Retreat talks developing compassion in challenging times

Sravasti Abbey, the Buddhist monastery near Newport, Wash., is hosting a weekend meditation retreat, “Developing Compassion in Challenging Times”, April 28 to 30.

Sravasti Abbey nuns Venerable Thubten Chonyi and Venerable Thubten Samten will lead this residential retreat, which includes teachings, meditation instruction and practice, and keeping noble silence. The retreat teaches Buddhist methods that deliberately cultivate compassion in order to maintain peace of mind and help others, even when times are difficult. Beginners are welcome.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibet and the best known of Tibetan Buddhist monastics, teaches that compassion provides the basis of human survival. “Compassion and love are not a luxury,” he said. “As the source of both inner and external peace, they are fundamental to the survival of our species.”

Sravasti Abbey follows his view to fulfill its slogan, “creating peace in a chaotic world.”

The retreat begins Friday evening at 3 p.m. and ends after lunch on Sunday. Meals are all vegetarian, and accommodations are in shared rooms. All programs at Sravasti Abbey are offered on a donation basis, and a $100 offering is requested to reserve a place. Pre-registration is required. Information is in the event schedule section of sravasti.org.

Sravasti Abbey is a Buddhist monastery in the Tibetan tradition, founded by author and teacher Venerable Thubten Chodron. Ordained nuns and monks as well as lay people live there, devoting their lives to studying and practicing Buddhist teachings and sharing them with others. People of all faiths and backgrounds are welcomed. Friendly curiosity and openness to learn are the only pre-requisites.

Detailed guidelines for visiting Sravasti Abbey can be found under the “visiting” section of sravasti.org. Write or phone Sravasti Abbey for more information and to reserve a place: 509-447-5549 or office.sravasti@gmail.com.