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THE ABBEY’S FIRST MONK

Through vast amounts of virtuous karma and the efforts of Venerable Jendy, a fellow Chinese Bhikshuni and Venerable Chodron, Sravasti Abbey celebrates its first novice monk ordination on September 1.

Reverend Master Hsin Tien from Taiwan, who is visiting one of his temples in Seattle, takes time to come to the Abbey and give the ordination to Jampel. He is accompanied by two fully ordained monks: Venerable Yuan Chuan and Venerable Yuan Da.

The day is beautiful and local Abbey friends put together a delicious potluck lunch for the event. The meditation hall is filled with flowers, incense, and beautiful sunlight. With the Abbey’s fifth birthday coming up on October 11, we consider it very auspicious to have five monastics residing here.

Venerable Chodron quietly waits for the arrival of the Chinese bhikshus.


Once they arrive, our honorable guests sit in the dining room to await Jampel’s formal request for ordination. From left to right: Venerable Yuan Chuan, Reverend Master Hsin Tien, and Venerable Yuan Da.


Jampel awaits the moment to request ordination.


Venerable Chodron and Venerable Jendy lead the way. Behind them the youngest goes first.

Venerable Jendy enters as the guests wait solemnly to greet the sangha.


Those participating in the ordination ceremony wait until everyone is ready before bowing to the Buddha.


Jampel bows to the Buddha.


The intense sunlight streaming through the windows adds a transparency to the forms of the monastics.


A novice and his preceptor


Venerable Jampel makes an offering to the Reverend Master to thank him for his great kindness.


Venerable Jampel makes an offering to his teacher, Venerable Chodron, after the ceremony. Without her guidance and encouragement, Jampel knows he would not be ordained.


Venerable Jampel’s grandmother, Barbara. and others look on .


The resident and guest sangha pose for a group shot.


Family, friends, and supporters gather in the meditation hall after the ordination.


Venerable Thubten Jampel


Bhikshuni Jendy Shih has been present for three of the Abbey’s novice ordinations and has played a crucial role in gathering the ordained sangha needed for all four of them.


The multi-colored robes of the sangha are beautiful together.

Venerable Jampel gets a quick lesson on putting on a chogu from Venerable Chonyi and Venerable Semkye.



The sangha eats lunch in the writing studio where they ask questions of the Reverend Master.


Reverend Master Hsin Tien gives a wonderful Dharma talk to the group and answers many questions.


Venerable Chodron greets Barbara, Jampel’s grandmother, before lunch.

Jampel receives offerings and gifts from the guests. He is inspired to practice the Dharma sincerely so that he can earn their faith and confidence.

 
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