A New Center of Dhamma Practice in the Pacific Northwest

The aim of Clear Mountain Monastery is the founding of a Buddhist community. In Theravāda Buddhism and within the Early Buddhist Texts, the forest tradition represents a return to the simple way of life taught by the Buddha. Monastics aspire to live as the early disciples did: dwelling in the forest, studying the teachings, and devoting themselves to meditation. Monks, nuns, and laity exist in a relationship of mutual generosity, in which they support one another on the Buddha’s path towards complete liberation of the heart — Nibbāna.

Clear Mountain’s first monastic, Ajahn Nisabho, currently lives on the quiet periphery of Seattle, going for alms most mornings at the Pike Place Market. On Saturday mornings, those interested gather at Amistad School’s Skinner Auditorim by St. Mark’s Cathedral for meditation and a teaching. Another member of the Clear Mountain community, Ajahn Kovilo, contributes remotely for the time being and stays in the Seattle area during the winter and summer. As faithful come together, a new community based on the mutual generosity and interdependence of monastics and local Buddhists may begin to grow.

When property is eventually found, Clear Mountain hopes to create a home for monastics that also supports a range of activities common to Theravāda Buddhism – pujas (chanting and meditation), sutta and Pali study, online and public teachings, meal offerings, and observance of the Buddhist holy days. Additionally, the community aspires to serve as a retreat where men and women can come practice for short or long periods, all lodging and teaching offered freely in the spirit of Dhamma.

If you would like to be part of the Clear Mountain community and help support this aspiration, you may attend our virtual or local events, follow us on YouTube and Facebook,  join us on Discord, or sign up for our newsletter. If you live in the greater Seattle area, you may also join our WhatsApp group for locals. Welcome!