Abbey sets 'Dharma Day' for April

Sravasti Abbey — the Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Newport, Wash. — opens its doors for Sharing the Dharma Day on April 7, the first of 2019. The day’s schedule includes a guided meditation, vegetarian potluck lunch, and facilitated discussion on the day’s topic. The program is offered freely, and donations as well as food offerings for the resident nuns and monks are welcomed.

Venerable Sangye Khadro, American Buddhist nun and author of the book “How to Meditate”, is the featured speaker. She will teach on ‘Being Responsible for Emotions,” a topic drawn from the book, An Open-Hearted Life, published by Shambhala and co-written by Sravasti Abbey founder and abbess, Venerable Thubten 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.

Sharing the Dharma Day is a monthly event for people of all faiths and backgrounds who would like to know more about Buddhist teachings. All are welcomed; friendly curiosity and openness to learn are the only pre-requisites. Future dates include May 5, June 9, July 14 and Aug. 4.

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