Sravasti Abbey, one of the first Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the United States for Western monastics, consecrated its new Buddha Hall last week, marking the completion of a three-year construction project. The hall, built as a refuge for study, meditation, and practice, was dedicated in a ceremony that drew practitioners from around the world, both in person and online.
The project began with a groundbreaking in August 2022 and has since required what abbey leaders described as extraordinary commitment and perseverance. “It has taken more time, money and Dharma practice than expected,” said Venerable Thubten Samten, the nun who oversaw construction. She emphasized that the building’s purpose was always clear: “To create something for those who are wounded and suffering.” (The Spokesman-Review)
The abbey’s founder and abbess, Ven. Thubten Chodron, reflected on the scale of the project during its planning stages. “I keep thinking we’re in this little corner of Washington state, a corner of the US, on Planet Earth, which is a speck of dust in the huge universe, and we’re asking all the buddhas and bodhisattvas to come here,” she said. “Well, there must be something going on, and it has to do with spreading the teachings on wisdom and compassion.” (The Spokesman-Review)
Ven. Thubten Tarpa, who assisted in construction oversight, acknowledged her initial reluctance after helping to complete the abbey’s previous major building, Chenrezig Hall. “It took me five years to get over Chenrezig Hall, so I wasn’t quite ready,” she said. “Even when we started this building, I had a lot of trepidation, and my worst fears came true. I actually lived through them, and I’m fine. I learned a lot on this project.” She later described the Buddha Hall as “the most team effort” of all the abbey’s building projects. (The Spokesman-Review)
The consecration ceremony was attended by Serkong Rinpoche, the reincarnation of one of Chodron’s teachers, who blessed the new hall. He praised Chodron’s “joyous effort day and night” and her writings, including 10 books coauthored with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He also described the abbey as “a hospital for the wounded and troubled people struggling with the suffering of our world,” commending the sangha for creating an atmosphere of respect and refuge. (The Spokesman-Review)
Founded in 2003, Sravasti Abbey was established to preserve the Buddhist teachings and adapt them into Western culture while serving all beings in need. The new Buddha Hall, a prominent addition to the abbey’s campus, is seen by its residents as a step forward in realizing that vision.
“We can build a magnificent hall, but unless we take the essence of the Buddhist teachings, especially the teachings on dependent origination, to heart in our daily life, it will be just like praising the building but not seeing the diamonds contained inside,” said Ven. Thubten Semkye. (The Spokesman-Review)
Supporters of the abbey emphasized that the project reached far beyond the resident community. “My heart is tied to the abbey,” said Robin Sears, who traveled from Massachusetts for the occasion. “Today’s celebration demonstrated how vast the vision of Ven. Thubten Chodron is and how far it reaches.” (The Spokesman-Review)
Another participant, Daniel Brasher, described the new hall as “a center of meditation and refuge,” adding that through Ven. Chodron’s teachings he was “finally understanding Buddhism in a way that brings me peace of mind.” Lay practitioner Shane Skutvik called the abbey “a haven for anybody that is suffering mentally or physically,” noting its emphasis on compassion that can be adapted to any faith tradition. (The Spokesman-Review)
The ceremony included circumambulation of sacred objects placed inside the Buddha Hall, a traditional practice to create merit and support the awakening of all beings.
The abbey residents acknowledged the contributions of many lay supporters and professionals who made the building possible, including Coeur d’Alene architect Tim Wilson and retired attorney George Chesrow. Videos shared by the abbey documented the progress of the building including activity in the main hall, the unwrapping of a large bell, and more.
Reflecting on the years of effort and the loss of some longtime supporters, Ven. Tarpa recalled the advice of supporter Sherry Brewster, who once said of Ven. Chodron: “Hold on to the tail of that comet.” Ven. Tarpa concluded, “I’ve been doing just that.” (The Spokesman-Review)
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Sravasti Abbey consecrates new Buddha Hall (The Spokesman-Review)
Sravasti Abbey
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