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Monastery Past History (Page 3)

The word Atammayata is from the ancient Pali language in which the Buddhist scriptures are preserved, and means “to cut off or reject the source of suffering.”

The Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery (ABM) was launched January 18, 1998 by the Thai and American Buddhist community of Washington State. This Buddhist Temple was certified as a “not-for-profit” corporation of the State of Washington on 22 April 1998. Wat Atam, as called by local people, is established with the goal of promoting authentic, classic Buddhist teaching in an open and friendly spirit. For the first year, the monks resided in a small rented house in Seattle’s Beacon Hill District.

On 3 December 1999, Wat Atam purchased a residence on a five-acre plot of land in the Woodinville area to which the monks relocated. This site will soon be developed as a new Buddhist center including a Meditation Hall and Retreat Center.

Kuhn Kamol Lekhaukul, president of the Board of Directors, asked Wat Buddhadhamma of Chicago, Illinois to assign Venerable Ajhan Ritthi Thirajitto as the first Abbot and religious teacher at Wat Atam. Ven. Ritthi arrived in Seattle on 8 July 1988 to take up this new endeavor.

As of mid-October 2001 the resident Sangha consists of: Phramaha Ritthi Thirajitto, Phramaha Tawatchai Gunakaro, Phramaha Khajohn Khemabhirato and Santidhammo Bhikkhu (American).

Board of Directors

Officers: Ms. Sangduen Ziemba (President) Mr. Joseph Romero (Vice-President) Miss Pantita Charoenying (Treasurer) Dr. Gaviphat Lekutai, Ph.D (Secretary) Board Members: Mr. Surachai Arkanit,  Mr. Kane Bunyaketu, Mr. Martin Chin, Ms. Panarat Imig, . Mr. Somsakdi Mahakrittiyadhorn, Mr. Deen Sethanandha, Mr. Punya Tipyasothi, Mr. Chare Vathanaprida, Mrs. Nongnuch Phutirat, Mr. Jackris Kijsondhi, Mrs. Sumalee Washburn, Board Meetings: The Board […]

Volunteers needed for the Picnic

The Picnic is on Sunday August 14th. As you may know parking for this event is always a problem, so help is needed from 9 am to Noon to manage the inflow of cars.   Following are the instructions about parking:  Parking will be at Leota Junior high-school parking lot located at 19301 168 Av NE, […]

About Fear

Fear, everyone is having this problem. We are all afraid of something. Fear comes from stupidity, from selfishness, from the craving of a self that desires things it can’t have. So we fear! Nowadays, we have every possible kind of fear in this world of ours, especially the fear of nuclear war and annihilation. When […]

Wednesday evening celebration of Visakha Puja

On this Wednesday evening 5/25/16, we will celebrate Visakha Puja Day (Buddha Day).  After chanting and meditation we will give homage to the Buddha, and with lighted candles walk around the Temple three times.  It’s celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the Buddha, on the full moon in May. I hope you can join this […]

We need help with Spring Landscaping

Atammayatarama Buddhist monastery is starting a Spring Landscaping campaign to beautify our Temple for the upcoming Thai New Year’s celebration in April, and the first Meditation Retreat in May.  We are looking for lots of volunteers for this campaign. Help removing the weeds: Every Sunday 12.30pm-3pm Every Wednesday 4pm-6pm Spring is a busy time, unfortunately this is when Herbicide […]

Pictures of Kathina Day Celebration

If you’re interesting in viewing pictures taken at the November 1st Kathina Day, please follow the Facebook link in the menu bar (far right). Or click on this link Atammayatarama There are many pictures posted in the Wat Atammayatarama Facebook.  It was a wonderful day even with off and on rain.