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Sanghata Trust

In Support of a Buddhist Monastery

Some 2500 years ago in Northern India, the Buddha sat down with five ascetics to tell them about his Awakening, and set in motion the Wheel of Dhamma. Since that time, monasteries across Asia and around the world, have maintained the essential practices and teachings of the Buddha for both present and future generations. As the Wheel continues to turn, first steps are being taken to establish such a monastery in the Pacific Northwest.

Last year, under the auspices of Portland Friends of Dhamma the Sanghata Foundation was established. The Foundation’s mission is to foster the teachings of the Buddha through the establishment and maintenance of a monastery near Portland Oregon. The monastery will be a branch of Abhayagiri monastery in Northern California and grounded in the Thai Forest tradition. The hope is to acquire as little as five acres, or as many as two hundred, in a secluded and forested location between 45 minutes and 2 hours from Portland. Other criteria include; year-round access, water, and appropriate zoning for a monastery.

We hope the visit will help gauge the level of interest in establishing a Portland monastery as well as inspiring even more interest and support. When asked what we could do to advance the establishing of a Monastery, Ajahn Pasanno (co-abbot of Abhayagiri) said: “It will be directly related to the sincerity and joyfulness of your practice.” The presence of monks can definitely serve to bring increased sincerity and joyfulness to the practice.

In 2007 several other senior monks will also be visiting Friends of the Dhamma to give teachings and lend support including; Ajahn Amaro, co-abbot of Abhayagiri Monastery, Ajahn Sona, abbot of Birken Forest Monastery and Ajahn Thanissaro, abbot of Metta Forest Monastery.

There will be many opportunities for well-wishers and sangha members to come together to support this project. Anyone who feels drawn to this vision is invited to participate, and hopefully, here in the Northwest, the Wheel of Dhamma will continue to roll, touching hearts and minds, and turning them toward happiness, peace and freedom.

For more information, or to offer your support, ideas or expertise please contact us.