NWDA News

The Urgency of Northwest Dharma’s Continuance

Time passes quickly and opportunity is lost. We invite you to embrace the harmony and mutual support among dharma groups in this region, compared to the discord in the larger world. And here are some facts: George Draffan is 70. Tim Tapping is 74. Steve Wilhelm is 75. To be blunt, the three of us will die at some point perhaps not far off, and unless others step up, Northwest Dharma Association will also die. No drama, just the dharma facts. What does the association do? We support Buddhist teachings and community in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia….

Dharma in Canada

Bön Society Opens New Vancouver Island Center

Geshe YongDong Losar teaching in the new space, a former dance studio on the outskirts of Courteny, B.C.

This spring has marked a new beginning for the Tibetan Bön Buddhist Society, and the sangha of Sherab Chamma Ling. After closing our physical doors during the COVID pandemic, the sangha is delighted to open doors to a new lovely space, where we can once again gather with each other and personally welcome newcomers. Nestled in the heart of the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Sherab Chamma Ling has been operating for over 20 years in the town of Courtenay. As far as we know, we remain the only Tibetan Bön Buddhist Center in Canada. One of our…

Prison Dharma

Prison Inmates Gather for Vesak Celebration

Inmates listen to Fa Hsing giving a dharma talk.Photos by: A prison inmate, who must remain unnamed

Prisons are not generally known as islands of serenity, but a palpable aura of peace permeated the visiting room at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton, Washington, on May 11. There 30 people, comprising inmates, family members, Buddhist volunteers and the prison chaplain, gathered for about five hours to celebrate the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha. Each religious group at the prison is allowed one occasion per year for a significant celebration, with a special meal, and participation of family members and guests from the outside community. For the Buddhist inmates the natural choice is Buddha Day, a commemoration…

Compassionate Action

Growing Group Aids Female Monastics Worldwide

Workers repair and improve Padukka Mathika Matha Bhikkhuni Aramaya, a bhikkhuni monastery in Sri Lanka

Alliance for Bhikkhunis is deepening its commitment to offering support to Buddhist monastic women across the world, under the leadership of new board President Wren Withers. This strengthening is aligned with the growing presence of ordained female monastics in the Northwest and Western Canada, and is part of why I rejoice in serving on the board as treasurer. Withers comes to us with experience in the world of bhikkhuni service, having been a longtime board member of Saranaloka Foundation, which supports Ayya Anandabodhi in Port Townsend, among others. (Please see story in this issue about Ayya Anandabodhi’s activities.) Withers comes…

Dharma Healing, Arts

A Zen Elder Leaving Seattle, Shares Her Wisdom

Zen Master Jeong Ji, also known as Anita Feng, preparing to move from her Issaquah home after nearly 30 years in the region

Editor’s Note: Zen Master Jeong Ji, also known as Anita Feng, has for nearly 30 years enrichened the dharma life of many in the Northwest, with her teaching, leadership and art. Now she’s moving on to head a Zendo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and to be with her daughter there. She and her husband Nick Feng will retain their Issaquah home. Before she left she shared some of her wisdom and perspective about the evolution of the dharma in this region, with Northwest Dharma News Editor Steve Wilhelm. NWDA: Please describe your dharma roles in the Northwest Anita: When I first…

Dharma Education

Pariyatti Prints Cheaper Buddha Suttas in India
And Brings Rich Commentaries from Myanmar

Pariyatti Executive Director Brihas Sarathy, flicks through one of the original books by the Burma/Myanmar Tipitaka Association

Northwest-based Pariyatti is broadening its global dharma publishing by printing in India a less-expensive collection of the Pali Canon, and by printing new versions of commentaries from Burma. The non-profit organization, which operates a warehouse in Hillsboro, Oregon, and a headquarters, warehouse and retail store in Onalaska, Washington, already ships books worldwide, and offers digital dharma books and audio products to people around the world. Of particular importance is Pariyatti’s “Indian Editions” project: creating for people in India a lower-cost hardcover print version of the Pali Canon. While these already are published as “Teachings of the Buddha” by U.S. based…

Sangha News

A New Buddhist Vihara Blooms In Port Townsend

At the entrance to Pārāyana Vihāra in Port Townsend, Washington

Pārāyana Vihāra, which in Pali means “The Way to the Beyond,” is a new residence for female Buddhist monastics in the small town of Port Townsend, Washington. The vihara is intended as a welcoming place for people to gather to explore the Buddhist path of awakening. Our rented house is located at the end of a quiet street, which leads to a little footpath through the woods. We are in a quiet neighborhood, but with easy access to buses and to downtown. Gradually, Parayana Vihara is taking shape. We have a Buddha shrine and a Gwan Yin shrine, meditation mats…