My name is Kris Sullivan. I was able to spend two full weeks in this community to complete my Contextual Immersion requirement at Pacific School of Religion. Bhante Seelawimala was my teacher in Berkeley two years ago for an Intro to Buddhist Meditation course at the Institute of Buddhist Studies. I asked him if I could do my Immersion course here because it was in Sacramento, where I am now currently residing with my husband, Stephen.
I have been at this table reading books on "What the Buddha Taught" and "Dhammapada" and learning about the historical trip of Dharmapala (below, left) to the 1893 Parliament of World's Religions. I have also been present while the monks have been chanting and for this, I am very grateful. This is the Lending Library.
Every morning, I have tea and a period of time for sitting to calm my mind. I have done work on the online fundraising for ABS, which you will find the donate button on the top right of this blog. This community is warm, loving, kind, and I have been fed on so many levels. The community has been bringing lunch offerings to the monks and with great pleasure, I have a new found love for Sri Lankan food. It is all vegetarian, healthy, flavorful, colorful, and delicious! All of the community celebrations have food offerings because it is good for the bringer of the food, they receive merits and blessings.
Everyone has been so kind and open to me. I cherish the relationships that I have formed here. I will continue to work with this community. While here, I have connected ABS with the Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento to get a membership with them. I have worked with Spiritual Life Center to have Bhante give a talk on Weds May 6. We are going to get more exposure, (and hopefully more donations) for the blessing of this community and what it brings to the greater community. The good that is done here is deep and significant.
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