Sravasti Abbey
Monastery·Usa·21st century·Tibetan Buddhist Tradition
Sravasti Abbey, established in 2003 in Washington State, is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the U.S. for Western nuns and monks, founded by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron. It aims to train monastics to spread Buddhist teachings, with a unique mixed lineage ordaining in the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya, a practice that has generated discussion. The abbey is situated on 350 acres of forest and meadows and is open to visitors interested in experiencing monastic life.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 2003 by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron.
- ›It is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the U.S. for Western nuns and monks.
- ›Monastics ordain in the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya, a mixed lineage that is a first of its kind.
- ›Located on 350 acres of forest and meadows near Newport, Washington.
- ›Offers programs for visitors interested in community life and Buddhist teachings.
- ›Emphasizes social service, non-harming, mindfulness, compassion, and respect for nature.
Important Relationships
- 14th Dalai Lama
- Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron
- Kyabje Yongdzin Ling Rinpoche
- Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche
- Thubten Zopa Rinpoche
- Mahapajapati Gotami
- Khenpo Shantarakshita
- Udum Tsenpo
- Jan Howell
- Prajna Cottage
- Tara's Refuge
Gotami House, Chenrezig Hall, Prajna Cottage, Buddha Hall, 350 Acres of Forest and Meadows
- Founding of the Abbey
- First Posadha Practice
- First Winter Varsa
- First Kathina Ceremony
- First Pavarana Rite
- First Annual Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering Held At the Abbey
- Purchase of Tara's Refuge Property
- Consecration of the Buddha Hall
About Sravasti Abbey
Sravasti Abbey is a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Washington State, established in 2003 by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron. It holds the distinction of being the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the United States specifically founded for Western nuns and monks. The abbey's mission is to train monastics to effectively spread Buddhist teachings and values within society. Situated on 350 acres of forest and meadows, near the Idaho state line, Sravasti Abbey provides a serene environment conducive to spiritual practice and contemplation.
History and Practice
The founding of Sravasti Abbey in 2003 marked a new chapter for Western Buddhist monasticism. Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, an American convert to Buddhism, established the abbey with the aim of creating an independent monastic community. A unique aspect of Sravasti Abbey is its mixed lineage, where monastics practice within the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition but undertake ordination according to the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya. This practice, a first of its kind for Westerners in this tradition, has sparked discussion and some controversy.
The abbey cultivates traditional Buddhist values, emphasizing non-harming, mindfulness, compassion, inter-relatedness, respect for nature, and service to all sentient beings. Social service is integrated as a key component of community life. The abbey has made efforts to revive and uphold the tradition of full ordination for nuns, a practice that faced historical challenges in its transmission to Tibet. Sravasti Abbey has regularly practiced the bi-monthly confession known as posadha since 2011 and has hosted significant events such as the first winter varsa (three-month monastic retreat) and the kathina ceremony.
Community and Visitors
Sravasti Abbey is home to a fluctuating group of fully ordained bhikshunis (Buddhist nuns) and monks. The abbey's structure theoretically allows for male and female monastics to train as equals, with nuns holding senior positions in practice. The abbey also offers a nun's residence, Gotami House, named after Mahapajapati Gotami, the first woman to receive ordination from the Buddha. Visitors are welcome to experience the daily monastic life, which involves practical tasks alongside meditation and learning. To manage visitor intake and ensure suitability for the monastic environment, guests are required to complete a comprehensive application form, and entry is subject to review.
Education and Outreach
Monastic education at Sravasti Abbey includes a yearly program of teachings, retreats, and community practice. Weekly teachings are broadcast and posted online, and the abbey offers specialized programs such as the "Young Adults Explore Buddhism" and "Exploring Monastic Life" residential programs. Beyond formal education, the abbey engages with the wider community through events, meditation courses, and talks. Furthermore, Sravasti Abbey offers an online distance education program known as Sravasti Abbey Friends Education (SAFE), providing accessible Buddhist study and meditation resources to a global audience. The abbey's teachings and commentaries often feature insights from prominent Buddhist figures, including the Dalai Lama and other respected teachers.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sravasti Abbey founded?
Sravasti Abbey was founded in the year 2003. The initiative was led by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, an American who had pursued Buddhist studies.
What is unique about Sravasti Abbey's monastic lineage?
Sravasti Abbey is notable for its mixed lineage, where monastics practice in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition but ordain in the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya. This approach is considered a first of its kind and has been a subject of discussion within Buddhist communities.
Where is Sravasti Abbey located?
Sravasti Abbey is situated in Washington State, on 350 acres of forest and meadows, approximately 11 miles outside of Newport, Washington, near the Idaho state line.
Can visitors come to Sravasti Abbey?
Yes, Sravasti Abbey is open to visitors who wish to learn about community life in a Tibetan Buddhist monastic setting. However, guests must complete a detailed application form in advance, and entry may be denied based on certain criteria.
What is the mission of Sravasti Abbey?
The Abbey's mission is to train monastics to spread Buddhist teachings in society. It cultivates traditional Buddhist values such as non-harming, mindfulness, compassion, inter-relatedness, respect for nature, and service to all sentient beings.
What kind of facilities does Sravasti Abbey have?
The Abbey includes a nun's residence called Gotami House and a multi-use building named Chenrezig Hall, which serves as a space for guests and activities. A monk's residence has not yet been built, and Prajna Cottage was completed in 2018. The recently consecrated Buddha Hall is a major expansion containing a library, offices, and meditation spaces.
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