Recluse in Seattle: A Forest Monastery's Aspiration

To learn more, visit www.clearmountainmonastery.org

The aim of Clear Mountain is the founding of a Buddhist monastery and community. In Theravāda Buddhism and within the Early Buddhist Texts, the forest tradition represents a return to the simple way of life taught by the Buddha. Monastics aspire to live as the early disciples did: dwelling in the forest, studying the teachings, and devoting themselves to meditation. Monks, nuns, and laity exist in a relationship of mutual generosity, in which they support one another on the Buddha’s path towards complete liberation of the heart — Nibbāna.

Clear Mountain’s first monastics, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho, currently live on the quiet periphery of Seattle, going for alms most mornings at the Pike Place Market. On Saturday mornings, those interested gather at Amistad School’s Skinner Auditorium by St. Mark’s Cathedral for meditation and a teaching. As faithful come together, a new community based on the mutual generosity and interdependence of monastics and local Buddhists may begin to grow.

When property is eventually found, Clear Mountain hopes to create a home for monastics that also supports a range of activities common to Theravāda Buddhism – pujas (chanting and meditation), sutta and Pali study, online and public teachings, meal offerings, and observance of the Buddhist holy days. Additionally, the community aspires to serve as a retreat where men and women can come practice for short or long periods, all lodging and teaching offered freely in the spirit of Dhamma.

Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!

- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:30 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)
- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)
- Sunday Evening Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online).

VIDEO CREDITS
Clear Mountain rejoices in the generosity of the wonderful volunteers who gave their time and expertise to create this video. Sadhu!

Director & Producer: Jen McGowan
Director of Photography (Interviews): Jonathan Benson (JB) & Kevin O'Donnell
Director of Photography (B-roll): Dave Getzschman
Camera Operator (B-roll): Chia-Yung Wu
Additional Production Support: Art Lozinsky & Rahul Tirumalareddy
Editor: Jen McGowan