Sravasti Abbey
Sravasti Abbey is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery for Western nuns and monks in the United States, established in Washington State in 2003 by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron. Situated on 350 acres, it aims to train monastics to spread Buddhist teachings and emphasizes community life, social service, and traditional Buddhist values. The Abbey is notable for its mixed lineage ordination, with monastics ordaining in the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya while practicing within the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, a practice that has sparked some controversy.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 2003 by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron.
- ›First Tibetan Buddhist monastery for Western nuns and monks in the U.S.
- ›Located on 350 acres near Newport, Washington.
- ›Features a mixed lineage ordination in Dharmaguptaka Vinaya within the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition.
- ›Offers a program for young adults and a residential program for those exploring monastic life.
- ›Open to visitors who apply in advance, with a rigorous application process.
Gotami House, Chenrezig Hall, Buddha Hall, Tara's Refuge
Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, 14th Dalai Lama, Kyabje Yongdzin Ling Rinpoche, Khenpo Shantarakshita, Mahapajapati Gotami, Jan Howell, Thubten Losang
- First Tibetan Buddhist Monastery For Western Nuns and Monks In the U.S. Established .
- Regular Practice of Posadha Began .
- First Winter Varsa Held .
- First Kathina Ceremony Held .
- First Pavarana Rite Held .
- Hosted the Annual Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering For the First Time .
- Purchased Neighboring Property, Tara's Refuge .
- First Bhikkhu Ordained .
- Prajna Cottage Completed .
About Sravasti Abbey
Sravasti Abbey stands as a pioneering institution in the Western Buddhist landscape, recognized as the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the United States established specifically for both Western nuns and monks. Founded in 2003 in Washington State by the American-born Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, the Abbey operates on a foundation of Tibetan Buddhist practice, though its monastics undertake ordination within the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya. This unique dual lineage, a first of its kind, has been a point of discussion and inquiry.
History and Mission
The Abbey was established with the vision of training monastics to effectively disseminate Buddhist teachings within society. Located on 350 acres of forest and meadows near Newport, Washington, the site was chosen for its natural beauty, conducive to spiritual practice and contemplation. Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, an American who received full ordination in 1986, was inspired by her own spiritual journey and the desire to offer similar guidance to others. The Abbey's mission integrates traditional Buddhist values like non-harming, compassion, and interconnectedness with a strong emphasis on social service and community life, where male and female monastics train together.
Notable Practices and Features
A significant aspect of Sravasti Abbey is its commitment to the full ordination of women (bhikshuni ordination) within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, a practice that has historically faced transmission challenges. The Abbey has facilitated this through ordinations in Taiwan before the revival of the tradition in Bhutan. The daily schedule at Sravasti Abbey is rigorous, incorporating early morning meditation, work periods focused on community tasks and grounds maintenance, Dharma talks, and evening practice. The Abbey also offers various educational programs, including teachings broadcast online, a young adult retreat, and a residential program for those exploring monastic life. The Abbey is open to visitors, but requires prospective guests to undergo a thorough application process.
Community and Support
Sravasti Abbey has developed a network of lay supporters known as Friends of Sravasti Abbey (FOSA) to provide the essential requisites for monastic life, fostering a traditional interdependent relationship. The Abbey also runs an online distance education program, Sravasti Abbey Friends Education (SAFE), allowing individuals to deepen their spiritual practice through study and meditation. Despite its pioneering efforts, the Abbey has faced challenges in attracting and retaining monastics, with factors such as its detailed rulebook and past scandals being cited as potential reasons.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sravasti Abbey founded?
Sravasti Abbey was founded in 2003 by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron. The choice of the name Sravasti was inspired by the place in India where the Buddha spent extensive periods, symbolizing the desire for abundant teachings for both male and female monastics.
Where is Sravasti Abbey located?
Sravasti Abbey is situated on 350 acres of forest and meadows, located 11 miles outside of Newport, Washington, near the Idaho state line. The setting is described as having good views amongst forest and nature, conducive to spiritual work and meditation.
What is unique about the monastic ordinations at Sravasti Abbey?
Sravasti Abbey is notable for its mixed lineage ordination. While practicing within the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, monastics ordain in the Dharmaguptaka Vinaya. This practice is a first of its kind for Westerners and has generated discussion.
Can visitors come to Sravasti Abbey?
Yes, Sravasti Abbey is open to visitors who wish to learn about life in a Tibetan Buddhist monastic setting. However, guests must complete a lengthy application form in advance, and entry may be denied based on criminal record or mental health status.
What kind of training does Sravasti Abbey offer?
The Abbey offers a comprehensive monastic education, including daily teachings, meditation retreats, and programs like the annual 'Young Adults Explore Buddhism' and a three-week residential program for those considering monastic life. Community life and adherence to the vinaya are central to the training.
What is the mission of Sravasti Abbey?
The mission of Sravasti Abbey is to train monastics to spread Buddhist teachings in society. It also cultivates traditional Buddhist values such as non-harming, mindfulness, compassion, and service to all sentient beings, integrating social service as a key component of community life.
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