Half Moon Observance Day

Description: Abhayagiri's Lunar Observance Day Monastics walk for alms in Ukiah, Willits, 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. A second group of monks walks north along Main Street in Willits, beginning in the south of town near McDonalds around 9:00 am and walking up to Commercial Street in the center of town. A third group of monks walks north on East Road from the Redwood Valley town center starting at 8:40 am. A fourth group walks along Tomki Road through the local Frey Vineyards. Evening chanting, meditation, taking of the precepts and a Dhamma talk will take place at Abhayagiri from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. 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.