2009 Gallery
Green Tara Retreat Begins – December 2009
With retreatants coming from Mexico, Canada, Montana and a record two participants from Louisiana, the Green Tara retreat, the 6th winter retreat offered by the Abbey begins. Along with the 16 residential retreatants, there are over 225 (and counting) that will be doing the retreat from afar. Having their pictures in the meditation hall with us is very inspiring. We’ll keep in touch as the next few months go on.
Jeffrey Hopkins – October 2009
Jeffrey Hopkins, one of the most respected Western scholars and translators of Tibetan Buddhism, made his second visit to Sravasti Abbey in September and gave a teaching on one of his favorite topics: compassion. Jeffrey’s humor, mixed with his vast knowledge of the Dharma, makes the Buddha’s teachings very accessible.
Exploring Buddhism Week – July 2009
Sravasti Abbey offered its 4th Exploring Buddhism Week in July. It is a great experience for the community and the participants. The Abbey community supports the young adults with making meals, offering service opportunities, and one-on-one heartfelt Dharma conversations. The young adults bring great joy, enthusiasm, and questioning minds to the week-long event. We all had fun!
Khensur Wangdak Rinpoche Returns To Sravasti Abbey – April 2009
For the 4th time since the founding of Sravasti Abbey, Khensur Wangdak Rinpoche visits and gives teachings. Rinpoche continues with sublime teachings on Chapter 2 of Santideva’s Guide to a Bodhisattva’s Way of Life.
It has also become a tradition that when Rinpoche visits he blesses the Abbey in some way. This time he blesses Gotami House in the beautiful library full of light. We pray always for Khensur Wangdak’s long life – he is very special to us.
Dianne Takes Novice Ordination – April 2009
The Abbey celebrates its 5th ordination as Dianne Pratt takes the Sramanerika/ Siksamana novice vows. Our stalwart friends, the four Chinese bhikshunis, along with Venerable Chodron, guide Dianne through the beautiful, private ceremony.
Afterwards the newly ordained Venerable Thubten Jigme (meaning fearless) makes offerings to the bhikshunis, and the Abbey community and guests offer lunch to the Sangha. It is a beautiful auspicious day as the Abbey Sangha community grows to six.