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Upcoming Events

Dharma ChakraThursday, May 17, 2012 10:00 am Alms Round in Mount Shasta
For 2,500 years since the time of the Buddha, Buddhist monks have walked the Alms Round. This practice is said to create a field of merit for all sentient beings, an opportunity to show the true qualities of the heart. Freely giving from a generous heart loosens the grip of selfishness. Both donor and recipient are enriched by this practice. We are very grateful to be able to carry on this tradition in Mount Shasta. We are indebted to the officials and the community of Mount Shasta for allowing us to practice the ancient way of the Buddha. We walk, with no expectations.


 Happy Wesak!
With very best wishes from Rev. Meian and the Community of Shasta Abbey


Dharma ChakraFriday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20, 2012 Wesak Celebratory Retreat    On this glorious Wesak day... we commemorate the birth, life and teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha, celebrating our gratitude with joyful ceremonies
and by deepening our practice together. The Wesak festival on Sunday morning is followed by the traditional ringing of the Temple great bell and a picnic for all.

audioWesak: The Buddha as a Human Being Rev. Master Meian Elbert Listen/Download


Dharma ChakraFriday, May 18, 2012 7:00pm Wesak Offering of Music and Song Our lay friends offer a celebratory evening of Buddhist music for our retreat guests and the local congregation.


Dharma ChakraSaturday, May 19, 2012 3:30pm Vigil of the Fesival of Wesak


Dharma ChakraSaturday, May 19, 2012 7:00pm Ceremony of the Eve of Wesak followed by Tea This evening of readings from the Light of Asia and joyous song celebrates the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. The ceremony is followed by Tea in the Skandha Hall.

audioCeremony of the Eve of Wesak Link to Ceremony Invocations


Dharma ChakraSunday, May 20, 2012 10:30 am Festival of Wesak     Wesak is the most significant event in the Buddhist calendar, Wesak marks the beginning of the Buddhist New Year. Wesak celebrates the events in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha and expresses gratitude for his timeless teaching.

audioFestival of Wesak Link to Ceremony Invocations

Dharma ChakraSunday, May 20, 2012 1:30 pm Wesak Picnic     Outside at our picnic area, weather permitting



Dharma ChakraSunday, May 27, 2012 10:30 am Festival of Remembrance on Memorial Day
We remember those beings killed in battle, as well as those who have suffered as a result of war and other armed confilct.


Dharma ChakraWednesday, May 30, 2012 10:30 am Renewal of Vows


Dharma ChakraFriday - Sunday, June 1 - 3, 2012
Introductory Retreat
Introductory Retreats begin to provide some answers to the questions that bring us to Buddhist practice. These retreats offer guests new to Shasta Abbey an introduction to the Serene Reflection (Soto Zen) practice in a monastic setting. They provide down-to-earth suggestions for taking this practice into one's daily life outside the monastery gates. Within the monastic schedule, and in silence as much as possible, Introductory Retreats offer meditation instruction, short periods of seated meditation, Dharma talks and informal discussions with time for your questions. There is also the opportunity for private spiritual counseling. If you are coming to stay at Shasta Abbey for the first time or are new to our practice, we ask that you attend an Introductory Retreat before signing up for any of the other retreats on our schedule. Please complete the online Retreat Application Form or download the application form in pdf and return it by mail, fax, or email. Should you have any questions please contact the Guestmaster or see the frequently asked questions (FAQs) page that might answer some of your questions or concerns.

pdf Orientation to Shasta Abbey Retreats

audioBuddhism in Plain English Reverend Master Daizui MacPhillamy Listen/Download

audioKeeping One's Training Going Rev. Master Meian Elbert Listen/Download

Dharma ChakraSunday, June 10, 2012 10:30 am Festival of Avalokiteshwara Bodhisattva


Dharma ChakraSunday, June 17 through Sunday, June 24, 2012 Teachings of Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett Retreat
For this seven-day meditation retreat we will be exploring the teachings of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, the first Abbess of Shasta Abbey and the founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. Her deep faith in the Dharma and her down-to-earth approach to the practice bring the teachings of the Soto Zen tradition alive, and give richness and purpose to the most ordinary daily activities. Her senior disciples teaching this retreat will share their own experiences of training with this extraordinary monk and Zen Master whose wisdom, compassion and humor touched all around her. Dharma talks, evening Dharma discussions and private religious counseling for each participant will be offered during this week. This retreat is open to those with some experience of Buddhist practice.