During the time of the Buddha, ordained monks were itinerant, moving from place to place, obtaining their meals and necessities as offerings from villagers and passersby.  When the monsoon season arrived, travel became difficult -- even the monks' begging rounds -- the sutras tell us-- resulted in worry from laypeople that the monks' feet were damaging and causing suffering to nascent animals and plants.  What we call Rains Training Season (or Summer Training, as many in the US call it) began in answer to this concern.  Monks gathered together for three months as a community, where they studied, shared and practiced - supported by local villagers.  Once the season changed, the monks would head their separate ways, spreading the Dharma that had been enriched during their gathering.

We started our Rains Season Training Period for the monks in September and will hold monthly retreats through mid-December, when we celebrate the anniversary of the Buddha's Enlightenment.  These retreats are open to the public and do not require prior experience, but we do ask that you RSVP so that we can plan meals and support you at whatever your level of practice.

October 10-12, Friday 8:00 p.m. to Sunday afternoon