Dear Friends,
Warm Autumnal greetings,
I’m writing to you from New Mexico, where I just co-taught a retreat at Vallecitos Retreat Center with my old friend Sumedha. To practice in such a naturally beautiful environment was inspiring and uplifting. Nature teaches us the way things are— ever changing, interdependent, responsive, inviting us to enter into a relationship of mutual respect.
That was the last retreat I’ll be teaching until our New Year Retreat in California, Dec 28 – Jan 4. I always consider the New Year Retreat to be the best retreat of the year. There are still opportunities to register here.
Back at Parayana Vihara, when I return from New Mexico, Venerable Kunga will arrive with a view to change lineage to the Theravada tradition and join our community. Bryanna, who lived with us for 3 months earlier this year, will also return to support the community and further her exploration of monastic life, staying through Spring time. Joan will travel from the East Coast to take over as Steward at the vihara for one year, as Cynthia’s time of service as the vihara Steward comes to an end on Oct 16. Much gratitude for Cynthia’s care for us (and the orchids!) over these months. Venerable Satima is staying with us through Spring and maybe longer. I am happy to be able to welcome a growing community, living and practicing together in the Dhamma. Ayya Munissara will also visit us on her travels in the Pacific NW.
On Nov 1, I will be offering my first afternoon of meditation and Dhamma in Seattle at the Fauntleroy Church. This is an open event, for all who want to meditate and explore the Buddha’s teachings in a tangible way. You can find out more HERE.
Save the Date! This year’s Almsgiving Ceremony for Parayana Vihara is kindly sponsored by Kate Hathirat and will be held on December 7 in Port Townsend, with a hybrid option to join online. More information about this special event will be posted on our website later this month.
Today – Oct 13 – is Indigenous Peoples Day.
One of the qualities of being indigenous to a particular place is the deep connection one has with land and culture. We are all part of nature and with careful intention, we can find our way back from a mind-centric experience of life, to an embodied presence that understands and resonates with the nature of things, the Dhamma of things. Nature can awaken us to the sanity and joy that is possible when we let go of the ongoing stimulation of media and entertainment, when we let go of accumulating and becoming. Being present with the simplicity of the elements that are shared with all.
With much metta,
Ayya Anandabodhi
The photo above is of Vallecitos Retreat Center during our retreat.
Below: White Buffalo Dance at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, 10/12/2025
May all beings be safe.
Retreats & Other Teachings
Sundays at the Vihara
Oct 19 | Oct 26 | Nov 2 | Nov 9 | Nov 16 | Nov 23
Fourth Sunday Dhamma
Oct 26 (online)
6:00 – 6:30pm: Community meet & greet
6:30 – 8:00pm: Dhamma program
Upcoming Retreats and Events
Nov 1 Settling into the Body, Opening the Heart
An afternoon of practice with Ayya Anandabodhi
West Seattle
(No registration required)
Dec 7 2nd Annual Almsgiving Ceremony for Parayana Vihara!
Port Townsend (hybrid)
Save the Date!
Dec 28 2015 – Jan 4 2026 New Year’s Retreat – An Invitation to Simplicity and Letting Go
Applegate Jesuit Retreat Center, CA
(Registration open!)
Mar 24 – 29 2026 Making the Mind Your Friend
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, Barre, MA
(Registration open)
Mar 30 – Apr 8 2026 Acceptance and Agency
Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA
(Registration open)
May 18 – 23 Silence Behind the Noise
Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Woodacre, CA
(Registration open)
Oct 23 – 29 Finding Refuge
Cloud Mountain Retreat Center, Castle Rock, WA
(Registration opens July 5)
Offerings and Possibilities
Dhamma Talk
Cooling the Passionate Heart, Warming the Aversive Mind
From “Deepening Into Wisdom and Love” 2025
The Eternal Song
Ancestral Wisdom and Collective Healing
from Science and Nonduality
Indigenous Peoples Day
Oct 13, 2025
Light a Candle
Take a moment to reflect and make a dedication
Pārāyana Vihāra Meal Offering & Dana List
