“These five are a person of integrity’s gifts. Which five?
A person of integrity gives a gift with a sense of conviction. A person of integrity gives a gift attentively.
A person of integrity gives a gift in season. A person of integrity gives a gift with an empathetic heart.
A person of integrity gives a gift without adversely affecting himself or others.”
— AN 5.148
We Found Land; Now We Build…
Since 2021, Clear Mountain monastics Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho have been steadily building a community of practitioners in Seattle. After nearly three years of searching, Clear Mountain has recently closed on the first of two properties that together will serve as its new home. The second parcel is expected to follow once a title matter is resolved.
The newly acquired properties are only a 40-minute drive from downtown Seattle, near enough to be accessible to those living in the city while also being secluded enough to allow monastic retreat. It features a large forest that serves as a migratory corridor for elk and other wildlife, along with wetlands and streams and a view of Mount Si. Crucially, there is enough buildable area to accommodate the eventual vision of Clear Mountain: 20 huts, a large temple, a multi-purpose hall, and more.
Clear Mountain’s global community of lay supporters collectively donated the full $4.93 million to purchase the two North Bend properties. Community members also dedicated over 3.3 million recitations of the traditional Pali mantra of refuge in support of the effort.
The ultimate vision for the land is a flourishing community of up to 20 monastics, open to the public in a variety of ways: pūjas (chanting and meditation); Sutta and Pāli study; online and public teachings; daily meal offerings; observance of the Buddhist holy days; visits from guest monastics; and day retreats. The vision for the monastery includes a large temple to accommodate several hundred people on celebration days, a multi-purpose hall, residence for visiting bhikkhunis, gardens, and forest paths — a refuge of peace for generations.
Over the coming months, Clear Mountain will assemble a design team to develop a master plan for the property, guiding construction in phases over many years. In the meantime, the community will begin preparing the land itself: establishing presence, caring for the forest, and laying the groundwork for what is to come. This is the work of generations, and it is underway.
Feel free to email land.steward@friendsofclearmountain.org with questions about land development, or financial@friendsofclearmountain.org regarding donations.
If inspired to help with the monastery’s development going forward, you may contribute here.
May we create a refuge for all beings.
A view overlooking the land and Mount Si
Both parcels equal approximately 90 acres.
You may donate to the Land Development fund through the form below, and click here to join others around the world in dedicating “Recitations of Refuge” to the monastery’s development. Sadhu!
Those interested in paying by check may choose the “Pay by check” option after selecting an amount, at which point relevant information and the mailing address will display (checks should be made to “Friends of Clear Mountain” and sent to “Friends of Clear Mountain / PO BOX 21283 / Seattle, WA 98111-3283 / US”). There are also options to donate via credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Bank Transfer (ACH). To donate through Zelle, enter “Friends of Clear Mountain” as the recipient along with the email, financial@friendsofclearmountain.org.
Donated funds are managed by Clear Mountain’s steward organization, Friends of Clear Mountain, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible with federal tax ID 88-1711004. Friends of Clear Mountain does not accept cryptocurrency donations. Please email financial@friendsofclearmountain.org about wire and money transfers, donations of securities, or with general inquiries. May all beings be well!
Gathering Refuge in 5 Million Mantras
Clear Mountain’s community has begun meditating together on the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, and reciting the traditional Pali mantra of refuge, aspiring to “gather” 5 million recitations. Join our global family of those with faith in crystallizing intention towards the creation of Clear Mountain Monastery, a refuge for all beings.
The traditional Pali mantra: “Buddhaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi, Dhammaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi, Saṅghaṃ saraṇaṃ gacchāmi,” meaning, “To the Buddha… Dhamma… Sangha I go for refuge”, is often recited under one’s breath or silently throughout the day and counted on a string of mala beads. Recollecting the Triple Gem—the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha—recalling their qualities and deepening our refuge, brings joy to the heart and helps purify the mind.
We then dedicate the goodness of our virtuous actions to the awakening of all beings. Simultaneously, we dedicate this goodness to the creation of Clear Mountain Monastery, a spiritual refuge for all.
Together, let’s continue the Recitation of Refuge. Sadhu!