Fearless Mountain

Plot Summary

Abhayagiri, which means Fearless Mountain, is a Buddhist community created for those who want to fully dedicate their lives toward the realization of enlightenment. It is the first monastery in the U. S. to be established by followers of Ajahn Chah, a respected Buddhist master of the ancient Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism. Twelve monks, who live only on alms, live at the Fearless Mountain monastery, deep in the forest in northern California. The residents speak about what brought them to the monastery and their practice and understanding of Theravada Buddhism and the strict precepts they live by. Because basic human nature does not change, the teachings the Buddha set down more than 2, 500 years ago are still relevant today. One can feel the Buddha’s strong presence here, as if he is meditating beneath the trees that cover fearless mountain.