Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Reports by participants in the annual Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings held in the United States.

The Annual Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering

Since 1993, celibate monastics from different Buddhist traditions in the US have met annually to cultivate friendships and support each other in monastic life. Hosted by different monastic communities, the Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering brings monastics together for a week of presentations, discussions, meditation, and fellowship. Venerable Thubten Chodron and other monastics report on their participation in these annual gatherings.

All Posts in Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Group photo from monastic gathering.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

The 24th Annual Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering

Venerable Thubten Lamsel reports on the 24th annual monastic gathering, which took place at Spirit…

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Group of monastics standing together.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

The 22nd Annual Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering

Venerable Thubten Chodron reports on the 22nd annual monastic gathering, which took place at Land…

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Group of monastics standing under prayer flags.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

The Challenges and Joys of Monastic Life

Rejoicing in the 21st Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering, which was hosted by Sravasti Abbey for…

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Large group of monastics from various traditions sitting together.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

How to grow a monastic

A personal account of the 19th Annual Western Buddhist Monastic Gathering.

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Group photo of monastics.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Developing and sustaining bodhi resolve

Monastics from different traditions discussed cultivating joyous effort and bodhicitta in a difficult modern world.

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Group photo of monastics.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Building community the monastic way

Monastics of different traditions discussed the importance of harmonious community life and ways in which…

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Group photo of monastics.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Joyfully swimming upstream

Monastics from different traditions discussed the significance of the Vinaya and its application in a…

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Group photo of monastics at the 15th annual WBMG.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Monastics go green

Monastics of different traditions discussed intersections between Buddhism and environmentalism, and how Dharma practice can…

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Group photo of monastics.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Monasteries and monastic training

A summary of the recent 14th annual Western Buddhist monastic conference, describing the training of…

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Group photo of monastics.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Western monasticism

Monastics from different traditions discuss aspects of training, creating monasteries, and the challenges of monastic…

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Group photo of monastics.
Western Buddhist Monastic Gatherings

Monastic health

Monastics practicing in the West discusses health, including how it influences practice, how it relates…

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