because this "I" rarely loves or wishes well upon "them."
While we still do not see the need to let it go, or are unable to do so yet, we should at least try to understand our own feelings a bit better. If we can recognize what kind of acceptance, respect, understanding, appreciation, love, and praise "we" crave, we will realize that others likely desire the exact same things, hardly any different from us.
Understanding just this much should be enough to help us find better ways to express ourselves—rather than forcing, coercing, or threatening others. After all, if we ourselves do not like such treatment, who else would? If we do not yet have a better approach, we should not waste time expressing a kind of "love" that, frankly, the receiver would feel much better off without.
At the very least, even if no one accepts or understands us as we wish, we can still love and understand our own hearts. Wherever we stay or go, relationship problems will not arise—or if they do, they will be vastly softened and lightened.
