Bhante Rahula Retreat: Registration Still Open

Events

There’s still room for more participants in the Bhante Rahula Retreat.  The four-day retreat runs July 4 – 8, 2018.

Please see our previous post for more details and registration information.  If you have questions, please contact Mimi Maduro.

Over 40 people attended his two-day 2016 retreat in White Salmon.

Piriya and Nee Pinit have followed Bhante’s teachings for many years.  After the 2016 retreat they shared:   “Bhante has been our teacher for more than twenty years and we knew how exceptional he is. We were glad that we could share his teaching with the community of people who have sincere interest in the Dhamma.” (Arvoranee Pinit)

Portland Teachings & Upasika Renewal Day

Events

April 20-22, 2018 at PFoD
Ajahn Sudanto & Pacific Hermitage Monks
Image: Pacific Hermitage

Ajahn Sudanto (pictured),  Ajahn Kassapo and Venerable Sampanno will join the Portland Friends of the Dhamma (PFoD) community for the weekend of April 20-22.  Ajahn Sudanto will teach Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.  

Upasika Renewal Day:  We are especially blessed to have our first Annual Upasika Renewal Day in Portland!  For all those practicing with the precepts and who are committed to the Ajahn Chah lineage, Saturday is a special opportunity to make a year-long commitment to the Pacific Hermitage and this tradition in community with others, but this is optional and all are welcome to attend.

In fact, EVERYONE IS WELCOME to attend any of these events!  The PFoD location in SE Portland and parking information are available at the PFoD website.

Friday April 20:  Tea, Dhamma and Meditation
  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tea and Dhamma discussion
  • 7 p.m. Meditation, Dhamma reflection and questions
Saturday, April 21:  Upasika Renewal Daylong 

Topic: Readings from Stillness Flowing, Ajahn Jayasaro’s new biography of Ajahn Chah, and reflections. Stillness Flowing is available as a pdf online from Abhayagiri.

  • 9 a.m. Upasikas gather downstairs to prepare offering trays
  • 9:30 a.m. Chanting, Taking Precepts, Meditation
  • 11 a.m. Meal preparation
  • 11:30 a.m. Meal offering, potluck and clean-up
  • 1 p.m. Dhamma teachings and discussion with live link-up to Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery for part of the afternoon.
  • 4:30 Closing
Sunday, April 22:  Sunday Sila and Potluck Meal Offering
  • 10 a.m. Meditation and Dhamma Reflections
  • 11:30 a.m. Meal offering from kids group and potluck
  • 1 p.m. Clean-up and closing

All teachings are free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Questions, RSVPs and requests to volunteer can be sent through the contact page at www.pdxdhamma.org. 

April News and Events

Events, News

The monastic winter retreat ends March 31 and regular monthly events resume.  First up is a community Garden Party.

Garden Party and Awesome Potluck
Join us April 7th!  

A yummy potluck, and some time for chatting and working with new or long-time friends. 

Regular Events Resume in April

All are welcome.  Events are free and no experience is needed.  

APRIL 7— Garden Party at Hermitage, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm.

Come for any or all of the activities.  It’s a great way to practice generosity, see the Hermitage, get to know some folks and have some fun!

  • 10:30 am:   Potluck meal (Please tell meal dana coordinator if you’re participating)
  • 1 – 3 pm:   Yard work and other chores
  • 3 – 4 pm:   Tea and chat (until 4 pm)

APRIL 14 — Half-Day of Meditation with the monks in White Salmon, 1- 5 pm, at Yoga Samadhi.   Mostly walking and sitting meditation.  Brief dhamma talk.  Cushions & chairs available.

APRIL 20 & 21 — Portland Friends of the Dhamma  (PFoD).  Pacific Hermitage monks visit Friday evening and Saturday morning.  For more information, visit PFoD website.

TUESDAY NIGHTS — Meditation with the monks, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, at Yoga Samadhi, White Salmon, WA.  Meditation followed by dhamma talk and Q & A.  Cushions & chairs available.

Comings and Goings

Our thanks to Ajahn Jotipalo and Venerable Sudhiro for their time at the Hermitage this winter.  Venerable Sudhiro will return to Abhayagiri Monastery April 3, then continue on to Thailand.  Ajahn Jotipalo will leave April 11 for Minnesota, then visit several monasteries in Canada and New Hampshire.  He’ll return to Abhayagiri in May, then “go to Indiana and beyond” (his words!).  May you both be well.

Welcome to Ajahn Kassapo and Venerable Sampanno, who will arrive at the Hermitage the evening of April 11.  This will be the second time Ajahn Kassapo has resided at the Hermitage and the first stay for Venerable Sampanno.  You can read more about them on the Abhayagiri website.

Special Visitors and Events in 2018

Ajahn Sucitto will visit the Hermitage July 3 – 6, including Tuesday night (July 3) at Yoga Samadhi, White Salmon.  He’ll be at Portland Friends of the Dhamma the evening of July 6, and will offer a daylong there on July 7 (more information on PFoD calendar and website).

Registration is still open for the Bhante Rahula Retreat*, July 4 – 8, near White Salmon, WA.  For more information, please see our previous post.

Other Dates to Remember:

  • May 2 – 16                Birken Retreat  Hermitage groups (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
  • July 28                       Vassa (Monastic Summer Retreat) begins
  • Sep. 15 & 16             Pah Bah Weekend*:  Half-Day Retreat and Ceremony

*Arrange your lodging as soon as possible.

Please check the Pacific Hermitage website often to keep current with any additions, cancellations or changes.  To learn about or offer alms food or a meal to the monks, please visit our Support page or contact dana@pacifichermitage.org.

 

UPDATED: Article Chronicles Thailand Trip to Honor Ajahn Chah

News

UPDATE:  In case NW Dharma News is unable to make these corrections in Ruby’s article, please note the following:   Ajahn Chah’s original monastery is Wat Nong Pah Pong (not, Wat Na Pah Pong, which is another monastery in Thailand).  Corrected spellings:  Mun River (not Moon) and Ajahn Sao (not Soa).  

Check out Ruby Grad’s article in NW Dharma News about traveling to Thailand with several of our community members to honor Ajahn Chah and celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth.  Enjoy descriptions and photos of their travels.

Visiting Wat Nong Pah Pong, Ajahn Chah’s Original Monastery

Left to right: Ruby Grad, Carole Melkonian, Krissy Martin, Joan Benge, Matthew Grad, Scott Benge, Luang Por Liem (barely visible in the back) and Ajahn Sudanto.  Luang Por Liem was a direct disciple of Luang Por Chah and is the Abbot of Wat Nong Pah Pong.