"Do Good Deeds in Every Breath" Is it possible to do so?

It has been 2,600 years since Buddha attained enlightenment when he was 35 years of age.  The day later known as “Vesak”  when his birth, enlightenment and passing are believed to have happened.  Forty-five years after that, he had been spreading his teachings until the last day that he passed away.  The year of his death is regarded as the first Buddhist Era (1 B.E.)

Realizing the importance of this auspicious occasion, the Thai Government has declared 2012 the year of Buddha Jayanti celebrations.  Grand events are expected throughout the year with an emphasis on the promotion and practice of Buddhist teachings among the general public.

Here, in Washington, the event coordinated by Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery or Wat Atamma will feature Dharma practice, exhibitions and lectures.   All of them provide answers to the following questions.

What is the Enlightenment of Buddha?

How can we apply Buddha’s teachings to Everyday Life?

3-day Vipassana Meditation Retreat at Wat Atamma in Woodinville comprises the prologue to Buddha Jayanti celebrations in Washington. The retreat offers great opportunity to observe thoughts, feelings, sensations, and emotions in silent meditation and with mindfulness through-out the day. There is no need to become a Buddhist in order to participate in this service because the practice here is more a way of living and thinking rather than religious rituals and set beliefs. 

“The first retreat in June was fabulous” claimed Willow Myers, one of the students, who came a long way from Bellingham. “I had such a lovely, memorable retreat and the vegetarian food was so great. I watched a little girl who accompanied her parents to the temple.  She played at the front lawn.  When our group started walking meditation,  that little girl went from the soccer ball to the walking -- so beautiful.” 

Michelle Ackermann who lived nearby and attended the retreat said “There was a good mix of sitting and walking meditation. This was very helpful, especially for beginners. I would definitely have struggled more if the periods of sitting were longer so I appreciated the opportunity for sitting and walking. It also helped to walk so that my back didn't get too sore. Overall I thought the retreat was great and I will be attending again.”

The temple arranges the retreat once a month throughout this Summer. 

August 31st – September 2nd

September 28th – September 30th

October 12th – October 14th

It is a free class!! But spots are limited. For application, please visit its website www.atamma.org

Live through cardinal virtues Seminar is another project that  provides sanctuary for the mind by reaching out to Thai communities in the states, mostly those who work for restuarants. The monks visit laypeople’s establishment.  Kind words from the wise light the end of the tunnels gently guide their ways. Suicide attempts were terminated. Confusion was straightened out.

The first ever, Monk Ordinationwill happen on July 21st.  Gregory Nissen Eugene, OR, arrived the temple in May in order to get prepared for his once in a lifetime experience. Gregory told us that

“I’ve noticed that many people my age, 21, have a lot suffering especially due to how materialistic and dependent on money our society has become. I want to find inner peace and happiness so that I can help others around me do the same. So much of our own suffering comes from our own negative attitudes that can be easily seen through if someone is there to guide us. I’ve seen directly how much of an impact we have on those around us and I want to make sure that I always increase the wellbeing of my friends and family. After all, the Buddha once said "thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” By becoming a Monk I’ll be able to radiate happiness all around me, to all those who I come in contact with. Be happy!”

After the ceremony, Greg and other eleven new monks will walk for alms in different areas.  This practice offers opportunity for local people in the community to connect with the monks and offer support to sustain the monks for their daily meal.  

The walking for alms starts at 9am and finishes at 10am. Lay people is welcome to approach the monks with any questions or offerings. It’s quite simple and uncomplicated.

Please view pictures of this activity at the temple facebook.  www.facebook.com/atamma.org

Last but not least, the abbot, Ritthi Thirajitto, creates Dharma Book Project.  He gathers some fund to print Dharma books both in Thai and English in order to give away for free to anyone who is interested.  There are many great books that are practical for daily life.  For example, “Love Your Children the Right Way” is “how to” book about parenting.  In the future, the temple plans to have Dharma library that could service everybody.

All the activities focus on making it possible for everybody to do good deeds in every breath.