DAILY LIFE AT THE ABBEY
Abbey Life especially in the summer is busy with teachings, visitors, walks in the forest, and opportunities for offering service. This past month we’ve had wonderful experiences as a community with the county road department, a concrete company, our neighbors in the area, and the flora and fauna of our forests to name a few. The kindness of others becomes more apparent everyday as the Abbey grows and reaches out to the greater community. Having an open heart and willingness to meet folks where they are seems to increase the possibility of a kind and friendly exchange between the Abbey residents and all we come in contact with.
We have grown as a community with two new full time lay residents, Barbara and Kevin and the addition of Carl, a part-time maintenance/grounds person who lives with us 4 days a week. They all bring wonderful skills, enthusiasm and a commitment to living in community. Welcome home!
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| A delicate mountain lady slipper was discovered not far from the meditation hall. Reports in the wildflower books say it takes this little gem 15 years to flower and has been threatened by over-collecting. No worries about that. This one has a partner that has not yet flowered. |
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The old gazebo will be getting a face lift this summer with the construction of a deck that will hold a lovely Buddha statue which will be housed in a small glass house on a pedestal. Stay tuned! |
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Barbara’s generous gift of the Buddha statue to the Abbey will be the focal point in the garden.
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Kevin holds the Buddha head in order for us to figure the best height where it will be seen without obstruction.
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The Sravasti Abbey Action Team affectionately called due its “ feet on the ground” relationship to the Abbey. The team will manage Abbey programs, maintenance, volunteers, administrative tasks and future construction with the help of many Friends of Sravasti Abbey. From left to right Jo Simpson, Venerable Tarpa, Barbara McDaniel, Kevin Conlin, Nanc Nesbitt, and Pat Simpson.
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The county brought in tons of gravel and removed topsoil to make the turnaround for the snowplow. They did this in order to save our weeping willow from a drastic pruning that would have destroyed its majestic beauty.
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Our majestic willow graces the entrance to the Abbey .
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Venerable chats with the road crew and undoubtedly gave them snacks and drinks for their break.
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| Venerable with Rachel and Jesse from Missoula. Both helped with the patio and will be returning to attend retreats and help in the forests. |
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New community member Kevin (right) and Carl our new staff person on maintenance who resides at the Abbey part-time having a picture moment with Venerable Chodron.
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