Visit Sravasti Abbey on 'Sharing the Dharma Day' October 6

Sravasti Abbey — the Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Newport — opens its doors on Sunday, Oct. 6, for “Sharing the Dharma Day.” The day’s activities include a guided meditation, vegetarian potluck lunch, and facilitated discussion on a topic.

Venerable Thubten Chodron, Sravasti Abbey founder and abbess, teaches on a seven-point method for cultivating compassion, from the book, “An Open-Hearted Life”, published by Shambhala and co-authored by Ven. Chodron and Eastern Washington University psychologist Dr. Russell Kolts.

The day’s schedule provides ample opportunity to meet new people, tour the abbey grounds and forest, and listen to a Dharma talk. People of all faiths and backgrounds who would like to learn more about Buddhist teachings are welcome. 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., 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. Future dates include Nov. 10, and 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.