“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

A Refuge of Dhamma

Clear Mountain is currently searching for land near Seattle on which to begin building a monastery. While Clear Mountain’s vision is still evolving, we hope to find a location that balances seclusion with accessibility and allows ample room for growth. Ideally, the property would measure at least 10 acres, though larger plots or ones bordering parks or land that might be purchased in the future are welcome. Eventually, the monastery would likely feature one or more central buildings along with several monastic kutis, or huts, and be forested enough to provide a measure of seclusion to residents. The property, however, must still be accessible and not too distant from the city. Clear Mountain hopes to exist in the space between the suburban and rural, no more than a forty-minute journey from downtown Seattle.

Additionally, it must be close enough to a population center that the monks can go for alms daily, even if they must ride public transport to do so. Finally, the monastery aspires to eventually serve as the hub of a growing community of families and practitioners who visit regularly or even purchase homes nearby, integrating monastery activities—such as morning and evening chanting and meditation—into their daily lives.

Generally, monasteries have a policy of not going into debt and must purchase land with funds already available. To acquire property and build the necessary accommodations will require the community to come together in faith and support. Those in the community continue to give every day in large and small ways, and current and pledged contributions have reached over $1 million. You can join them here.

If you have any questions or potential property suggestions, please email [email protected]. 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. 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, [email protected].

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 [email protected] about wire and money transfers, donations of securities, or with general inquiries. May all beings be well!

Gathering Refuge in 10 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” 10 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!