Clear Mountain Annual Almsgiving Celebration: Now We Build the Monastery!

Saturday, June 20th, 9:30 am – 3 pm PDT at St. Mark’s Cathedral’s Bloedel Hall (enter through back of cathedral), 1245 10th Ave E. Those unable to attend in-person are also welcome to tune in via Zoom or YouTube livestream. To participate in chanting, use this online Chanting Book.

“Clear Mountain Almsgiving Celebration: Now We Build the Monastery!” (Pah Bah–ผ้าป่า in thai) is a joyful tradition where the lay community offers food, cloth, and financial support to Buddhist monastics and their practice. It’s a beautiful opportunity that brings happiness and spiritual benefit to both the givers and the receivers. This year, offerings will help Clear Mountain build a permanent home for the future monastery—a growing refuge for all.

Monastics planning to attend this year include Ajahn Sudanto from the Pacific Hermitage, Ajahn Cunda from Abhayagiri, Ayya Ānandabodhī, Ven. Sīlānandā, Ven. Satimā, and Anāgārikā Khemā from Pārāyana Vihara, Ayya Suvijjānā and Ayya Niyyānika from Passaddhi Vihara, Bhante Rahula from Paññabhūmi Monastery, and Maechee Paññasirī from Thailand.

Join us in this joyful celebration! Bring food to share at the potluck and take part in a day of generosity, community, and shared blessings!

Schedule
9:00 – 9:30 am: People arriving & settling in
9:30 – 10 am: Welcome, introduction, & guided meditation.
10 – 10:45 am: Dhamma talks
10:45 am – 12:30 pm: Monastics receive food & chant blessing. All share a potluck meal
12:30 – 1 pm: Almsgiving Ceremony
1 – 2 pm: Teachings from Visiting Monastics & Closing Reflections
2 – 3 pm: Group photo, cleanup, & hobnobbing with new friends!

What to Bring
– A cushion to sit on if you want, though chairs will be available as well, and your love of practice!
– An optional potluck dish to share.

Donations
Almsgiving Ceremonies (or ผ้าป่า “Pah Bah” in Thai) are a beautiful and significant way to financially support the monastics and the founding of a monastery. Support gathered at this year’s ceremony will go towards Clear Mountain’s Land and Building Fund, and support the monastery’s future development. Those who wish to contribute to Clear Mountain’s future by donating to the Land & Building Fund may do so by visiting www.friendsofclearmountain.org, the website of Clear Mountain’s steward organization. In your donation, feel free to note that your donation is made for the Almsgiving Ceremony.

Parking
Those driving may enter the campus at the north between the cathedral and the St. Nicholas Building – the location of the Gage Academy and Seattle Amistad School. They may then drive all the way to the back of the cathedral. Parking is free for Clear Mountain attendees even though signs in the lot indicate payment is required. If the lot is crowded, attendees may park at the Episcopal Diocese (1551 10th Ave E.) a block north of Saint Mark’s.  We encourage the use of public transportation when convenient, and the Seattle bus #49 stops at the corner of 10th Ave. and E Galer, just north of the meeting place.

Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82909114254?pwd=Sm1RVWxYdWp0aldibENoOHJscTQvQT09
Meeting ID: 829 0911 4254 / Passcode: 917562

Zoom Link for Remote Participants