The Next Garden Party is August 2nd
Somehow it’s August already, and time for our monthly gathering to tend to the forest. Anumodana for the care and effort of so many of you participating in these joyful community occasions.
The day will follow the usual schedule, below. And mark your calendars for the next garden parties – September 6, and October 4.
Meal Offering: 11:00 AM. Feel free to bring a dish for the potluck style meal offering (please arrive by 10:30 if you’re bringing food).
Garden Work: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Please also feel free to bring any extra garden tools for the day, and dress in your ‘garden clothes.’
Tea: 3:00 pm – 4:00 PM.
Pah Bah Weekend is September 20th & 21st
The Pah Bah is being held on September 20th and 21st in Underwood, WA. Monks from near and far will be joining us for this auspicious occasion: Ajahn Jayanto and Ajahn Caganando from Temple Forest Monastery, Ajahn Ñyaniko and monks from Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, and Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho from Clear Mountain Monastery. All events will be held at the Underwood Community Center, 951 School House Rd, Underwood, Wash.
Donations will support the development of the “monks retreat house” project.
We are excited to be working on a new project to support the elders in our lineage. The primary purpose of this two-story dwelling is to comfortably accommodate senior monks in our tradition for visits and periods of solitary retreat. Features will include an accessible sleeping room with an en-suite bathroom, separate living space for an attendant, a kitchenette, restrooms, and a peaceful meditation and gathering space with expansive views of the forest.
The schedule for the weekend’s events is below.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Meditation Retreat: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
There will be structured periods of sitting, walking, and Dhamma reflections. This is a lovely opportunity to settle into the weekend and the community. Please bring a zafu or cushion if you need one.
Sunday, Sept. 21
Meal Offering: 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Pah Bah Ceremony & Dhamma Reflections: 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
If you are attending the meal, please bring a dish to share to the kitchen and be settled into your seat by 10:30. Otherwise, please arrive by 12:30. The monks will be available in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday to talk with guests and take photos.
All 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.
Hope to see you there!