Welcome to
Pārāyana Vihāra
A monastic residence in Port Townsend, WA dedicated to living and sharing the Buddha’s teachings
Pārāyana Vihāra - The Way to the Beyond
At the heart of Pārāyana Vihāra is a community of female monastic contemplatives who are inspired by the potential to transform old patterns of holding and entanglement, and to realize the heart’s release. Practicing the Buddha’s teachings as a whole life path, we share teachings and blessings for the benefit of all.
We endeavor to find a balance between quiet monastic practice and welcoming those who are interested in deepening their understanding and lived experience of the Buddha’s path of awakening. There are opportunities to come for an afternoon of meditation and teaching, join us for an evening puja, peruse our Buddhist library, offer a meal for the monastic community, or attend a meditation retreat.
It is this unshakable deliverance of the heart that is the goal of this spiritual life, its heartwood and its end.
-MN 29
Latest News
March 2026 Newsletter
Spring greetings from the Parayana Vihara community as we emerge from Winter Retreat and share exciting news and info about upcoming programs….
February 2026 Newsletter
The Pārāyana Vihāra monastic community have settled into their winter meditation retreat, so this month’s newsletter is coming from us, the members of the Pārāyana
Winter Retreat Opportunities
As we enter our winter retreat, Jan 15 – March 18, there are a few things we would like to let you know.
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2026 New Year’s Newsletter
Happy New Year dear friends! The New Year offers an opportunity to put energy into what is meaningful and fulfilling, planting the seeds of our