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DUKAS_184524691_NUR
Paridan Puja Held In Kriti Bihar
Nepalese devotees offer ritual puja in the name of their departed family members at Shree Kriti Vihar in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Narayan Maharjan/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_184524690_NUR
Paridan Puja Held In Kriti Bihar
Nepalese devotees offer ritual puja in the name of their departed family members at Shree Kriti Vihar in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Narayan Maharjan/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_184524689_NUR
Paridan Puja Held In Kriti Bihar
Nepalese devotees offer ritual puja in the name of their departed family members at Shree Kriti Vihar in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Narayan Maharjan/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_183857845_NUR
Nepal Weather
A pedestrian uses an umbrella for protection from the scorching sun on a hot summer day in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 23, 2025. (Photo by Narayan Maharjan/NurPhoto) -
DUKAS_183074108_POL
Celebrating Orthodox Easter in Greece
April 23, 2008-Palaiokastritsa monastery, Corfu, Greece:In the refectory of Palaiokastritsa monastery, each creature has its own place. Abbot Efthimios Louis. (Maro Kouri/Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS) -
DUKAS_183074085_POL
Celebrating Orthodox Easter in Greece
April 25, 208 – Corfu City, Ionian Sea, Greece, Europe: A monk wiith closed the the candles of the church. (Maro Kouri/Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS) -
DUKAS_183074015_POL
Celebrating Orthodox Easter in Greece
April 21, 2008 – Corfu, Eptanese Islands, Ionian Sea, Greece: Pilgrims wait in front of St. Spyridon Church for the blessing. (Maro Kouri/Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS) -
DUKAS_181111657_SIP
Makha Bucha in Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok, Thailand - 12 Feb 2025
Monks pray during the yearly ceremony of Makha Bucha at Wat Dhammakaya in the north of Bangkok. Thai people celebrate the Buddhist festival of clockwise circumambulation and Makha Bucha lantern lighting ceremony at Dhammakaya Temple on 'Makha Bucha Day' during the third lunar moon, where around 1250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha and 35000 devotees holding lanterns. - Guillaume Payen / SOPA Images//SOPAIMAGES_GUI_PAYEN_12FEB2025_131A2343/Credit:SOPA Images/SIPA/2502130810 (FOTO: DUKAS/SIPA)
SOPA Images/SIPA -
DUKAS_181111649_SIP
Makha Bucha in Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok, Thailand - 12 Feb 2025
Monks pray as the sun set during the yearly ceremony of Makha Bucha at Wat Dhammakaya in the north of Bangkok. Thai people celebrate the Buddhist festival of clockwise circumambulation and Makha Bucha lantern lighting ceremony at Dhammakaya Temple on 'Makha Bucha Day' during the third lunar moon, where around 1250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha and 35000 devotees holding lanterns. - Guillaume Payen / SOPA Images//SOPAIMAGES_GUI_PAYEN_12FEB2025_131A2325/Credit:SOPA Images/SIPA/2502130810 (FOTO: DUKAS/SIPA)
SOPA Images/SIPA -
DUKAS_181111641_SIP
Makha Bucha in Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok, Thailand - 12 Feb 2025
Monks pray as the sun set during the yearly ceremony of Makha Bucha at Wat Dhammakaya in the north of Bangkok. Thai people celebrate the Buddhist festival of clockwise circumambulation and Makha Bucha lantern lighting ceremony at Dhammakaya Temple on 'Makha Bucha Day' during the third lunar moon, where around 1250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha and 35000 devotees holding lanterns. - Guillaume Payen / SOPA Images//SOPAIMAGES_GUI_PAYEN_12FEB2025_131A2240/Credit:SOPA Images/SIPA/2502130810 (FOTO: DUKAS/SIPA)
SOPA Images/SIPA -
DUKAS_181111625_SIP
Makha Bucha in Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok, Thailand - 12 Feb 2025
Monks pray as the sun set during the yearly ceremony of Makha Bucha at Wat Dhammakaya in the north of Bangkok. Thai people celebrate the Buddhist festival of clockwise circumambulation and Makha Bucha lantern lighting ceremony at Dhammakaya Temple on 'Makha Bucha Day' during the third lunar moon, where around 1250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha and 35000 devotees holding lanterns. - Guillaume Payen / SOPA Images//SOPAIMAGES_GUI_PAYEN_12FEB2025_131A2228/Credit:SOPA Images/SIPA/2502130810 (FOTO: DUKAS/SIPA)
SOPA Images/SIPA -
DUKAS_181111616_SIP
Makha Bucha in Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok, Thailand - 12 Feb 2025
A close look at the temple during the yearly ceremony of Makha Bucha at Wat Dhammakaya in the north of Bangkok. Thai people celebrate the Buddhist festival of clockwise circumambulation and Makha Bucha lantern lighting ceremony at Dhammakaya Temple on 'Makha Bucha Day' during the third lunar moon, where around 1250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha and 35000 devotees holding lanterns. - Guillaume Payen / SOPA Images//SOPAIMAGES_GUI_PAYEN_12FEB2025_131A2223/Credit:SOPA Images/SIPA/2502130810 (FOTO: DUKAS/SIPA)
SOPA Images/SIPA -
DUKAS_181111609_SIP
Makha Bucha in Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok, Thailand - 12 Feb 2025
