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.
About the Monastery 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." (To learn more about the word Atammayata, see Ven. Santikaro Bhikkhu's article.)
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 theBoard of Directors, invited 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 Sanghaconsists of: Phramaha Ritthi Thirajitto, Phramaha Tawatchai Gunakaro, Phramaha Khajohn Khemabhirato and Santidhammo Bhikkhu (American). At certain times of the year young Thai boys live at Wat Atam for several weeks as part of the traditional Thai noviate program.
The address of the monastery is: 19301 176th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072. The Woodinville-Duvall Road can be approached from Route 522 or Avondale Road. Turn north off of the Woodinville-Duvall Road onto 176th Ave NE. The monastery is at the end of a short lane leading off of 176th.
You are welcome to visit the Monastery but please check the
Daily Schedule first. If you are a first time visitor to a monastic residence, please review the
Visit Guidelines . Thank you for your cooperation.
Contact Us You are most welcome to contact us.
Address: 19301 176th Ave. NE Woodinville, WA 98072 USA
Telephone: 425-481-6640
Fax: 425-481-2142
E-mail: info@atamma.org
Website:
http://atamma.org/Information: Opening hours: Daily from 6 am to 7 pm
The best times to call the Monastery are
between 8 AM and 10 AM
between 1 PM and 7 PM
Meditation and Dhamma Discussion meet on Wednesday at 7PM at Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery in Woodinville
Religious Ceremony meets every Sunday at 9:30AM at the monastery in Woodinville.
You are welcomed to join morning and evening prayers at 6am and 6pm.