'Sharing the Dharma Day' set for Aug. 4

Visit, Sravasti Abbey — the Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Newport — on Sunday, August 4 for Sharing the Dharma Day; a monthly event for people of all faiths and backgrounds who would like to learn more about Buddhist teachings. The day’s activities include a guided meditation, vegetarian potluck lunch, and facilitated discussion on a topic. The program is offered freely, and donations as well as food offerings for the resident nuns and monks are welcomed.

The day’s schedule provides ample opportunity to meet new people, tour the Abbey grounds and forest, and listen to a Dharma talk. Venerable Thubten Chodron, Sravasti Abbey founder and abbess, teaches on “How to Cultivate 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 first session begins at 9:45 a.m., potluck lunch is at noon, and the program ends at 3 p.m. 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 September 15, October 6, November 10, and December 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 Sravasti.org.