Dear Friends,
Warm greetings from Parayana Vihara.
I hope this finds you well and that the Dhamma is a good friend and guide in these challenging times.
The photo above is from a recent visit to our dear Dhamma brothers at Clear Mountain Sangha in Seattle.
Here at Parayana Vihara, we are in a time of transition. Samaneri Junha has been instrumental in establishing Parayana Vihara with me and the wider community. She has a true love of the monastic endeavor and the potential that offers. Reluctantly, she has had to accept that due to certain karmic obstacles (not to do with her broken leg, which is healing well) she is not able to continue at this time and has laid down her monastic training to continue her Dhamma practice in lay life. While comings and goings in monastic life are a natural part of the process, it is also impactful. May all the good merits developed through Junha’s practice and service be a support and blessing to her in this time of transition and throughout her life.
Ven Satima and Cynthia will be having some quite days at the vihara, which will be closed over the next few days while I am away leading a metta retreat in Canmore Theravada Buddhist Monastery, and also spending time with Ayya Ahimsa and the community there. Please check the website for changes to our usual schedule.
Recently, I visited Aranya Bodhi Hermitage in CA, to pay respects to my Preceptor, Ayya Tathaloka Mahatheri, and to receive a small stupa containing earth from the five ancient stupas of leading women disciples from the Buddha’s time, and from the time of Sanghamitta Mahatheri, in India and Sri Lanka, respectively. The photograph below is of this sacred earth which will bless our vihara. The connection to our enlightened Bhikkhuni Elders from right back to the Buddha’s time, flows like spring water through the lineage of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, reminding us of the great efforts and great insights of our foremothers in the Sangha.
The Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha is still evolving and growing around the world, as bhikkhunis share teachings and practice for the benefit of all, and offer training to aspirants and novices. Alliance for Bhikkhunis has been supporting the Bhikkhuni Sangha since 2007 and have played an important role in helping us all get started. They are currently looking for volunteer support, please see below.
From Alliance for Bhikkhunis President, Dennis Crean:
We are currently on the lookout for new board members and other volunteers to help Alliance for Bhikkhunis continue to fulfill its mission. Are you inspired to offer your time and organizational skills to support the growth and thriving of the bhikkhuni movement worldwide? If so, please contact us at info@bhikkhuni.net to learn more about how you can get involved.
Thank you for your ongoing interest and support of Alliance for Bhikkhunis!
Alliance for Bhikkhunis | www.bhikkhuni.net
The Dhamma belongs in all aspects of our lives. In the peaceful places, the loving places, the messy places, the painful places. It all belongs and whatever we experience is an opportunity to strengthen wholesome qualities in ourselves, and deepen our insight into the nature of things, regardless of whether conditions seem favorable or not. In fact, when times are hard, it’s all the more reason to find opportunities for compassion with the suffering of ourselves and others, patience with difficult conditions (we can still make active changes with patience present) and contentment and gratitude for whatever good is present in our lives.
May these words of encouragement remind you of your higher potential and inspire you to keep working towards loving and letting go.
With metta and all good wishes,
Ayya Anandabodhi
The photo of the sacred earth, offered to the vihara by Ayya Tathaloka Mahatheri.
May all beings be safe.
Retreats & Other Teachings
Sundays at the Vihara
Sept 21 CLOSED | Sept 28 | Oct 5 CLOSED | Oct 12 | Oct 19 | Oct 26
Fourth Sunday Dhamma
Sept 26 (online) 6:00 – 6:30pm: Community meet & greet
6:30 – 8:00pm: Dhamma program
Upcoming Retreats and Events
Oct 3 – 10 Deepening Into Wisdom and Love Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center, NM (Registration open)
Nov 1 Settling into the Body, Opening the Heart A Day of Practice with Ayya Anandabodhi West Seattle (No registration required)
Dec 28 – Jan 4 New Year’s Retreat – An Invitation to Simplicity and Letting Go Applegate Jesuit Retreat Center, CA (Registration open!)
Offerings and Possibilities
Teaching on Vedana – Satipatthana
for Buddhist Global Relief
Global Awareness Local Action
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
Why Do We Make Life So Hard?
from “Sustainable Human”
Light a Candle
Take a moment to reflect and make a dedication
Pārāyana Vihāra Meal Offering & Dana List
