FAQ

Do you offer retreats and can I book one?

No, Abhayagiri does not provide retreats on the monastery property, either for groups or for individuals. However, there are Dhamma talks and retreats given by monks and nuns associated with this monastery offered in various parts of the United States. You may wish to click on calendar to view upcoming events and scheduled retreats at other locations.

May I visit the monastery?

Yes. You will find that you will be very welcome. The monastery is always open as a quiet sanctuary for those who seek peace and solitude. For nine months of the year (April through December) it is also possible to arrange a stay as an overnight guest for limited periods. Those who stay as guests participate in the life of the resident community: sharing the routines of chanting, meditation, work, communal meals, and private time.

As a mendicant tradition, Theravada monasteries exist in a close relationship with the greater lay Buddhist community. Thus along with the element of seclusion, which is essential to a contemplative life, there is also the element of accessibility. The monastery provides spiritual support for the community-at-large and the laity provides material support for the monastery.


I've decided that I want to be a Buddhist monk/nun. What should I do?

Arrange to visit: very often the concept of Buddhist monastic life is very different from the actuality—"Between the idea and the act there falls the shadow," as T.S. Eliot put it. If you call first you can set up a time to visit with the abbot. He will then be able to give you a clearer picture of what this life is like. We do offer the possibility of stays of up to three months, but please note that any request for a long-term stay must be considered by the resident community and is by no means always possible or appropriate.

How might I help the monastery?
Do you have specific needs that I might review before a visit?

Yes and thank you for asking. The material support by the community-at-large is both appreciated and essential for the monastery. Please find more information to how this all works by clicking on support.


Will Ajahn Pasanno be there when I visit?

Abhayagiri’s abbot, Ajahn Pasanno, does his best to meet with guests if requested (preferably in advance); however, due to the monastery's busy work schedule and the Ajahn’s travel schedule, this is not always possible. On the other hand, Abhayagiri is fortunate to have multiple teaching monks in residence who may be able to meet with you. Furthermore, they or the abbot typically are present at the evening teas to answer questions, and Ajahn Pasanno and the teaching monks deliver Dhamma talks on Saturday evenings and lunar observance dates, all of which are open to the public.

For any other questions please feel free to email or write us at:

Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery
16201 Tomki Road
Redwood Valley, CA 95470

Tel: 1-707-485-1630

Email: Contact (Please use the contact form on this site.)