Not-Self: Not Taking Ourselves Personally: A Spirit Rock Daylong led by Ajahn Karunadhammo

Not-Self: Not Taking Ourselves Personally: A Spirit Rock Daylong led by Ajahn Karunadhammo

On April 6th Ajahn Karunadhammo will lead a daylong at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. You are welcome to participate online or in person, but advance registration is required.

The daylong will be from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

The theme is Not-Self: Not Taking Ourselves Personally:

Liberation won’t be found in trying to create the perfect personality, because it isn’t the personality that realizes liberation. Using the Buddha’s teachings on Not-Self as a contemplative strategy, rather than a doctrine to believe in, is a way to freedom in the heart/mind.

This daylong will explore various teachings on Not-Self and how to bring them into present moment experience. The day will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, as well as Dharma reflections and time for Q&A.

There will be a traditional meal offering at lunch time and you are welcome to bring some food to offer to the monastics and to share with others.

Advance registration for this daylong is required via this Spirit Rock website:
https://spirit-rock.secure.retreat.guru/program/not-self-not-taking-ourselves-personally-ak1z24/

This is a dana event: no registration fee is required.

Gratitude from Luang Por Pasanno

Gratitude from Luang Por Pasanno

The date of my 50th ordination was on January 4 this year with many, many people coming to the monastery to offer their respects and appreciation. I was deeply touched by that day. Part of the ceremony was an offering of resolutions or determinations that people made as a vehicle for strengthening their own practice, and also to dedicate blessings for me. Since that day I have been reading them and, I must say, I am really moved by the expressions of sincerity and commitment that have been shown. There was a huge range of people from many different countries, different age ranges, and different interests of how to explore their dedication to the Triple Gem more fully. And, there were over 130 dedications written that I received!

I wish to offer my heartfelt gratitude for each and every person who made the effort to articulate their wish to further their practice in this way. It has inspired me to try to be more worthy of the sincerity you all expressed. May we all continue to grow and flourish in the Dhamma.

All good wishes,
Pasanno Bhikkhu

Winter Retreat at Abhayagiri

Winter Retreat at Abhayagiri

The monastery entered the three-month annual winter retreat on January 4, 2024. During this time, the resident community takes time to engage in more formal meditation practice following a changing schedule of group and individual practice. We will resume the normal routines on April 3rd.

During the winter retreat there will be no overnight guests. To schedule overnight visits after April 1st, please contact us April 1st or later. Day visitors are still welcome to visit the monastery to participate in the meal offering or bring offerings of requisites at meal time or attend the evening Dhamma talks on Saturday night and lunar observance days. It should be noted, however, that the community is practicing noble silence. Thus, conversations with the monastics and retreat crew are very limited.

We will continue to hold the Saturday evening meditation and Dhamma talks beginning at 7pm each Saturday and the weekly lunar observance days. Please see the website calendar for details or go to the Abhayagiri YouTube Channel to view the livestreams. The general public is welcome to attend these events. For those interested in listening to Dhamma talks from the monastery, please note that we plan on posting new talks regularly throughout the retreat.

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