SRAVASTI ABBEY OPEN HOUSE 2008 IS A HUGE SUCCESS
The Abbey’s 5th annual Open House for its neighbors and friends starts with an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new kitchen.
After a beautiful dedication prayer by Venerable Chodron, Jampel cuts the ribbon. The kitchen has worked out beautifully, making the care and feeding of large groups much easier and more efficient.
After the ribbon ceremony, our guests arrive with smiles and curiosity. The Abbey community gives tours, local volunteers help with snacks and refreshments, and the new video, which tells the story of the Abbey, plays throughout the day. (Click here to see it.)
The finale is a walk through the forest, which is being thinned and opened for health and safety. The snowshoe rabbits seem to like the new look. The elusive bunny has been seen a number of times by Abbey residents. It is a wonderful day all around.
 Early arrivals to the open house witness the dedication of the newly remodeled kitchen.
 Venerable Chodron makes the dedication for the well being, harmony, and nourishment of all who work in the kitchen.
 Jampel prepares to cut the ribbon.
 Everyone gets a chance to cook in the new Abbey kitchen regardless of age or gender. Ordained, lay, good cook, not so good cook – all take their turn. It is a powerful practice in equanimity.
 The Abbey community and volunteers are ready with smiles for a day of friendship and connection.
 Many new folks come to the Abbey during the Open Houses. This year is no exception.
Sister Nancy, one of our dear Carmelite friends, gets a hug from Venerable Chodron as Sister Leslie looks on. Sr. Leslie spent one month last winter participating in the Medicine Buddha retreat.
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 The kitchen becomes a place for people to share in quiet conversation.
 Venerable Chodron with some of the wee ones and their parents.

Venerable Semkye poses with members of the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
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