A close look at the temple during the yearly ceremony of Makha Bucha at Wat Dhammakaya in the north of Bangkok. Thai people celebrate the Buddhist festival of clockwise circumambulation and Makha Bucha lantern lighting ceremony at Dhammakaya Temple on 'Makha Bucha Day' during the third lunar moon, where around 1250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha and 35000 devotees holding lanterns. - Guillaume Payen / SOPA Images//SOPAIMAGES_GUI_PAYEN_12FEB2025_131A2213/Credit:SOPA Images/SIPA/2502130810 (FOTO: DUKAS/SIPA)
SOPA Images/SIPA -
DUKAS_181111601_SIP
Makha Bucha in Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok, Thailand - 12 Feb 2025
Monks pray during the yearly ceremony of Makha Bucha at Wat Dhammakaya in the north of Bangkok. Thai people celebrate the Buddhist festival of clockwise circumambulation and Makha Bucha lantern lighting ceremony at Dhammakaya Temple on 'Makha Bucha Day' during the third lunar moon, where around 1250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha and 35000 devotees holding lanterns. - Guillaume Payen / SOPA Images//SOPAIMAGES_GUI_PAYEN_12FEB2025_131A2205/Credit:SOPA Images/SIPA/2502130810 (FOTO: DUKAS/SIPA)
SOPA Images/SIPA -
DUKAS_181111593_SIP
Makha Bucha in Wat Dhammakaya in Bangkok, Thailand - 12 Feb 2025
Monks pray during the yearly ceremony of Makha Bucha at Wat Dhammakaya in the north of Bangkok. Thai people celebrate the Buddhist festival of clockwise circumambulation and Makha Bucha lantern lighting ceremony at Dhammakaya Temple on 'Makha Bucha Day' during the third lunar moon, where around 1250 monks gathered to be ordained by the Buddha and 35000 devotees holding lanterns. - Guillaume Payen / SOPA Images//SOPAIMAGES_GUI_PAYEN_12FEB2025_131A2179/Credit:SOPA Images/SIPA/2502130810 (FOTO: DUKAS/SIPA)
SOPA Images/SIPA -
DUKAS_178774791_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of (pictured) Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. ?h?nissaro Bhikkhu (also known as Ajaan Geoff; born 28 December 1949) is an American Buddhist monk. Belonging to the Thai Forest Tradition, for 22 years he studied under the forest master Ajahn Fuang Jotiko (himself a student of Ajahn Lee). Since 1993 he has served as abbot of the Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego County, California — the first monastery in the Thai Forest Tradition in the US — which he cofounded with Ajahn Suwat Suvaco. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774785_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Taan Robin, ordained in 2015, serves himself as the monks eat once daily in a almsgiving, where lay people donate and prepare meals for the monks. The idea of the alms giving by the lay people involves giving to others as an act of virtue, for the Buddhist monks, its to make merit and also to collect food for their one meal of the day. The food is passed and placed into their own alms bowl. Metta Forest Monastery,a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774781_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Yam (left in white shirt), a monk in training and about to be ordained into the monastery, helps serve the alms to the monks. The food is offered in hierarchy, first to Ajaan Geoff (second to left), abbot of the Metta Forest Monastery, then passed down the line. The monks eat once daily in a ceremonial almsgiving, where lay people donate and prepare meals for the monks. The idea of the alms giving by the lay people involves giving to others as an act of virtue, for the Buddhist monks, its to make merit and also to collect food for their one meal of the day. Metta Forest Monastery,a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774773_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. The Monastery is outside of Valley Center, California at the end of a road in an avocado orchard surrounded by the mountains and chaparral of northern San Diego County. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774762_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Yam, a monk in training and about to be ordained into the Metta Forest Monastery, shows us his hut, his place of residence, at the Metta Forest Monastery, located in Valley Center. A meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774759_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Wat Cortey -Dumont, 69, living in France, has been visiting Metta Forest Monastery with her husband for one month a year since 2012. Each morning she rises early for 5:30am meditation and takes part in cooking and preparing the alms meal with other laypeople daily. Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774754_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Taan Andrew, ordained in 2017, does chores after their alms meal. Metta Forest Monastery, located in Forest Valley, CA., is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774753_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. The Monastery is outside of Valley Center, California at the end of a road in an avocado orchard surrounded by the mountains and chaparral of northern San Diego County. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774736_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Yam, a monk in training and about to be ordained into the Metta Forest Monastery, shows us his hut, his place of residence, at the Metta Forest Monastery, located in Valley Center, a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774726_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: A detail of the shoes of the Monks. - Metta Forest Monastery, located in Valley Center, is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774725_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of (Thanissaro Bhikkhu) Ajaan Geoff, as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. (Ajaan means teacher) (Taan or Than - is a title given to you after you have become ordained) Pictured Taan Peter takes part in his daily morning chores which includes sweeping falling leaves. The routines of sweeping and tidying have spiritual meaning, as with meditation practice, there is no endpoint of the cleaning practice. