Shasta Abbey facts for kids

A special monument for Rev. Master Jiyu at Shasta Abbey.

A statue of Buddha inside the Buddhahall at Shasta Abbey.

Shasta Abbey is a special place in northern California, near Mount Shasta in the United States. It's a training center for Buddhist monks and a peaceful spot for anyone interested in learning about Buddhism. The Abbey was started in 1970 by Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett. She was the main leader and teacher there until she passed away in 1996.

History of Shasta Abbey

How Shasta Abbey Began

Shasta Abbey is part of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (OBC). Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett, a woman from Britain, founded it in 1970. She did this for her teacher, Keido Chisan Koho Zenji, who was in Japan. In late 1969, Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett visited the United States. She decided to stay and open Shasta Abbey the next year.

Leaders of the Abbey

Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett led Shasta Abbey for 26 years. She taught and guided many monks and lay people. She also started another Buddhist Abbey in England in 1972, called Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey. She created the OBC to connect the temples she founded.

After Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett passed away, Rev. Master Eko Little became the second Abbot. He had been her assistant for 20 years. He continued her work and teachings for 14 years. He helped the monastery grow and strengthened the spiritual life of the community. He left the Abbey in May 2010.

The current leader is Rev. Master Meian Elbert. She became a monk in 1977 and was taught by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. She was chosen as Abbess by the monks at Shasta Abbey on June 17, 2010. She has held many important roles at the Abbey, like Vice Abbess and Novice Master.

Life and Training at Shasta Abbey

Practicing Serene Reflection Meditation.

What is Serene Reflection Meditation?

Buddhist training at Shasta Abbey focuses on a practice called Serene Reflection Meditation. This is a type of Sōtō Zen meditation. It also involves following the Buddhist Precepts, which are like guidelines for living a good life. About 26 monks live at the Abbey. They are vegetarian and live a simple, celibate life. Their robes mix styles from Chinese and Japanese Buddhist traditions.

A Day at the Abbey

A special ceremony in the Buddha Hall at Shasta Abbey.

The daily schedule at Shasta Abbey includes many types of meditation. There is seated meditation, ceremonies, and working meditation. This means monks try to keep a meditative mind in everything they do. The day starts early with meditation and a morning service.

The rest of the day is filled with daily activities. This includes eating meals together and doing tasks for the community. Monks also have time for their own spiritual practice and rest. Visitors and lay residents follow a similar schedule. Everyone tries to follow "The Middle Way" in their daily lives.

The Practice of Giving (Dāna)

Shasta Abbey is a quiet and peaceful place for everyone. People who practice there try to follow the Buddha's teachings with all their heart. They believe that the teachings are very valuable and cannot have a price. The Abbey does not charge fees for its teachings or for staying there. Instead, they rely on the practice of Dāna, which means mutual assistance or generous giving. This shows their faith in the teachings and their community.