New Moon Observance Day and Luang Por Piak Dhamma Talk

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 north East Road from the Redwood Valley town center starting at 8:40 am. A third group walks along Tomki Road, through the local Frey Vineyards. Evening chanting, meditation, taking of the precepts will take place at Abhayagiri at 7:30 p.m. Luang Por Piak will be invited to give the Dhamma talk following the taking of the precepts. 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.