“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
Clear Mountain Land Update: We Did It!
We are happy to share that on Monday evening, March 16, the Friends of Clear Mountain board unanimously took the final vote to approve acquisition of the 90-acre North Bend land for Clear Mountain Monastery. By doing so we met the March 22 deadline for the due diligence process.
Over the last three years, Clear Mountain has been searching for land that satisfies a very particular, sacred set of criteria – most importantly a location within a 45-minute drive from downtown Seattle; a reasonable walking distance from a site for receiving alms; a large tract of forested land; and seclusion from noise.
In spring of 2026, Clear Mountain’s community came together in support of the purchase of 90 acres of forested land in North Bend, WA. The property, only a 40-minute drive from downtown Seattle, is near enough to be accessible to those living in the city while also being secluded enough to allow monastic retreat. The property 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, a sacred mountain. Crucially, the property features enough buildable area to accommodate the eventual vision of Clear Mountain: 20 huts, a large temple, a multi-purpose hall, and more. The roads leading to the land are wide enough to accommodate fire access and transportation requirements. Finally, the land is close enough to North Bend to allow the monastics to go on daily alms round.
Clear Mountain envisions a flourishing community of up to twenty monastics, and a welcoming of the public in a variety of ways: pūjas (chanting and meditation); Sutta and Pāli study; online and public teachings; daily meal offerings to the monastics; observance of the Buddhist holy days; visits from guest monastics; and day retreats.
Now we are celebrating that the final donations have come through, for the full $4.93 million purchase of two North Bend parcels, the future home of Clear Mountain Monastery!
In coming months the monastics will be moving to the land, and then we as a community will be starting the process of developing a monastery there.
Feel free to email land.steward@friendsofclearmountain.org with questions about land, or financial@friendsofclearmountain.org regarding donations.
A final note: the presence and views of Mount Si were deeply moving to all of us as we walked the land. The Thai word ใส, pronounced “sai,” means “clear”. We think we have found our Clear Mountain.
If inspired to help with the monastery’s developmeng going forward, you may contribute here.
May we create a refuge for all beings.
In the Dhamma,
Kim Tull-Esterbrook, President
Steve Wilhelm, Vice President
Nicole Jarosinski, Secretary
Alison Thomas, Treasurer
Peter Hummel, Owner’s Representative for due diligence
Alex Haynes, Land Steward
Friends of Clear Mountain
Nearly $5 Million Offered!
$4.93 million for purchase and associated costs donated.
Thank you for your generous support!
%
Over $4.9 million in donated funds as of March 17, 2026. Sadhu!
Contribute to the development of the monastery below. 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. Please email financial@friendsofclearmountain.org about wire and money transfers, donations of securities, or with general inquiries. May all beings be well!
A view overlooking the land and Mount Si
Both parcels equal approximately 90 acres.
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!