Dear Dhamma Friends, Abhayagiri Monastery plans to have a Thanksgiving Retreat this year, from Saturday, November 21st to Sunday, November 29th. The retreat this year will be held at Applegate Jesuit Retreat Center, the same place it was held in 2023 and 2019. The retreat will be led by Luang Por Pasanno, Ajahn Nyaniko, Debbie Stamp and Jill Satterfield. If you would like to sign up for this retre…
We have received many calls and emails expressing concern over the news of this morning’s earthquake. We appreciate the care and concern. So far this morning, we have not found any significant damage on our property and everyone is safe and injury free. Many Blessings, Abhayagiri Sangha
I have found the contemplative life is better viewed as an artistic exercise. In the beginning we need to learn the skills involved in an art form, like playing a musical instrument. Inevitably, applying ourselves to these techniques can be boring; becoming adept calls for repetition. To play a violin we must learn how to move our fingers, how to hold the wrist. If we don’t hold the instrument correctly, many beautiful possibilities are not available. Hours and hours of exercise are required to learn to play an instrument, use the medium of paint or handle a camera. But once we’ve internalized…
This Dhamma talk was offered on June 22, 2026 at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery.
