The Monastic Impulse

Peace House is a monastic residence. Within its walls, Buddhist monks live a life set apart by practices that include renunciation of material possessions, higher ordination within their Theravadan tradition, submission to formal rules, and deep commitment to spiritual practices including study, chanting, meditation, and service to others.

Existing on the margins of society, nuns and monks across spiritual traditions serve as beacons of light in our dark world, reminding us that another way is possible.

We can’t all live as nuns or monks. But we can develop habits of heart embodied in the monastic life that hold enduring wisdom. We can both recognize and follow the monastic impulse that exists within each of us, calling us to slow down and return to the center, even if it’s just for a short while. 

At Peace House, this is our invitation – to follow your monastic impulse. To partake of the monastic life. To return to the center.

In addition to our regular offerings, this winter, we invite you to a few new features. Ven. Kusala is making daily “Morning Leaves of Mindfulness” recordings available on the Peace House YouTube channel. Ven. Samitha will be accepting alms daily. And Busshin Nash, our visiting novice Zen priest, will re-institute the popular Tuesday evening “Friends on the Path” discussion group and Saturday morning “Beginners Mind” silent meditation and Q&A.

In peace, judy