Half Moon Observance Day

Location: Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery

Description: Abhayagiri's Lunar Observance Day Monastics walk for alms in Ukiah and Redwood Valley starting at 9 a.m. There is no morning meditation or work period on the Lunar Observance Days. A small group of monks enters Ukiah and walks north on State Street from approximately 9:00-10:30 am accepting offerings of alms food as is the daily custom in Theravada Buddhist countries. They can be met in front of the Safeway grocery store (on the sidewalk along State St.) around 9:15 am, or in Alex Thomas Plaza in the city center around 9:30 am. Another group of monks walks, starting at 8:30 am, north on East Road from the Redwood Valley town center, and a third group along Tomki Road, through the local Frey Vineyards. Evening chanting, meditation, taking of the precepts and a Dhamma talk will take place at Abhayagiri from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. The evening continues with a meditation vigil through the night, with sitting and walking meditation as one wishes in half-hour segments. There is an intermission with tea and informal discussion at midnight, then sitting and walking resume until morning chanting at 3:00 a.m. Visitors are very welcome to attend as much of the night as they wish.

Spirit Rock Daylong with Ajahn Karunadhammo: Karma -- Out of Our Control?

Location: Spirit Rock Meditation Center, 5000 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Box 169, Woodacre, CA 94973, United States

Description: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Description: "We will explore the topic of karma (cause and effect) and look at some of the common misconceptions about this fundamental Buddhist teaching. Western outlooks in this area range from "It's just my karma - I don't have any choice" to "I can create my own reality in any way I want." Is everything predestined or is everything completely chaotic, or is it somewhere in-between? If we do have some choice, how do we want to set our intentions in this life? What, when I do it, will lead to my long-term welfare and happiness?" There will be periods of sitting and walking meditation, dhamma reflections, and time for questions and answers. Lunch: Please bring lunch and, if you wish, food to offer the monks. As in the time of the Buddha, the Abhayagiri monks do not grow or buy food and are completely dependent on donations of food. The monastics eat one main meal a day in late morning and monastic regulations require that they finish by midday. Offering food to the monastics during the daylong provides an opportunity to participate in the tradition. Other donations are also gratefully accepted for Abhayagiri Monastery, though are by no means required. You can request a current list of needed items by contacting the monastery at (707) 485-1630.