The monks filed a federal lawsuit last month after neighbors’ complaints about traffic prompted the City Council to shut down the services. The monks also asked for a temporary restraining order that would allow them to resume services until the matter is resolved.

Rather than go to court to fight the restraining order, the city agreed to let the monks continue to hold Sunday services attended by no more than 20 people.

John Stepanovich, attorney for the Buddhist Education Center of America, says it could be as long as a year before the lawsuit is decided.