Cost: Dana Day (by Donation) – $0 – 108. Code AP1G18.

When he passed away in 1992 at the age of 74, Venerable Ajahn Chah had become one of the most highly revered Buddhist meditation masters in Thailand. His state funeral was attended by the King and Queen of Thailand, the Prime Minister and many other dignitaries, as well as close to 10,000 monastics and over 400,000 laypeople. Ajahn Chah left behind a thriving community of monasteries and lay supporters in Thailand, England, Switzerland, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S., including Abhayagiri Monastery in Redwood Valley, California. Ajahn Pasanno, abbot of Abhayagiri, was a monastic disciple of Ajahn Chah at Wat Pah Pong Monastery from 1974 – 1981, before being appointed as the abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat by Ajahn Chah. This day will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ajahn Chah’s birthday, and will include readings from his newly released biography, Stillness Flowing.

On this day retreat, we have the opportunity to practice in the Thai Forest tradition with a senior Theravada monk and hear direct stories, teachings and recollections from Ajahn Pasanno’s days in Thailand with his beloved teacher. There will be sitting and walking meditation, and dharma talks
throughout the day. Copies of the new book will be available for free distribution at the retreat.

Lunch: Please bring lunch and, if you wish, food to offer the monks. As in the time of the Buddha, the Abhayagiri monks do not grow or buy food and are completely dependent on donations of food. The monastics eat one main meal a day in late morning and monastic regulations require that they finish by midday. Offering food to the monastics during this day provides an opportunity to participate in the tradition.

Other donations are also gratefully accepted for Abhayagiri Monastery, though are by no means required. You can request a current list of needed items by contacting the monastery at (707) 485-1630.

If you cannot attend the event in person, visit this link to register for the Livestream.