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New Buddha Rupa at Passaddhi Vihara
Newsletter Contents
— Entering the Second Year of Passaddhi Vihara Reflections from Winter Retreat
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Springing from Retreat into Passaddhi Vihara’sSecond Year
What a joy to start a second year in the Pacific Northwest!
Coming out of Winter Retreat and the goodness of silent practice, we are now directing energies toward increasing the Dhamma programs. We are also cultivating connections with other monastics and the wonderful Dhamma loving community in Olympia, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond.
Spring has sprung and our hearts are open as wide as the flowers.
– Ayyā Suvijjānā and Ayya Niyyānika |
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Vihara Neighborhood blooms |
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Entering the Second Year of Passaddhi Vihara
Directly after retreat, the bhikkhunis were a peaceful presence at the park next to the WA state capitol as people gathered and shared their concerns. Several people commented on their happiness and relief to see signs promoting the wholesome qualities of kindness and non-harm.
Signs of goodness at the capitol
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Long time friend, Caitlin, visits Ayya Suvijjana and the Vihara |
People have been offering meals at the vihara and on the alms round. More are welcome.
We’ve had friends visit from Seattle and Portland as well as those nearer to or in Olympia and as far south as the California Bay Area.
Connecting with people in this way is a mutual joy. |
Additional Dhamma Programs starting in May! |
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Dhamma sharing via Zoom
Dhamma Sharing beyond Olympia |
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Since emerging from the fewness of duties during retreat, there has been an increase in scheduling and coordination activities. We’ve confirmed dates for visiting Dhamma communities and sharing Dhamma beyond Olympia:
More details in a next newsletter and in weekly program emails. |
Passaddhi Vihara Volunteer Group Formation |
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*** Inviting Volunteers *** May 4th is an opportunity to gather in person. To meet face to face at the current vihara. (Email for exact address) For those unable to come in person, they may join the meeting via zoom. This is a time to connect and share aspirations and ideas, to meet other volunteers as well as the monstics. If you aren’t able to attend the meeting either of these ways, please contact us and we will find another way to connect. |
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Volunteer Coordination Gathering Sunday, May 4th 10:30-11:00 pre-meal arrival at vihara 11:00-12:00 meal offering and potluck 12:00-1:30 Zoom and in vihara volunteer coordination https://zoom.us/j/92811444670?pwd=lTn10Mxz0pWR58SvM0nMiQ48m6c1w0.1Meeting ID: 928 1144 4670 Passcode: 562651 |
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Initial volunteer ideas include:
Additional ideas welcome! |
 Kat planting perennials at the Vihara |
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Trillium on a walk near the Vihara |
The Passaddhi Vihara bhikkhunīs love forest practice.
In addition to spending some of their own meditation time in the forest, want to set dates for group practice and Dhamma sharing in nature. More information about these programs will be in our weekly programs email and on the website when dates are finalized.
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Retreat Offerings at Cloud Mountain
This year: September 5 – 10, 2025 Next year: August 28 – September 2, 2026 |
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Reflections from Winter Retreat |
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We kept a quiet environment throughout the Winter Retreat to support each other in seclusion. Some programs and an abbreviated alms round at West Central Park continued during Winter Retreat, but travel and outside teachings were minimized. One bhikkhunī would receive the alms for both while the other remained in seclusion. Both of us had a total of six weeks of seclusion while the other cared for essential interactions and duties. The mutual commitment to practice made it possible for programs to continue even while one bhikkhunī was in silence. |
 Almsround |
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A second Buddha rupa arrived during Winter Retreat and flowers from Clear Mountain Monastery gatherings and other good friends came to adorn the altar.
Giftcards, allowables, and other useful items came by mail, by those visiting the vihara, and through a chain of merits where things came by relay from around the State. |
Summer/Fall and Vassa Plans |
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Both bhikkhunis emerged from Winter Retreat interested in expanding their retreat opportunities. Forest Refuge, IMS and other supporters are making that happen this Summer and Fall.
The time in seclusion at Passaddhi Vihara was valuable and both Ayyas benefited from their retreat times. Both are grateful for the opportunity and support. There are plans to continue secluded times at the vihara. In addition they felt that to be in a structured retreat environment with a monastic teacher was important.
So, after retreat they were able to make arrangements at Forest Refuge and IMS in Barre, MA. The Bhikkhunīs each have opportunities for supported meditation retreats. These retreats will bracket their Vassa plans.
Due to the timing of these retreats, the Ayyas will each determine Vassa with a different starting date.
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| July | August | September | October | November | |
| Ayyā Suvijjānā | Retreat at Forest Refuge | Enter 2nd Vassa | Vassa | Vassa | End Vassa |
| Ayya Niyyānika | Enter 1st Vassa | Vassa | Vassa | End Vassa / Start Retreat | Retreat at IMS |
| It is with much joy, that within the first year and the coming year of Passaddhi Vihara, we are cultivating a balance of retreat for the monastics and Dhamma sharing. |
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