Aryaloka News

The Passing of Dh Vihanasari

Our dear friend Dharmacharini Vihanasari (Sandra Bonin) died on August 18, 2023 at age 79 following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. We remember her as a long time member of the Aryaloka sangha. First as a friend, then a mitra and in July, 2008, she was ordained into the Triratna Buddhist Order and given the Buddhist name Vihanasari by Dayalocana her Private Preceptor. Vihanasari had a strong connection with 1000 armed Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. He represented her desire and willingness to solve whatever problem came her way and her compassionate nature.

The Installation of the Dakini Rupa on the Men's Retreat

On July 14 to 16 Aryaloka hosted the Freedom Beyond Fear men's weekend retreat. On Saturday afternoon, the rupa (the form; a statue) was installed with many hands working together. Although the origin and age of the rupa is unknown, Neil Harvey rescued her and several other rupas many years ago from a liquidation warehouse; he then donated the rupas to Aryaloka where they are now back in a context of Dharma practice.

Double your generosity with NH Gives June 6-7, 5pm to 5pm!

Double your generosity with NH Gives June 6-7!

Generosity is a central practice in the Buddhist path of transformation. You have the opportunity to double your generosity by being part of NH Gives, a 24-hour giving window for NH nonprofits, starting today (June 6) at 5 pm.

Three Sangha members are each putting up each $1,000 to match your donations! An anonymous donor is putting up the first match. And order members Cittavan and Saddhavasini will be the second and third matches.

Center Update from Suddhayu

By giving one unites friends.
— Samyutta Nikaya I.215

As new life springs from the gardens and woodlands at Aryaloka, we are seeing new life in our Sangha as we emerge from the pandemic. With the spring comes Aryaloka’s annual pledge drive. I wanted to thank you for your support and give you an update on what’s been happening at the center.