Since the time of the Buddha, Pah Bah celebrations have offered a chance for monastics and lay people to celebrate our interdependence. How fortunate that we as lay people have the opportunity to draw near to the Sangha and hear the Dhamma! The Pacific Hermitage’s Pah Bah weekend is just around the corner on September 14th & 15 in Underwood, Washington.
This year, the Sanghata Foundation is delighted to welcome monks from Abhayagiri and Clear Mountain Monasteries. Joining Ajahn Sudanto and the Pacific Hermitage monks will be Luang Por Pasanno, Ajahn Karunadhammo and other monastics from Abhayagiri, and Ajahn Kovilo from Clear Mountain.
All events for this joyful occasion will be held at the Underwood Community Center, 951 School House Rd, Underwood, WA.
Schedule & Details
Saturday Sept 14th
- 1:00 – 5:00 PM: Meditation Retreat
There will be structured periods of sitting and walking meditation, and Dhamma reflections. This is a lovely opportunity to settle into the weekend and connect with the community. Please bring a zafu or cushion if you need one, as there are not enough for all.
Sunday Sept 15th
- 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Meal Offering
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Pah Bah Ceremony and Dhamma Reflections
If you are attending the Sunday meal, please bring a dish to share to the venue’s kitchen, and be settled into your seat by 10:30. Otherwise, to attend the afternoon’s event please arrive by 12:30.
The monks will be available in the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday to talk with guests and take photos.
Donations will support the development of the “Monks’ Retreat House” project.
We are excited to be working on this new project supporting elders in our lineage. The primary purpose of this two-story dwelling is to comfortably accommodate senior monks for visits and periods of solitary retreat. Features include an accessible sleeping room with an en-suite bathroom, separate living space for an attendant, a kitchenette, restrooms, and an elegant meditation and gathering space with expansive views of the forest.
Join Us
You can attend any or all of the days’ events, it is a great opportunity to connect with the Sangha and the community. Families are welcome! There is a big field, sports courts, and a playground for kids.
If you are interested in helping or volunteering on either of the days, please contact jessicaswanson@gmail.com.
Learn more or donate at PacificHermitage.org.
“…This is the entire holy life Ānanda, that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship. When a bhikkhu has a good friend, a good companion, a good comrade, it is to be expected that he will develop and cultivate the Noble Eightfold Path.”
-SN 45.2