LP Chalee Hermitage
A peaceful refuge in the heart of the Willamette Valley
Tucked away on five acres of countryside near Albany, Oregon, LP Chalee Hermitage is a place where nature and spiritual practice flow together. The land is dotted with fruit trees, open fields, and quiet corners. A reminder that growth, change, and renewal are part of life’s rhythm. Just ten minutes from Oregon State University, this small Thai Buddhist monastery feels like stepping into another world: humble, welcoming, and deeply peaceful.
The Hermitage follows the Theravada Buddhist tradition, one of the oldest forms of Buddhism. In Thailand, monasteries are not only places of worship but also centers of community life, places where people come to learn, reflect, and offer generosity. LP Chalee Hermitage carries this same spirit into Oregon. It is home to two resident monks, Luang Por (LP) Chalee and Phra Bryan, who guide the community in meditation and teaching.
The Sala - A Space for All
At the heart of the Hermitage stands the sala, a hall rebuilt from an old barn with care and devotion. Just as a barn once sheltered life and work, the sala now shelters quiet reflection, chanting, meditation, and teachings. It is a space open to all: Buddhist and non-Buddhist, Thai speakers and English speakers, longtime practitioners and complete beginners.
When you enter the sala, you enter a space of calm. Here, you can sit in silence, walk in mindfulness, or listen to the Dhamma, the timeless wisdom of the Buddha. For some, it is a place to seek refuge during times of difficulty. For others, it is simply a place to pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Thai Buddhism in Oregon
In Thai tradition, Buddhism is woven into daily life through generosity, food, and community. Every day before 11AM, laypeople bring food to the monks, not only to sustain their physical needs but as an act of generosity that nourishes the spirit. Shared meals often include delicious Thai dishes that remind many of home, while introducing newcomers to Thai culture.
The teachings here are like the fruit trees that fill the land: they grow quietly, season by season, offering nourishment when the time is right. Some lessons are simple, like the sweetness of ripe fruit. Others, like the strength of roots beneath the soil, reveal themselves slowly, supporting growth that isn’t always visible.
A Community of Belonging
LP Chalee Hermitage is more than a monastery; it is a community. It welcomes those who speak Thai and those who don’t. It welcomes Buddhists and those who are simply curious. It welcomes people seeking peace, reflection, or just a friendly face. Here, neighbors share meals, wisdom, and encouragement.
Whether you come for meditation, for the teachings, or for the sense of community, the Hermitage offers what each person needs: a space to pause, to learn, and to grow.
