Events and Calendar
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Events![]() Events
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| Saturday | 9:00 am | 2:30 pm |
| Sunday | 9:00 am | 4:00 pm |
| Monday | 9:00 am | 2:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am | 2:30 pm |
| Wendesday | 9:00 am | 2:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am |
Retreatants should arrive by 5:00 p.m. on Friday and stay through lunch on Thursday. Commuters are also welcomed.
A dana offering and registration form are requested to reserve your place.
Click here to register.
Rejoicing!
Lama Chopa Puja to Conclude the Tara Retreat - Sunday March 7
Sravasti Abbey
11:30 a.m. Vegetarian Potluck Lunch, 1:00 p.m. puja
Join the Abbey residents for our first public Dharma activity of 2010. This offering ceremony celebrates the completion of the three-month retreat and is a thank you event for all volunteers, supporters, and well-wishers.
We'll share a vegetarian potluck (remember to leave out garlic, onions, leeks, radishes, and eggs) after the puja.
You can come early for the 9:00 a.m. teaching with Guy Newland and/or stay for his second teaching session at 4:00 p.m.
No need to register, but it's helpful to let the know you're coming so we have an idea of how many are attending.
Teachings with Geshe Thupten Phelgye - March 25 thru 28
Geshe Thupten Phelgye returns to teach Lama Tsong Khapa's concise instructions on following the Buddhist path all the way to enlightenment, "The Foundation of All Good Qualities." Geshe-la teachings are always laced with warmth, humor, and practical wisdom for practicing Dharma from the heart in every moment of our daily lives.
Geshe Phelgye is a Tibetan scholar, meditator, and parliamentarian. Born in Tibet, he grew up as a Tibetan refugee in India and became a monk at the age of seventeen. He entered Seraje College of Sera Monastic University finishing his Geshe degree (Ph.D.) in 1991. From 1993 to 1997, he did a meditation retreat in the mountains of Dharamsala, India under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He is the founder of the Universal Compassion Movement and advocates for vegetarianism around the world.
Arrive by 5:00 p.m. Thursday for the residential course which concludes after lunch on Sunday. Commuters are also welcome to attend the teachings sessions, which begin Friday morning. Click here to register.
Sravasti Abbey Annual Open House
Sunday May 16, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Join founder and abbess, Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron and the residents of Sravasti Abbey for refreshments and a tour of Sravasti Abbey. Walk the Abbey land. Meet with friends old and new.
Share the vision of Sravasti Abbey. Friends, neighbors, and the simply curious—all are welcomed!
Click to write for more information and directions.
Vesak Day
Thursday May 27
8 Mahayana Precepts at 5:15 a.m., Puja at 7:00 p.m.
Vesak is the holiest day of the Buddhist calendar, celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana all at once.
Make it a long weekend event. You can arrive on Wednesday to take the 8 Mahayana Precepts with us early on Thursday morning, then stay through the Memorial Day retreat (see below).
Or simply come for the special puja at 7:00 in the evening.
Click to contact the office for information.
Memorial Day Weekend Retreat – Death and Caring for the Dying
with Ven. Thubten Chodron
May 28 thru 31
It’s one of the most asked questions: How can I help my loved one prepare for their impending death? Even more important is knowing how to prepare for our own deaths. Join Ven. Chodron to learn about the Buddhist view on death, dying, and how to prepare for the inevitable event in our own lives as well as how to support others.
Retreat begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and ends after lunch on Monday. You are welcome to come early and celebrate Vesak with us (see above).
A dana offering and registration form are requested to reserve your place for the retreat.
Click here to register.
Young Adult Week (aged 18 – 29)
with Ven. Thubten Chodron
June 18 thru 25
Longing for friends you can really talk to about the important things in life? Looking for a positive way to express your spiritual values and hopes for a better world?
Sravasti Abbey invites you to explore the teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition within our American culture. The course includes meditation, teachings, Dharma discussions, and a chance to work outdoors in beautiful gardens, meadows, and woodlands in northeastern Washington.
Click here to explore “Youth and Dharma” teachings
Click here to register.
Praising Great Compassion & Chenrezig Retreat
June 27 thru July 4
Compassion is praised as the source of all enduring happiness—both worldly and spiritual. We can learn to cultivate compassion that expands our hearts and infuses all our relationships.
Retreatants will meditate on Chenrezig, beloved Buddha of Compassion, and Ven. Chodron will continue teaching on a favorite text of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, "108 Verses in Praise of Great Compassion."
While there will be time for discussion and questions, the retreat in general will be conducted in silence.
Retreatants should arrive by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and stay through the following Saturday lunch. Sorry, no part-timers or commuters for this retreat.
Click here to register.
Volunteer Appreciation Day Thank You Picnic
Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sravasti Abbey exists by the kindness of volunteers – literally. Providing food, transportation, website maintenance, bookkeeping and accounting, gardening and forestry assistance, audio editing, transcribing, cleaning, and a myriad other services, volunteers make it possible for Ven. Chodron and the Abbey community to share the Dharma around the world.
