Calendar
Donate
Teachings
Sign Up

Photo Gallery

 

Keeping Joy in the Mind with Tara

Keeping Joy in the Mind with Tara (en Español)

Back to 2010 Gallery

In the course of any day we all find moments of joy and contentment in doing the best we can. Working with one’s mind each day during retreat can be a challenge to that joy, even for the most enthusiastic and steady practitioner. Here’s how we practice keeping joy in our hearts and minds, especially with what seem to be the simple daily routines.


Ven. Tarpa is getting warmed up for Guy Newland’s
upcoming visit March 5-10 to teach on The Two Truths
by reading one of his books, Appearance and Reality.


Tsundru’s qualities of patience and attention to detail are being well utilized as he takes
on the task of inventorying the Abbey’s large library.


The end of the day always brings the quiet and mindful practice of taking down the
water bowls.


“Help me! I’m imprisoned in samsara!” says Manjushri. We all make prayers for
Manjushri’s liberation and enlightenment as well as all living beings.


Kathleen, the Abbey’s kitchen manager, feels joy and gratitude for the amazing
generosity that comes in the form of food for the sangha each week from
all over the world.


Unlike last year’s record snowfalls, this winter has been without much snow but lots of
rain. The beauty is always there to offer to all the Buddhas.


The stunning winter color of an Oregon Grape, one of Washington State’s
lovely native plants.


A frosty, foggy morning brings a gentle soft sunrise.


Ven. Chodron is the inspiration for
keeping a joyful mind for all of us.


Ven. Jampel keeps his stamina for the summer
projects ahead by using the Abbey’s
fitness equipment.


Alanda shows great mindfulness and form as she gongs the lunch bell on the back deck.


Food offerings from supporters arrive each week, and the Abbey community thankfully
and gratefully receives them in silence.


Ven. Semkye leads the turkeys to their morning snack of cracked corn. Because of the
mild winter, the turkeys have plenty to eat in the wild, but visit every morning for
their treat and some mantra recitation.


A friendly nuthatch visits the seed feeder hiding in the forest.


Ven. Jigme is up and about more each day and
happily prepares her first lunch for the
community in almost two months.
Home