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774715_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: (from left to right) Wat Cortes-Dumont, 69, from France and Florian Miller, 77, from Escondido, along with other lay people prepare and cook the alms meal in the kitchen of the Metta Forest Monastery. The meal is offered to the monks for the once only daily meal. In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. The Monastery is outside of Valley Center, California at the end of a road in an avocado orchard surrounded by the mountains and chaparral of northern San Diego County. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774710_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: The monks eat once daily in a almsgiving, where lay people donate and prepare meals for the monks. The idea of the alms giving by the lay people involves giving to others as an act of virtue, for the Buddhist monks, its to make merit and also to collect food for their one meal of the day. The food is passed and placed into their own alms bowl. Metta Forest Monastery,a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774709_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery, located in Valley Center, CA, is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of (Thanissaro Bhikkhu) Ajaan Geoff as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. The routines of sweeping and tidying have spiritual meaning, as with meditation practice, there is no endpoint of the cleaning practice. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774703_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Tamar Covitz, along with other lay people prepare and cook the alms meal in the kitchen of the Metta Forest Monastery. The meal is offered to the monks for the once only daily meal. In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. The Monastery is outside of Valley Center, California at the end of a road in an avocado orchard surrounded by the mountains and chaparral of northern San Diego County. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774697_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Yam (second to left), a monk in training and about to be ordained into the Metta Forest Monastery, gets a hug from (left to right) his sister, brother and mother. After the ordination, although family is important, touching or hugging is considered an offense. Metta Forest Monastery,a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774692_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Yam (left in white shirt), a monk in training and about to be ordained into the monastery, helps serve the alms to the monks. The food is offered in hierarchy, first to Ajaan Geoff (second to left), abbot of the Metta Forest Monastery. The monks eat once daily in a ceremonial almsgiving, where lay people donate and prepare meals for the monks. The idea of the alms giving by the lay people involves giving to others as an act of virtue, for the Buddhist monks, its to make merit and also to collect food for their one meal of the day. Metta Forest Monastery,a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774685_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Ajaan Jiab, at his hut where he resides at the Metta Forest Monastery, located in Valley Center, CA., a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774684_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Daily early morning meditation from 5:30am - 6:30am at Metta Forest Monastery, a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. (Ajaan means teacher). Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774683_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of (pictured) Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. ?h?nissaro Bhikkhu (also known as Ajahn Geoff; born 28 December 1949) is an American Buddhist monk. Belonging to the Thai Forest Tradition, for 22 years he studied under the forest master Ajahn Fuang Jotiko (himself a student of Ajahn Lee). Since 1993 he has served as abbot of the Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego County, California — the first monastery in the Thai Forest Tradition in the US — which he cofounded with Ajahn Suwat Suvaco. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774650_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. The Monastery is outside of Valley Center, California at the end of a road in an avocado orchard surrounded by the mountains and chaparral of northern San Diego County. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774649_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: (From left to right) Taan Robin ordained in 2015 and Taan Dean, ordained 2014 do their chores of washing their alms bowls and tidying after their meal. Metta Forest Monastery, located in Forest Valley, CA., is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774647_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. The Monastery is outside of Valley Center, California at the end of a road in an avocado orchard surrounded by the mountains and chaparral of northern San Diego County. