NWDA News

How We Continue the Dharma Despite Obstacles

The world is undeniably suffering, with waves of social and environmental degradation, with political systems seemingly unable to find effective ways to cope, or to protect the most vulnerable. Despite discouraging conditions, people worldwide continue to cultivate mutual aid, kindness and harmony. We in this region are so fortunate to have relative peace and abundance, as well as thriving communities that practice the Buddhadharma. Peace and cooperation are palpable among Buddhist communities from different traditions and cultures. Groups large and small, from every Buddhist tradition, continue their cultivation day after day, month after month, year after year. Sangha members support…

Compassionate Action

Modern Monastic Life Takes Shape in Oregon: The Founding of the Maitripa Rabjungma Community

Gompa porch with visiting and resident nuns

by Lozang Yönten and Namdrol Miranda Adams Portland-based Maitripa College marked a historic milestone in May, by launching its long-anticipated community for monastic Buddhist women: the Maitripa Rabjungma Community. This inaugural cohort, consisting of three women from the United States and Canada, and their abbess, senior nun Bhikshuni Lozang Yönten, was formally welcomed into monastic life in a ceremony led by the esteemed Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe. The Rabjungma community reflects a deep commitment to supporting the development of the sangha—the ordained community—and to cultivating the inner and outer conditions for spiritual growth. Geshe Yeshe Thabkhe is a senior teacher and…

Prison Dharma

Prison Volunteers Gather to Strengthen the Work

The group on the second day. Front from left; Fa Hsing Jeff Miles, John Craycraft, Zoe Darling, unnamed, Meg Critchlow, Ruth Russo. Back from left; Venerable Thubten Gyatso, Venerable Thubten Ngawang, Genko Rainwater, Daio, Yinxin Brother River, Bhikshuni Yincheng, Dennis McDermot.

For the first time in 15 years, Buddhist practitioners volunteering in Northwest prisons came together in Seattle for a March weekend of connection and collaboration. They emerged with a renewed commitment to the work, and a refreshed sense of collaboration. Previous gatherings had been held in 2008 and 2010. The 13 participants of the March 22-23 event serve in prisons in Washington and Oregon, and represent various Buddhist traditions including Zen and Tibetan. Co-organized by Zoe Darling and Fa Hsing Jeff Miles, the gathering was held at a co-housing community building. It featured circle sharing, practice sessions and group exercises…

Dharma Education

Friends of the Dhamma Steps Forward at 25 Years

As a senior monastic in Ajahn Chah tradition, Ajahn Passano was present during the ceremony conferring leadership to Jessica SwansonPhotos by: Stephen Jones , Michael Marlitt

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Portland Friends of the Dhamma is moving ahead with new leadership, and new offerings in the realm of Theravāda Buddhist teachings and practice. Founded in 2000 by Sakula Mary Reinard, Portland Friends of the Dhamma (PFOD) began with a simple but profound intention: to bring Western monastics of the Ajahn Chah lineage to Portland, and to share the dhamma and meditation with those drawn to the Thai forest tradition—an ancient monastic lineage linked back to the time of the Buddha. PFOD in the Present Moment In June 2024, Jessica Swanson succeeded Reinard, generally known…

Dharma in Canada

Creating A Lighthouse for Future Generations: Clear Sky Center’s New Temple

Clear Sky’s co-founding teachers Qapel (Acharya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei, blessing the temple site

By Duncan Cryle Clear Sky Retreat Center, a 310-acre “living lab” for embodying dharma in southeastern British Columbia, is forging ahead with its multiphase temple construction project. Designed as a beacon to help future generations discover dharma, it also honors and builds on the legacy of Clear Sky founder, Qapel (Acharya Doug Duncan), who passed away in October, 2024. The completed temple complex will be an 8,000-square-foot building, designed to serve current and future generations of practitioners. It will include a meditation hall seating 70 to 100 people, along with accommodation, a library, and a kitchen — all thoughtfully integrated…

Dharma Healing, Arts

New Book ‘The Dharma of Healing’: The Path of Liberation from Stress, Pain, Trauma

Justin Michelson teaching at 2024 Dharma of Healing Retreat at Mandala Sanctuary in Eugene, Oregon

In my new book “The Dharma of Healing,” I describe a system of spiritual practice for the modern seeker. Through a series of fresh perspectives, principles, and practices, the book repositions psychological healing as central to both spiritual development and maturation, as well as to effective engagement in the world. Synergizing the liberating wisdom of insight meditation with the therapeutic power of self-compassion, the book offers a pathway of practice rooted in an ancient and proven wisdom tradition that can bear fruit within our modern minds and lives. This synergy of spirituality, healing, and engagement naturally emerged, from the evolution…

Sangha News

Drikung Seattle Completing Lovely Dharma Center

Sangha gathers after a teaching by Lama Zopa Gyamptso, resident lama for Drikung Seattle

Drikung Seattle, founded by His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche in 2013, is in the final stages of completing a beautiful dharma house in Shoreline, Washington. The center activities have quickly evolved due to the blessings of Garchen Rinpoche and sangha’s devotion to him, said Magda Fong, secretary for the center. Shoreline is a small city immediately north of Seattle. “After we purchased the house, we started creating more projects and now people want to keep doing this…It’s kind of contagious. It feels like people want to do it. It’s really nice, it’s coming organically,” she said. “We’re really blessed and rejoicing…