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Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron
APRIL 2006
Dear Friends,
Ven. Lekshe Tsomo
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We have had a full month, changing with the seasons and growing with the garden. No sooner had the Vajrasattva retreatants left than the Committee of Western Bhikshunis arrived. The four of us spent three action-packed days translating Vinaya (monastic discipline) passages from Tibetan and Chinese into English and designing ways that the full ordination for women could be introduced into the Tibetan tradition. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has spoken about this several times during the past year and requested Western bhikshunis to be involved. Read and Listen, and see the pics. Melanie, our facilitator who is also a FOSA board member, commented, “I have never before worked with a group of people who were so intelligent, well-educated, focused, kind-hearted, and passionate about creating a world that values all beings equally and in keeping with the Dharma. You are, individually and collectively, absolutely awe-inspiring. What a blessing to be able to bear witness to your enthusiasm, insight, and creativity.”
A very auspicious event occurred during the bhikshunis’ visit in that we performed the Posadha (tashi sojong) ceremony for the first time at the Abbey. At least four fully ordained monks or nuns are required to hold this ceremony of confession and restoration of vows, and we were delighted to hold this ritual which establishes Sravasti Abbey as place for the sangha.
Ven. Jendy
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When it rains, it pours. Within the month we were able to hold a second Posadha, this time with Ven. Jendy (who is on our board of advisors), and other nuns. As it happened, they arrived when Sisters Nancy and Leslie from the nearby Carmelite Nunnery were visiting, so we had a houseful of nuns in various robes, all of whom were delighted to meet each o ther. After dinner, we shared Buddhist chanting in English and Chinese.
Sister Leslie
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We marveled at the beauty of the Chinese chanting which enables the mind to calm down quickly.
Our three-part series of classes in the local town of Newport went very well, with 35-50 people attending. This has inspired us to do an eight-part series in May and June. I also taught in Spokane and twice in Sandpoint, both places had good sized audiences that were curious and receptive. A refuge ceremony was held at the Abbey as well, with people from Boise driving up especially for it.
Abbey residents have been busy writing too. Nanc and Jan both wrote about Lama Tsongkhapa. Some of my work will be in upcoming issues of Tricycle and Shambhala Sun, and Cultivating a Compassionate Heart: The Yoga Method of Chenrezig is now out in bookstores. In May, I’ll give a series of four talks on anger, requested by Tricycle, on the telephone.
The teachings in New York, the Boston area, and Austin went well. FOSA board members Barbara and Kevin accompanied me during different parts of the journey to get an idea of “a day in the life…” and were kept very busy. That cancelled out any idea that when I travel and teach that I might be lolling around on vacation!
During the trip to Austin, I was able to visit Bryan, an inmate with whom I’ve corresponded for about seven years. Bryan has been one of the more prolific contributors to the Prison Dharma page on the web. This was our first visit ever, but it was not without challenges. He was transferred from one prison to another at the last moment. It was only due to Pema’s quick work in contacting the chaplain and Mei-chu’s willingness to drive 8.5 hours that day that we had a lovely visit, discussing many Dharma points. He also took refuge and all five lay precepts. Giving refuge and precepts or bodhisattva vows in prison is such an honor and privilege. The impact on that environment is strong.
Meanwhile at the Abbey, while I was gone the residents took turns learning to give Dharma talks to each other and to lead discussions. They also began studying Non-violent Communication and have found it very useful.
This year we will focus on smaller building projects, maintenance, and caring for the forest and garden. Volunteers are needed, so let
know your skills, and come spend a few days or weeks. The Abbey is beautiful all year round, but the spring and summer are especially nice if you like working out doors and being in nature. People find it enjoyable to follow our daily schedule which includes morning and evening meditation, Dharma teachings, Dharma discussions, and offering service.
Soon I’ll be in Singapore, sharing the Dharma with friends there. That will be followed by talks at Sakya Monastery (April 28) and Dharma Friendship Foundation (April 30 and May 1) in Seattle.
Upcoming events at the Abbey are:
- May 5 -7. Our friends from Tibetan Nuns’ Project will be here. Come hear about their work!
- May 27- 29. Panchen Otrul Rinpoche will teach on “The King of Prayers” also known as “The Extraordinary Aspiration of Samanthabhadra,” one of the most inspiring poetry prayers in Mahayana Buddhism. Rinpoche will also show pictures of his wonderful work in Mongolia to help the people there.
- May 31 June 7. A week for Young Adults, aged 18 25, to experience life at the Abbeymeditation, walks in the forest, offering service, and Dharma friendship.
- June 9 16. Chenrezig retreat at Cloud Mountain Retreat Center, where I’ll also teach “108 Verses on Compassion.”
- June 18. Annual Open House for the greater Buddhist community.
- June 21 25. The annual FOSA Volunteer and Board Meeting. Everyone who feels a part of the abbey and wants to be involved is welcome. Contact
for info.
- August 7 25. Exploring Monastic Life. For those interested in monastic ordination, this program was so successful last year that we’re having it again.
May the rain of joyous effort nourish the seeds of compassion and wisdom in your hearts, so they may become flowers that delight the world,
Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron
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