December 17, 2017
New Moon Observance Day
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 and an opportunity to take the precepts will take place at 7:30 pm. When the lunar observance day occurs on Sunday, the Dhamma talk is at 2 pm. 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.
Sunday 2 pm Puja and Dhamma Talk
When: 2-4pm, December 17, 2017
Location: Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, 16201 Tomki Rd, Redwood Valley, CA 95470, USA
Description: Chanting begins at 2 pm followed by a period of silent meditation and a Dhamma talk given by a senior monk. There is no evening program Sunday night. This event replaces the previous 7:30 pm Saturday night Dhamma talk, and Saturday puja begins at 7 pm.