We’re glad to report that winter has showed itself in full splendor. Starting the first week in February we’ve received at least a foot of snow, which is still on the ground mid-month.

Winter Monastic Retreat:  We wish to express our gratitude for the support of our Winter Monastic Retreat, December 1-8, as well as for the closed period over the month of January. At these times the monastic community has an opportunity for spiritual renewal and refreshment, which helps us in our practice and sharing of the Dharma throughout the year.

Holidays:   Autumn and winter ceremonies included the Festival of Thanksgiving on November 22 and the Ceremony of Offering and Gratitude on December 16th. We celebrated the Buddha’s Enlightenment in joyous fashion on December 24 with the Eve of the Festival of the Buddha’s Enlightenment followed by a social tea. The Festival of the Buddha’s Enlightenment took place on December 25.  More than 20 guests joined us in celebrating the arrival of 2019 during the New Year’s Celebratory Retreat. Retreatants have expressed gratitude for this retreat as an opportunity to reflect on the past year and welcome the new year in a contemplative way, and we’re glad to be able to offer this.

New Teacher of Buddhism:  Rev. Master Meian presented her disciple, Rev.Valora Midtdal, with purple vestments and a Teacher of Buddhism Certificate at evening tea on December 25. As is the custom for new senior monks here, Rev. Valora was the Celebrant for Morning Service on December 28, which was also the eighth anniversary of her Ordination. We congratulate Rev. Master Meian and Rev. Valora on this important occasion and wish them both the very best.

Travels and Visits:  We were happy to welcome Rev. Master Haryo Young, Head of the Order, in mid-December after his visit to the U.K. and other European temples. It is great to have him here as he offers spiritual support and wisdom, and he kindly fixes broken items – anything from computers to boilers.

 We said farewell to Rev. Valeria Allison of Dragon Flower Mountain in December, with gratitude for her help and the example of her training. Rev. Master Aurelian of the same temple arrived in February for a couple of months’ visit.

 Rev. Master Oriana LaChance and Rev. Leon Kackman arrived for an all-too-brief visit of two days in February.

Retreats:   Introductory Retreats continue to be well-attended.  Rev. Master Haryo led a lively discussion with the February retreat guests, many of whom were young people, to get an idea of what they see our monastery as doing for them.

Friends of Shasta Abbey:   Laurie Ottens, Manager of the Shasta Abbey Buddhist Supplies Shop, worked hard on improvements to the shop during the month of January. The first project was to install and set up a new system for Point of Sale and Quick Books, to replace the old system which had failed. The Friends of Shasta Abbey are grateful to the help they received from JEDI, a local organization that aids small business development. The second project was a thorough cleaning and reorganization of the gift shop by Laurie, culminating in a fine clearance sale.

 We’re also grateful to Steve Larson and Monte Bloomer for their work on repairing the heating system in the Sangha House.

Animal News:   Rev. Master Ando, with the assistance of long-time congregation member Rosemary Dyke, blessed all the dogs and cats at the Siskiyou County Humane Society Shelter in Mt. Shasta in December. Each cat and dog received a special blessing with their name and the Three Homages. Rosemary made the dogs very happy by feeding them a generous supply of dog biscuits while they were being blessed.

 Our dog Zady is recovering well from knee surgery, and she continues to enjoy walking with Rev. Enya.

  Teddy, a handsome male tabby less than a year of age, turned up between the Kitchen and the Achalanatha House when the weather turned cold. We were able to catch him, and he’s now warm, well-fed, and living with Rev. Master Shiko.

Rev. Master Oswin was the Celebrant at a recent memorial ceremony for Mocha Dog, the companion of  Xuan Bieh Dao, who requested the ceremony.