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BUILDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Over the few short years that the Abbey has been growing, we have accomplished much in developing the physical plant. Many volunteers from all over the country came to transform a private residence and outbuildings into the Abbey as it is today.

... And our next project: the first monastic residence >>>

MEDITATION HALL

Completed November 2004

The meditation hall is the heart of the Abbey. It is here where we meditate, listen to teachings and discuss the Dharma. Thus it was a top priority and we began to work on it right away.

Here's the inside of our inspiring meditation hall:

Look at how we transformed a garage into a place of the Dharma.

Before:

The previous owners parked their two cars in this log-cabin style garage. Implements and adornments were typical of a garage, and a large kerosene tank sat in the corner.
During:
First the roof came off so we could put in shed dormers to let the light in.
Jigme and Kari begin on the interior work, cutting wood for the altar.
Nanc and Tracy strike an "American Gothic" pose while painting the inside of the hall.
A happy team preparing the inside of the meditation hall.
After:
The sun sets behind our completed Meditation Hall.
Ven. Chodron and Ven. Jampa cut ribbon and open the Meditation Hall.
Ven. Chodron and Ven. Jampa lead the way into the hall.
Now the Buddhas have a home at the Abbey and we have a place to practice.

DOWNSTAIRS RENOVATIONS

The unfinished daylight basement in the house was cold concrete and wood framing with just one bedroom. Now there are three bedrooms, a large, active office and sitting room, tea room, and pantry.

Here are Tarpa and Teri working away in the comfortable office space:

Before:

The downstairs as it looked when we first saw the house.

During:
Ven. Tsepal and Karri, together with Mel, put up the ceiling.
Guys vs. concrete: Sean and Morgan bring light into darkness as they take turns hammering out the concrete for the back bedroom window.
Geshe Gedun Samdup and Sean transform cold concrete into a comfy floor.
After:
It’s easy to work when. we have suitable facilities.
Visiting Ven. Venaya (Chanlu) relaxes in the sitting area.
Mary, our computer expert, unravels technical issues for under the compassionate gaze of Buddha and Tara.

Working comfortably in the office, visiting Chinese nuns work with Ven. Chodron to prepare a Bhikshuni ordination ceremony into English.

WRITING STUDIO

As the community grew, Ven. Chodron needed a quiet place to work. Her students got together and gave her a writing studio. They did the majority of the building themselves, with some help from professionals, and now they eagerly await the promised books.

It began as an empty space with a beautiful view
Carving out the space beneath the willow tree.
A beautiful place to write and meditate.
May the wisdom of Manjushri inspire writing and teaching the Dharma.

RETREAT CABIN

At the foot of the garden, the retreat cabin now offers a quiet place to meditate. However we had to ask the mice and flies to move out first! Work was necessary to winterize it so it could be used year round.

Tom and Miles winterized the retreat cabin (formerly a storage shed). Jeff put a new roof.
Barbara takes the retreat cabin on its maiden voyage -- a winter Tara retreat

COMMUNITY ROOM

As our activities expanded, we needed more space for residents and guests. The spacious barn was an underutilized resource until we made a comfy room in one of its bays.

Before:

Before: A barn bay storing firewood and equipment.
The community room starts to take shape. Three windows are put in and the old cedar walls removed.
Sean does the electrical work. We are so grateful for his help.
Eleanor and Joan show off their hammers as they work on the walls in the barn.
Visitors and residents read and discuss in the community room.
The wood pile now sits outside and the community room is ready for meetings and study.

 
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