Abbey's Dharma Day set for Sunday

Are you curious about Buddhism and life in a Buddhist monastery? If so, you are invited to Sharing the Dharma Day, Sunday, Nov. 10 at Sravasti Abbey — the Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Newport.

Open to the public, the day’s events offer a glimpse into the Buddhist approach to developing happiness, useful for people of all backgrounds. This month’s topic focuses on methods for enhancing impartiality and compassion. Activities include guided meditation, a teaching on the topic, vegetarian potluck lunch, and facilitated discussion. Sharing the Dharma Day topics are drawn from the book,” An Open-Hearted Life”, co-authored by Abbey founder and abbess Ven. Thubten Chodron and Eastern Washington University psychologist Dr. Russell Kolts. Books are available at the abbey by donation.

The day’s schedule also provides ample opportunity to meet new people, tour the Abbey grounds and forest, and get to know the Abbey monastics. The program is offered freely, and donations as well as food offerings for the resident nuns and monks are accepted.

The first session begins at 9:45 a.m., vegetarian potluck lunch is at noon, and the program ends at 3:00. Please bring food to share for lunch, avoiding onions, garlic, and leeks as well as meat, fish, or chicken. Dress is casual, although modesty is appropriate for a monastic environment. Short skirts and shorts are discouraged.

All are welcomed; friendly curiosity and openness to learn are the only pre-requisites. The last Sharing the Dharma Day this year will be Dec. 8.

Sravasti Abbey is located at 692 Country Lane, Newport. For more information and directions call 509-447-5549 or email office.sravasti@gmail.com. Find additional information about Sravasti Abbey at SravastiAbbey.org.