Welcome to Wat Atamayatarama
Wat Atam or Wat Atamma as local people called this Buddhist temple, Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery (ABM), a small humble Buddhist monastery tucked away in a serene corner of Woodinville among acres of wooded land, was founded in 1998. The monastery follows Theravada Buddhist tradition.
This place opens to everyone regardless of their belief, socioeconomic status or background. The general philosophy that keeps this place running is “Generosity is not just about material, but also about time, service and giving themselves.” The act of giving would result in building self-confidence at giving and receiving ends. The quality much needed to bring a higher degree of self-acceptance and self-contented.
In this small building people from all walks of life come to seek spiritual shelter, or to pause from their busy days, or to reflect their thoughts. Among many other community services, people come here to study and practice meditation. There are several ancient meditation technics that bring peace to body and mind. Meditation is universal. It influences modern psychology and many branches of medical science as it is proven to benefit both physical and mental health.
Here at this monastery, message of compassion, tolerance and rationality is sent to everyone who visits. The resident monks and visiting instructors provide sanctuary for the mind through meditation and dharma talks to all people of good will. They successfully manage to reach out to the community. Children come to Saturday school for dhamma and Thai lessons at the same time. The monks are scheduled to visit inmates to teach meditation focusing on building peace from within.
Many come here in their darkest days. Kind words from the wise light the end of the tunnels to gently guide their ways. Suicide attempts were terminated. Confusion was straightened out. Some just come to take a break in this tranquil setting before going out to face the chaos in the real world again.
This monastery is not about brick and stone or the size of it. It is all about the people who come here to make use of it, one way or another. It is the place where ignorance, grief, desolation are lifted away.
There are stories after stories of why people come to this monastery. What they get out of it and what in turn they give back to the community.