Glen Ard Abbey :: Communities Directory

Forming Formed: 2010

This page last updated:12/8/2011

Glen Ard Abbey

Howland, Maine,

United States

Glen Ard Abbey is an intentional Celtic Buddhist community that is currently forming.

Celtic Buddhism arose out of Trungpa Rinpoche's desire for Buddhism to truly belong to the west, and his love of the spirit exemplified by the early Christian Celts. Celtic Buddhists, therefore, practice a mixture of Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism interlaced with Celtic Christianity and contained within Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's Shambhala teachings.

Celtic Buddhism does not discriminate based on gender, race or sexual orientation, but, rather, promotes the development of our intuition and creativity, and encourages a playful interconnectedness to this Earth and all of life. Because this community is still forming, every member will shape and guide it.

Status: Active

Website: http://www.celticbuddhistmonks.org

Contact:

Sister Gryphon
Glen Ard Abbey
119 North Howland Rd
Howland, Maine 04448 United States

Links:

Thoughts from a Celtic Buddhist Monk: This webpage was created to give people an idea of what we are doing. Please also check our blog.

Celtic Buddhism: This is the websitecreated for and by lay practitioners of Celtic Buddhism.

Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses)

This page last updated:12/8/2011

Visitors Accepted

Visitor Process: If you would like to visit, please email Sister Gryphon. Glen Ard is not just for monastics, but open for anyone wishing to explore Celtic Buddhism. We have 3 branches in Celtic Buddhism- Home dweller, Yogic, and Monastic. All branches are important for the well being of the tree. Come join us in meditation, liturgy, Celtic Buddhist practice. Celtic Buddhism is Buddhism for those of us that cannot joyfully fit into the rigid hierarchical forms of Buddhism today.

Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:

Our community is a legally sanctioned church or religious organization and living in our community is restricted to members of that religion as allowed by law. Our religion does not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin. Housing in our community is non-commercial (i.e. not intended to make a profit).

Our community does not provide land or housing and is therefore not subject to fair housing laws.

Comment: Glen Ard has been created to allow women equality as monastics in the Celtic Buddhist tradition. At this time, we have no men who are fully ordained, however, we look forward to having an abbey for male monastics. And we are supportive of anyone interested in Celtic Buddhism living nearby and helping to create a strong community of independant households.

Population Members(adults and children): 2 (Currently we have members living in VT, CT, Ireland and ME. But, we are trying to create a centralized community in Maine.) Non-member Residents: 0 Open to new members: Yes	Government Decision Making: (All fully ordained monastics have a voice in decisions concerning the monastery. All lay practitioners are also given a voice, however, ultimately the monastics decide the direction of the monastery just as the lay practitioners decide the direction of lay practice.) Identified Leader: Yes (Trungpa Rinpoche had the vision for Celtic Buddhism. Seonaidh Perks is his student who actually founded this new lineage for Rinpoche. The Abbey itself is headed by Sister Gryphon who is the acting abbess and has lived and trained in a monastic setting for over 10 years.) Leadership Core Group: No (This monastery is not founded with rigid rules and a one size fits all attitude. Every person is on a very personal spiritual journey. This is something that is acknowledged and respected. We do not ask for vow of obedience. We do ask for a vow of curiosity and openness, and we expect every member to bring their unique talents and opinions to the table.)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes Labor Contribution: Expected Join Fee: No Regular Fees: No
Land and Buildings (rural) Area: 5 acres (2.0 hectares) (Glen Ard sits on 5 acres. But there is plenty of land up and down the road that is for sale.) Land Owned By: Community-controlled land trust Number of Residences: 1 (We hope to build a second building in the spring.)	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (We are still forming, but hope to grow 50% of our own food.) Share Community Meals: 1 time/week Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual Dietary Practice: Primarily vegetarian Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (Alcohol is often at various ceremonies and celebrations- alternatives are also always provided.) Tobacco Use: Seldom used (Again, we aren't righteous fanatics. Smoke if you got 'em.)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: Yes (Meditation, and liturgy as a group. But each monastic will also have her own individual practices.) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): (Celtic Buddhism incorporates Zen, Tibetan and Shambhala training, and Celtic Christianity, which incoporates an appreciation for all beings and the mystery of life.)

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Become an Editor Current editor(s): SisterGryphon

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