Hmp Spring Hill And Its Buddha Grove07
Springhill prison has its setting in sprawling country side. It is an open prison, where some offenders go when they are nearing the end off their sentence.
On Sunday 9th September there was an anniversary celebration for the Buddha Grove that was built there by the Angulimala Organization, some years ago. The organization was started by Ajahn Khemadhammo, with the aim of providing a quiet garden area which would allow the prisoners and staff an area in which to be peaceful.
A large Buddha statue was brought from Thailand. There is a story that the prisoners, at the time of its arrival concreted it into its position so well and securely. For they didn’t want anyone to steal it.
Thai ladies worked hard and cheerfully in the kitchens all afternoon, preparing food for the prisoners and guests. The guests began to arrive to be ready for the celebration, due to start at six pm.
This year was not as many Venerable monks as last year as there were many events occurred for example Vessantara chanting at Buddhapadipa temple. Ajahn Khemadhammo led the chanting with Phramaha Sangthong Dhammacaro from Buddhapadipa Wimbledon along with Venerable monks from Oxford Vihara. After the chanting and the first part of the ceremony, we went inside for dinner (no dinner for the monks of course). It was delicious and we guests and the prisoners enjoyed it very much.
Then it was back to the Buddha Grove where we lit candles and incense and circumnutated the grove three times led by the chanting monks. Gifts were then given to those who had especially helped the evening to be successful. The message that the organization gives out is that it’s not necessary to build big temples but just to use active love. The whole evening was a warm and wonderful occasion and enjoyed by prisoners and guests alike.
