The most recent Engaged Buddhist cohort at the Dharma Bum Temple had the pleasure and privilege of visiting the Metta Forest Monastery outside Valley Center as part of the eight-week Engaged Buddhist program at Dharma Bums Temple.  The Monastery was founded by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco in 1990.  Ajaan Geoff (Thanissaro Bhikkhu) has been the abbott and teacher since 1993.  The Monastery follows the Thai Forest Tradition, founded by Phra Ajaain Mun and Phra Ajaan Sao. It is based on Kammatthana or “basis of work” or “place of work”. The primary purpose of the Monastery is “to give men the opportunity to ordain as bhikkhus to practice in line with Dhamma and Vinaya (training rules) taught by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago.”

Metta Forest Monastery is surrounded by beautiful hills, trees, flowering bushes, hummingbirds and squirrels.  When the cohort arrived, monks could be found on the property engaged in various chores. Long time Dharma Bum member and friend Tim Roller met the cohort, introduced the Monastery and its practices, and provided a walking tour of the property.  In addition to housing the monks and Thanissaro Bhikkhu, the monastery also offers day visits and overnight visits for laypersons of all genders. Multiple tent sites and a shared cabin are available to reserve for free. 

The group brought food for the monks and helped the volunteers serve food to the monks in assembly-line fashion during the Alms Round.  Many members spoke about feeling both honored and humbled to be part of this service. The food was then available for all volunteers and visitors. There were probably about 40 different dishes, mostly vegetarian.  A few members of the cohort helped wash dishes. After the Alms Round, there was Morning Chanting and a talk by Thanissaro Bhikkhu who also answered questions.  The Monastery is very generous and offers a multitude of free books on Buddhist practice available to all visitors. On site, there is also a library that houses numerous books on Buddhism, some of which are very special and very old.  

For more information, including the daily schedule, please visit watmetta.org. In addition, free Dhamma by Thanissaro Bhikkhu are available at dhammatalks.org.  

Written by Jaimie Page