The past six weeks have been quite active at the monastery: the monks returned from a long journey to western Norway, and the monastery also hosted two special events: the cloth-offering ceremony in the kathina season (Pha Pah), and the 10-year anniversary of the monastery. Journey to the West On the evening of Sunday, 21 September, Luang Por Kumphong, together with two monks from Wat Ubolmanee, arrived at Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery after travelling from Grimo a few days ear

The new moon of August, which fell on Saturday, the 23rd of August 2025 , marks the halfway point of the vassa. This means there are about six weeks left until Pavāraṇā Day , the full moon of October, which concludes the rains-retreat. Even in monastic life, it is striking how quickly time seems to pass. Let’s now take a look at the recent events which took place at Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery. Recent events The World Tipitaka Foundation From 6th to 11th May, we were honoured

Winter This winter, the temperature didn't drop below -20 °C for more than a few short days, unlike last year. After experiencing outdoor work in Vingrom to get used to the weather, I sought out activities to maintain a normal outdoor life and not be daunted by the cold. Cutting Firewood in the Snow This year, we ordered ten pallets of firewood (1000 liters/pallet) for the winter. However, there was no time to cut firewood from the forest for next year. So, I asked the laypeo

Don’t be so caught up in 'being yourself' Ajahn Kongrit We’ve probably all felt frustrated, impulsive, restless, angry, disheartened, disappointed, lonely, sad, anxious, confused, or indecisive—each feeling varying in intensity depending on the situation, mood, and emotional environment at the time. These emotions often bring discomfort and unease to the mind, sometimes even making the body feel unwell. Fortunately, though, these moods and feelings have a rhythm; they come an

Happiness and Desire Ajahn Kongrit The happiness of the heart arises from obtaining what one desires. When material desires are within a...

Adapting to align with what is happening Ajahn Kongrit This April marks a full year since I moved to live here at Skiptvet Buddhist Monastery, and the most significant thing I've learned during that time is how to adapt to the lowest temperatures that I've ever experienced. Preparation is crucial: whether it's estimating the amount of firewood needed for the monastery, determining the type of fire to build, or adjusting the heater in the main house to achieve a comfortable te

Closer than family with the strangers I came to Lokuttara Vihara exactly on New Year's Eve 2022. That means I have been here continuously for 299 days and nights. I have seen lay supporters coming and going, guests coming and going, and monastics coming and going. And with the monastics, I live in this monastery as a community. Ajahn Kongrit came in April, and Samanera Jotipañño and Ajahn Ñāṇadassano followed, and Ashin Jayadhamma arrived at the beginning of Vassa. People tha