The best way to repay your kindness is to become Buddhas as quickly as possible. Prior to that, we welcome all past, present, and future volunteers for a picnic day of Dharma sharing and dedicating the merit of your tremendous.
Write or call (509) 447-5549 the for details.
The Six Far-Reaching Attitudes
A retreat with the Sravasti Abbey Community
July 23-26
The Six Far Reaching Attitudes—generosity, ethical discipline, patience, joyous effort, concentration, and wisdom—are the bodhisattva practices that build our capacity to benefit others infinitely. Practicing them, even in our limited way right now, also helps to create the causes to attain precious human lives in the future. Join the Sravasti Abbey community for an introduction to these precious practices.
Retreat begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and ends after lunch on Monday. A dana offering and registration form are requested to reserve your place for the retreat.
Click here to register.
Chokor Deuchen Buddhist Holy Day
Thursday, July 15
8 Mahayana Precepts at 5:15 a.m.,
Puja at 7:00 p.m.
This Holy Day, Chokor Deuchen, commemorates the Buddha’s First Teaching on the Four Noble Truths. The benefit of any virtuous action, including the recitation of mantras, is said to increase 10 million times when performed on this anniversary.
You can arrive on Wednesday to take the 8 Mahayana Precepts with us early on Thursday morning, then spend the day in Dharma sharing. Or simply come for the special puja at 7:00 in the evening.
Call the office at (509) 447 5549 or for details.
Exploring Monastic Life with Ven. Thubten Chodron
August 9 thru 26
For qualified lay people who want to know more about monastic life as they explore the possibility of ordination, and for monks and nuns that have been ordained for five years or less.
Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron teaches from her experience of monastic life for over 30 years. In addition to receiving daily teachings, you’ll be living and practicing as a member of the Sravasti Abbey community—engaging in meditation, discussion, and offering service to the community.
Applicants must have taken refuge in the Three Jewels at least one year ago and must not be in a long-term relationship. Priority will be given to applicants under the age of 50.
Listen to August 2007 teachings >>>
Click here for more information and to download the application.
Labor Day Weekend Retreat — “Developing Meditative Concentration”
with Ven. Thubten Chodron
September 3 thru 6
Concentration is the ability to remain single-pointedly on a constructive object of meditation with a blissful and pliant mind for as long as one wishes. Also called “serenity,”or “calm abiding” or “meditative quiescence.” it is an essential skill for realizing the ultimate nature of reality and progressing to liberation and enlightenment. Join Ven. Thubten Chodron for an introduction to the helps and hindrances in cultivating meditative stabilization.
Retreat begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and ends after lunch on Monday. A dana offering and registration form are requested to reserve your place for the retreat.
Click here to register.
Sharing the Dharma Day and Long Life Puja for Ven. Chodron
September 19
Join the community for our usual Sharing the Dharma Day, then stay for a long life practice as we celebrate and make prayers for the long life and good health of Sravasti Abbey’s founder and abbess, Ven. Thubten Chodron.
Call the office at (509) 447-5549 for details.
Lhabab Du Chen Buddhist Holy Day
October 29
Lhabab Duchen commemorates the Buddha's descent from the god realm after teaching the Dharma to his mother. A very meritorious day, it’s a good time to take the 8 Mahayana precepts, to make offerings, and to offer service to others. The community will celebrate this day from within the Compassion Retreat (below).
Rejoicing and Giving Thanks Retreat – November 26 thru 28
This holiday weekend offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the kindness of others and to rejoice in virtue. Join the Abbey community in meditation, Dharma talks, and guided discussion. Join us for all or part of the long weekend.
You can come early and take the 8 Mahayana Precepts with us on Thanksgiving morning (Nov 26th), join us for our midday Thanksgiving potluck, (Nov 26th) or arrive on Friday (Nov 27th).
Retreat begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and ends after lunch on Sunday. A dana offering and registration form are requested to reserve your place for the retreat.
Click here to register.
2011 Three-month Retreat — Lamrim and Vajrasattva Practice
One-month retreat: December 13 - January 12
Three-month retreat: December 13 - March 7
Long retreat gives the opportunity to reflect on the steps of the gradual path and to deepen our relationship with the Three Jewels. The Abbey offers an excellent retreat environment that includes a peaceful setting, a disciplined retreat structure, qualified spiritual guidance, and a supportive practice community.
Click here to read description and guidelines for the long retreats.
Local & Ongoing Abbey Events
Spokane Buddhist Meditation Class
Mondays March 22 - April 26, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and
one-day retreat Saturday April 10
Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane
4340 West Fort Wright Drive
Venerable Tarpa and Venerable Chonyi will offer meditation instruction and practice, emphasizing Buddhist methods for working with difficult emotions like anger, jealousy, and craving. The course is designed to encourage and support a daily meditation practice for beginners as well as experienced meditators. While the course is based on teachings from the Buddhist tradition, anyone of any faith can practice meditation. The greatest benefit comes from attending all sessions, but drop-ins are welcome. There is no charge, and donations are appreciated.
