Mission

Friends of the Dhamma exists to support access to the Buddha’s teachings. We encourage contact with like-minded individuals (both lay and monastic) through community gatherings, retreats, and the free distribution of books and tapes.

Our purpose is to promote both the intellectual and experiential understanding of the Dhamma and provide a community of support for living the eightfold path.

Friends of the Dhamma arises from the Theravada, Thai-Forest meditation lineage of Ajahn Chah and is advised by and affiliated with Abhayagiri monastery. We welcome all traditions dedicated to the integrity of the Buddha’s teachings: generosity, virtue, mental cultivation, wisdom, and compassion.

Friends of the Dhamma is supported solely by contributions (dana) from the community and does not charge fees for events or use of its facilities.

History

Friends of the Dhamma was founded in 2000 by Barbara Backstrand, Chris Robson and Sakula Mary Reinard. We've had the great honor of hosting several Monks and Nuns both within and without North America. Though most of our visits have been from monastics of the Ajahn Chah/Ajahn Sumedho lineage we've also been blessed by visits from other lineages.