Forest Practice Month The senior monks at Abhayagiri were meeting recently, discussing several important jobs that need attention. One project is trail maintenance. The 2.5 mile long “Loop Trail” has been in existence for over 10 years and has had many repairs and improvements done to it, but in many places the trail surface is getting unevenly worn. Another important job is creating fire breaks /…

Recently, a hand-drawn picture was the focus of attention at the monk’s office of Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery. [Hand-drawn charcoal sketch] It’s a highly detailed pencil drawing featuring Buddha images, stupas, and a relatively youthful-looking Luang Por Chah and Luang Por Sumedho. It was attracting its share of admiration…but some people wanted to know, “Who drew this?” After some discussion, i…

Some new photo albums have been posted on the website, including more photos from Luang Por Liem’s visit to Abhayagiri in early July. Other postings include the Spirit Rock teen weekend, Luang Por Pasanno’s 66th birthday, Ajahn Karunadhammo’s 60th birthday, and the annual Yosemite trip. So, check out the gallery section. Enjoy!

On August 23, six Abhayagiri residents and fifty lay supporters gathered at the Mindfulness Care Center in San Fransisco for a day of sharing. Rik Center, founder of the Mindfulness Care Center, had organized the event as an opportunity to recollect the history of Abhayagiri, to reflect on the blessings that the monastery has brought to people’s lives, and to support Abhayagiri’s ongoing developme…

Ajahn Pasanno and Cator Shachoy will lead a day of meditation and yoga Sunday, October 4 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Mindfulness Care Center in San Francisco. This is a benefit event for Youth Yoga Dharma. The day begins with meditation led by Ajahn Pasanno, followed by a 2-hour yoga class with Cator. Lunch break from 12-1:30 pm includes a traditional meal offering. Please bring a food offering to sh…

Abhayagiri will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday June 4, 2016. We plan to have an all-day gathering, including talks, photographs of the “old days,” and just general visiting with friends old and new. More details will be forthcoming closer to the event, but please put the date on your calendar if you would like to be part of the celebration.

Retreat registration is closed. This post is left here for informational purposes. Registration for the Abhayagiri Thanksgiving Monastic retreat will close on July 31. Here is the original retreat announcement: Abhayagiri Monastery in Redwood Valley, California and the Sanghapala Foundation invite you to join Luang Por Pasanno and the Abhayagiri Community for a 10-day retreat over the Thanksgiving…

The foundation of the new Reception Hall has been poured and the walls are going up, but funds are still needed to complete the interior of the building. The Mindfulness Care Center in San Francisco has organized a Benefit Day on August 23, 9:30 am - 5 pm, which will be an opportunity to interact with Ajahn Pasanno and the Abhayagiri Monastic Community, sharing in reflections and being of support.…

This year, four of our western monasteries had the good fortune to host Luang Por Liem during a one month trip to America. With him was Luang Por Jundee, Ajahn Sek, Ajahn Moshe and Ajahn Thaniyo. They went to Tisarana Monastery in Ottawa, Canada, then Temple Forest Monastery in New Hampshire, Pacific Hermitage, and Abhayagiri. For those who have never before heard the names of these monks: Luang P…

Ajahn Liem, the abbot of Wat Nong Pah Pong and successor to Ajahn Chah, will be visiting four North American monasteries in the Ajahn Chah tradition from June 19 to July 16. Ajahn Jundee, abbot of Wat Pah Ampawan, and two other monks will accompany Ajahn Liem. After visiting Tisarana Buddhist Monastery, Temple Forest Monastery, and Pacific Hermitage, they plan to arrive at Abhayagiri in the early…