Sravasti Abbey is seeking volunteers for upcoming monthly community building/offering service days at the abbey during the warm season, beginning Saturday, June 27.
Because Sravasti Abbey, a nearby Buddhist monastery, operates strictly on volunteerism and donations, a fundraiser will be held this month to raise money for the medical needs of the abbey residents.
At a conference for Western Buddhist teachers some years ago, the Venerable Thubten Chodron and other monastics complained to the Dalai Lama about the difficulties they faced: lack of finances, education, a place to live.
Sravasti Abbey will host Buddhist scholar, philosopher, and author Guy Newland for teachings and talks June 22-29. His appearances include services at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane and a benefit for Youth Emergency Services in Newport, as well as teachings at the abbey.
The experiences I've had in my short time living at Sravasti Abbey (five years), located just outside of Newport, demonstrate that the Spokane area is a treasure trove of opportunity for interfaith dialogue.
Sharing the Dharma Day — Sravasti Abbey's monthly presentation of meditation, Buddhist philosophy, and discussion — concludes this season's series on Jan. 5 with a topic on learning to cherish others.