Each year since the time of the Buddha, at the end of the three-month Rains Retreat, the lay community around every Buddhist monastery has gathered to celebrate the completion of the retreat and to offer to the monastic community gifts of cloth and supplies that will be useful for the coming year. The cloth is then cut, sewn and dyed by the monks to make a robe on that day to offer to one of the Saṅgha. This 2,500-year-old tradition is still carried on here in the West in the Theravadan monasteries. It is initiated by a lay supporter or a group of supporters who request to organize the preparation and formal offerings. It is both a significant and joyful occasion that, over time, has become emblematic of the richness of the relationship...
Posted October 1, 2018

There is still space available on the Thanksgiving Retreat and registration will remain open until we have a waiting list. November 17-25, 2018 at Mount Madonna Center in Watsonville, CA (near Santa Cruz) If you already applied you will receive a formal confirmation from the retreat manager, Hitesi (hitesi3@gmail.com), in August. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive this confirmation. To apply, mail your deposit and registration to Paul Friedlander as indicated on the application. Lead by the Abhayagiri Community Abhayagiri Monastery in Redwood Valley, California and the Sanghapala Foundation invite you to join Ajahn Sud...
Posted September 30, 2018

Join us in welcoming one of Abhayagiri’s founding abbots during his visit this coming October. Ajahn Amaro, co-abbot of Abhayagiri from 1996 to 2010 and current abbot of Amaravati Monastery in England, will return to Abhayagiri for the 2018 Kathina ceremony, which will be held on Sunday, October 28. Details about the Kathina ceremony, schedule, and wish list shortly will be posted shortly. Also attending will be Ajahn Jayanto, abbot of Temple Forest Monastery, and Ajahn Sudanto, abbot of Pacific Hermitage. Ajahn Amaro will arrive at Abhayagiri late on October 25 and fly out of the Bay Area on November 8. Details regarding his teaching engagements and general schedule can be found below and on the Abhayagiri calendar
Posted September 29, 2018

To begin with, the practice is essentially a practice, and not a theory to be idly discussed. Even the theoretical or philosophical aspects of the Buddha’s teachings are there to be used as tools in aiding in the escape from all suffering and stress. It’s because of this fact that the Buddha’s primary metaphor for his teachings was a path: the noble eightfold path, composed of all the “right” factors mentioned above. It’s also why right view, the theory behind the path, is part of the path, and doesn’t stand outside it. Also, because right view serves ...