In the Pacific Northwest, amidst the mist of Seattle and the surrounding forests, a spiritual project is flourishing that aims to bring the Theravāda forest tradition to the West: Clear Mountain MonasteryThis Buddhist monastery in Seattle is much more than a physical location; it is a living community devoted to the practice of the Dhamma, meditation, and simple living.
A Monastery Born from the Theravāda Forest
Clear Mountain Monastery is the dream of two monks dedicated to the forest tradition: Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho. Although they do not yet have a permanent landholding, the community keeps the practice alive through meditation sessions, teachings, community gatherings, and alms rounds—the traditional collection of food offerings that connects monks and laypeople in an act of generosity and humility.
The project was born from the desire to offer a refuge where the tranquility of the forest and monastic discipline meet modern life, providing a space for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Dhamma to practice, learn, and share. Its mission is simple yet profound: to cultivate presence, mindfulness, and insight into the human heart.
The Inspiration of the Theravāda Tradition
Life at this monastery follows the principles of forest monasticism,which include simplicity, discipline, study, and meditation. Inspired by teachers like Ajahn Chah and ancient Pāli texts, the monks teach and practice a path of introspection and clarity.
Living by these precepts involves maintaining a daily meditation routine, studying suttas, practicing recitation, and honoring harmony with nature. The Theravāda forest tradition not only teaches meditation but also how to live with integrity and awareness, integrating spirituality into every aspect of daily life.
The Founding Monks: Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho
From Thailand to Seattle: Planting the Dhamma in New Lands
Ajahn Kovilo, born in Ohio, was introduced to meditation through the Goenka tradition and ordained as a bhikkhu in 2010 at Abhayagiri Monastery under the guidance of Ajahn Pasanno and Ajahn Amaro. He practiced in Ajahn Chah–lineage monasteries in Thailand and the United States, and more recently studied Mahāyāna texts at Dharma Realm Buddhist University. Since 2024, he has been living full-time in Seattle, contributing to teachings, translations, and Dhamma publications.
Ajahn Nisabho, after completing university in 2012, traveled to Thailand to receive full ordination under Ajahn Anan, a disciple of Ajahn Chah. After years of training in forest monasteries, he returned to Seattle in 2021 to plant the seeds of Clear Mountain Monastery. He leads teachings, practice, and community development, becoming one of the project’s foundational pillars.
Together, these monks aim to create a space where the forest tradition is not only a historical heritage but also a living, accessible practice for those wishing to deepen their spiritual path.
A Growing Community at Clear Mountain Monastery
Even without a permanent monastery building, Clear Mountain Monastery has established a rhythm of life and practice connecting local and global communities. Its main activities include:
- Daily online meditation: formal sessions open to all, with schedules adapted for different time zones (Zoom & YouTube).
- Teachings and text studiesDhamma talks, sutta recitation, and Pāli study, including translation projects.
- Saturday community gatherings: meditation, teaching, and social coffee, along with hybrid in-person and virtual events.
- Mission Majjhima!: ongoing sutta study on Sundays, deepening understanding of the ancient texts.
- Daily alms roundscollecting food offerings at Pike Place Market as a practice of humility and connection with the lay community.
These activities reflect the essence of Theravāda monasticism: practice, study, and servicewith an openness that allows participation even remotely.
How to Participate and Support Clear Mountain Monastery
The project invites those wishing to join the practice and support the monastery through several avenues:
- Participate in eventsin-person in Seattle, or online via Zoom or their YouTube channel.
- Follow their online channels: newsletter, Discord, WhatsApp and social media to receive updates and teachings.
- Financial donations: support for purchasing land, maintaining the community, and activities (Donations).
- Volunteersupport for purchasing land, maintaining the community, and activities.
- Offer food or “daily alms”: a traditional practice of generosity and spiritual connection.
- Spread the word:share teachings and events to attract more support and awareness of the project.
Every form of participation not only helps the monastery grow but also becomes a living practice of generosity and mindfulness, central to the forest tradition.
A Refuge in the Making: Future Buddhist Monastery in Seattle
Clear Mountain Monastery is still searching for its permanent land,a physical space that will serve as a forest refuge and spiritual center. The goal is to offer retreats for practitioners of short or extended duration, creating an environment where the calm of the forest meets monastic discipline.
In a fast-paced world, the existence of places like Clear Mountain Monastery reminds us of the importance of preserving spaces of silence and wisdom, where daily practice, reflection, and community can flourish. Beyond its physical walls, the monastery already inspires those seeking to deepen their Theravāda practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Theravāda forest tradition?
It is a Buddhist lineage emphasizing meditation, simplicity, monastic discipline, and living in harmony with nature.bosquetheravada.org).
How can I participate in Clear Mountain Monastery activities?
You can join online meditation and teachings, attend in-person gatherings in Seattle, or participate in retreats when available .Online & Zoom).
What does the practice of offering alms or “alms rounds” mean?
It is an act of generosity where monks receive food from the lay community, cultivating humility, mindfulness, and connection between practitioners and laypeople.
Can I visit or stay at the monastery?
Actualmente el monasterio no cuenta con residencia permanente, pero puedes participar en actividades presenciales y esperar futuros retiros cuando se adquiera el terreno definitivo.
Clear Mountain Monastery is more than a project: it is a real-time journey into the forest traditionan invitation for those seeking spiritual depth and connection with a community that lives the Dhamma authentically and accessibly.
For more information, visit clearmountainmonastery.org.