To register call or email Sara — 509-533-3222 — or write Sravasti Abbey,
Sharing the Dharma Day
Sravasti Abbey
“Taming the Mind – Teachings for a more peaceful mind.” Anyone can use these ideas to live more happily. All are welcomed.
Please join Ven. Thubten Chodron and Abbey residents for all or any of the sessions each month. Meet other like-minded folks and explore ideas together.
Monthly teachings are based on readings from Taming the Mind by Ven. Thubten Chodron. This book is available from Snow Lion Publishers or at Sravasti Abbey.
Page numbers refer to the suggested reading for that particular month. Page numbers follow the topics listed below for the suggested reading for that particular month.
Session 1: 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Meditation 11:00 a.m. – Noon – Dharma talk
Session 2: 12:15 p.m. Vegetarian potluck lunch & informal Dharma discussion/Q&A
Session 3: 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Contemplation and discussion of topic of the month
Session 4: 3:00 p.m. Tour of Buddhist artwork or grounds (weather depending) for newcomers
Monthly teaching dates and discussion topics for 2010:
| March 21 | Spiritual Mentor: Relating Realistically to a Spiritual Guide (pages 79-86) |
| April 11 | Parent & Child: Being Close While Letting Go (pages 87-94) |
| May 2 | Friendship: Sharing & Caring (pages 95-102) |
| June 6 | Colleagues & Clients: Working Together and Resolving Differences (pages 103-106) |
| July 18 | Marriage: Helping Each Other Grow (pages 107-114) |
| August 1 | Complaining: A Favorite Pastime (pages 115-120) |
| September 19 | Speaking of the Faults of Others: How We Make Ourselves and Others Miserable (pages 121-126) |
| October 10 | Ruminating: Living in the Past and Future (pages 127-132) |
| November 7 | Being Responsible for Our Lives: Lesson from an Inmate (pages 133-136) |
| December 5 | Cultivating Beneficial Habits: Practicing Dharma in Daily Life |
Dharma in Coeur d'Alene
Join Coeur d'Alene Dharma Friends every Thursday. Meditation from 5:00-6:00 p.m. and live web-teachings with Venerable Chodron from 6:00-7:00 p.m. followed by a thirty minute discussion. Life Center Therapies for Well Being, 1319 Government Way, Cd'A. Contact CDA Dharma for more information or call 208-665-5862.
Click here (http://calendar.yahoo.com/cdadharma) for event calendar
Dharma in Spokane
Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Meditation Group meets on Mondays from 6:30-8 PM for meditation instruction in the E.E.Cummings room at 4340 W. Fort Wright Drive. Contact or call (509) 981-8658. The group is on-going, although for March 22 - April 26, Venerable Tarpa and Venerable Chonyi will lead the group.
Offering Service Weekends

Need a break from the city? Join the Abbey community on an Offering Service Visit.
The opportunities are many, and the work is varied. Working in the Abbey's beautiful forest is fun, and your effort protects and preserves the Abbey land. Or you may serve in the kitchen, weed the garden, or any number of activities that help to spread the Dharma and/or benefit sentient beings.
Visitors have the opportunity to live in spiritual community, sharing in practice, Dharma discussions, and service. Your visit can be short or longer. Many people add a few offering service days when they come for a retreat or program.
Please contact the to find a time that works for your schedule.
On-Line Events
Tele-teachings/Live Video with Venerable Chodron
Thursdays at 6 p.m. Pacific Time
You can’t contemplate or meditate on the Dharma without first hearing teachings, but if you live in a remote area or far from your teacher, what can you do?
Mind Training Like Rays of the Sun
This series concerns awakening the altruistic mind of enlightenment, and especially deals with how to transform adversities large and small into happiness.
Head to http://www.sravastiAbbey.org/live and tune in for the live broadcast on the internet using uStream.TV. Ask questions in real time using the chat box! No registration necessary.
Or - just use your telephone. Dial into a central number (long distance charges apply.) You can dial in alone or set up your speakerphone and invite Dharma friends to join you for teachings and afterwards discussion among yourselves. You must register so we can send you the teleconference’s phone number and access code.
Click to send an email to register or ask for more information on telephone teachings
Click here to hear audio or read transcripts of past teachings.
We look forward to sharing these “tele-Dharma” teachings with all of you!
Prostrations from Afar - Ongoing
Join up with other practitioners to do '100,000' prostrations. Read about joining in with others for support and community.
View instruction videos on prostrations from Venerable :
- Instructions (Quicktime -22 MB) (Windows Media - 16 MB)
- Demonstration ( Quicktime - 58 MB) (Windows Media - 29.8 MB)
Be patient it takes around 5 minutes to download each one.
Internet Explorer users: Look at the lower left hand corner of your browser, there is a download icon.
The Quicktime versions require the latest Quicktime update. Download it here.
Practitioners from around the world are participating in the prostrations from afar. During previous monthly teleconferences, Ven. Chodron answered participants’ questions. You can listen to the recordings of the teleconferences at Venerable's website.
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