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MANJUSHRI RETREAT 2008-09 BEGINS

MANJUSHRI RETREAT 2008-09 BEGINS

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For the fifth year in a row, Sravasti Abbey offers a 3 month silent winter retreat. This year the Buddha in our thoughts and hearts is Manjushri, the Buddha of wisdom. Along with the Abbey community, five guests have taken time out of their busy lives to attend the retreat. The Abbey has adapted the 3 month retreat due to the difficulty of many people to take 3 months off from work by offering the first month as a retreat in and of itself. It is a wonderful group that is bonding quickly and helping each other settle into the daily retreat schedule. Many of us feel this is a rare and precious opportunity to practice without the daily distractions of life, and to deepen our understanding of the Dharma. Thanks to all of you who made this retreat possible for us.


The 2008-2009 Manjushri retreatants


Karen and Nan take down the water bowls after the last session of the day. Each retreatant gets a chance to lead and set up the altar.

Sarah visits the altar at the end of the evening to bow to each of the Buddhas.


This year’s retreat started with a record snowfall. Our Buddha in the garden sees each of the snowflakes as Manjushri. See if you can.


Cristina uses our handy snow rake to pull large amounts of snow off the roof of the main house. For safety reasons we try to keep the roofs clear. Melting snow can build ice dams at the gutters and add a huge amount of weight to the roof structure.


After the storm, a day of sunshine and blue skies gives us this postcard photo of the Abbey in the snow.


Kathie Evans from Pennsylvania sent the Abbey dozens of small Manjushri tsa-tsas, which are small clay sculpture with beautiful detail. Katya and Pam paint them with gold paint which brings out the details even more.


The group prepares for its second morning session. The meditation hall is cool which keeps some of us from napping rather then meditating!


After the Thursday night teaching, Venerable answers questions about the Manjushri practice from the retreatants. It’s a good time to take notes for studying before a practice session.

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