"Guests visit for a few hours, a few days, or even a few months. When you come to Sravasti Abbey, you are a guest in our home. And because we are a monastery—not a retreat center or Dharma center—things may be different than what you are used to." Sravasti Abbey websiteStay informed, chose an event, register, read the FAQs and let FOSA-Eugene know you are going! Are you willing to bring an extra food offering or a Dharma-hungry commuter? Please let us know!
The drive from Eugene takes about 10 hours including 2-3 short stops for rest, gas and picnic meals. Leaving at 5 a.m. Friday will allow you to reach the Abbey for a weekend retreat that begins at 4 p.m. Make your first stop Mitchell Point (170 miles) for a beautiful view of the Columbia River and to stretch your legs. Don't forget, your Dharma experience can already begin in the car: download your favorite teachings or borrow an audiobook from the Eugene public library!
In addition to encouraging ride-share among its members, FOSA-Eugene organizes an annual 4-day/3-night weekend trip to the Abbey for an Offering Service Saturday and/or Sharing the Dharma Day Sunday. Buddhist or non-buddhist, active FOSA-Eugene member or just looking for a ride, this trip is an excellent opportunity to meet the Abbey's international group of monastics, hear a Dharma teaching, and/or offer service to help support the Abbey community.
Connect with FOSA-Eugene via two Slack channels: #rideshare: it's "A place to offer a ride/find a ride to meet-ups, teachings and Sravasti Abbey." and #visitsravastiabbey: it's "A place to share your Sravasti Abbey visit experience, ask questions, plan a trip, organize bringing offerings to the Abbey, and keep informed about our annual visit."
FOSA-Eugene seeks to support all students in their Dharma practice regardless of their financial means. Perhaps you are a college student, single-parent, unemployed or underpaid--whatever your situation, the Dharma is accessible to you.
Start your Dharma practice by benefiting from the vast online teachings offered by Venerable Thubten Chodron and the Abbey community. Take a SAFE (Sravasti Abbey Friends Education) 12-week distance-learning course to connect with the Abbey. When you are ready for a weekend retreat at the Abbey, let FOSA-Eugene know! We will seek to sponsor your retreat by offering ride-share opportunities and financial help with your initial dana * to reserve your space at the retreat.
Are you able to sponsor a local Dharma student in need? Please let us know!