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774606_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery, in Valley Center, CA., is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of (pictured at front of line) Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. 8:30am daily - Alms round Ajaan Geoff first in line, lead the monks as they walk on their alms round down the road to the kitchen area where the laypeople put rice in their bowls. In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774605_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Yam, a monk in training and about to be ordained into the Metta Forest Monastery, shows us his hut, his place of residence, at the Metta Forest Monastery, located in Valley Center. On his desk, two framed photos of his parents sit, there is huge respect for the family in this tradition. A meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774597_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Yam (left), a monk in training and about to be ordained into the Metta Forest Monastery, with his sister Tamar Covitz, at the Metta Forest Monastery, located in Valley Center, a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. After ordination to touch a women even if it is a mother or sister out of affection, it is considered an offence but the lesser one of wrong-doing. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774596_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Than Tom ordained in July 2018 chants at the Alms giving at the Metta Forest Monastery, located in Valley Center, CA., is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774582_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Taan Robin, ordained in 2015, serves himself as the monks eat once daily in a almsgiving, where lay people donate and prepare meals for the monks. The idea of the alms giving by the lay people involves giving to others as an act of virtue, for the Buddhist monks, its to make merit and also to collect food for their one meal of the day. The food is passed and placed into their own alms bowl. Metta Forest Monastery,a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774579_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Taan Robin, ordained in 2015, serves himself as the monks eat once daily in a almsgiving, where lay people donate and prepare meals for the monks. The idea of the alms giving by the lay people involves giving to others as an act of virtue, for the Buddhist monks, its to make merit and also to collect food for their one meal of the day. The food is passed and placed into their own alms bowl. Metta Forest Monastery, a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774578_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of (Thanissaro Bhikkhu) Ajaan Geoff, as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. (Ajaan means teacher) (Taan or Than - is a title given to you after you have become ordained) Pictured Taan Lionel takes part in his daily morning chores which includes sweeping falling leaves. The routines of sweeping and tidying have spiritual meaning, as with meditation practice, there is no endpoint of the cleaning practice. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774576_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Morning chanting: After offering the meal the laypeople perform the morning chanting. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774558_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Yam (left), a monk in training and about to be ordained into the Metta Forest Monastery, walks on one of the many paths at the Metta Forest Monastery,located in Valley Center, a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition was founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774554_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Florian Miller, 77, along with other lay people prepare and cook the alms meal in the kitchen of the Metta Forest Monastery. The meal is offered to the monks for the once only daily meal. In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. The Monastery is outside of Valley Center, California at the end of a road in an avocado orchard surrounded by the mountains and chaparral of northern San Diego County. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774553_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
DUKAS_178774552_POL
California Metta Forest Buddhist monastery
November 16, 2018 - Center, California, United States: Metta Forest Monastery is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of (pictured) Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. ?h?nissaro Bhikkhu (also known as Ajahn Geoff; born 28 December 1949) is an American Buddhist monk. Belonging to the Thai Forest Tradition, for 22 years he studied under the forest master Ajahn Fuang Jotiko (himself a student of Ajahn Lee). Since 1993 he has served as abbot of the Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego County, California — the first monastery in the Thai Forest Tradition in the US — which he cofounded with Ajahn Suwat Suvaco. Currently there are ten resident bhikkhus, as well as space for lay Buddhists on overnight retreat. Ajaan ?h?nissaro stresses the importance of strict adherence to the Vinaya or Buddhist monastic code which teaches relying only on donations from the lay community as well as living in the wilderness, a key feature of the Thai Forest Tradition of which he is a part. (Nancy Pastor / Polaris) (FOTO:DUKAS/POLARIS)
© Nancy Pastor -
