Birken's New Google Group (electronic mailing list)
In an effort to stay in closer contact with our many friends and supporters, Birken Forest Monastery (‘Sitavana’) has set up a new electronic mailing list that will enable us to send important information directly to your inbox. The new email distribution system will be managed through a “Google Group”. If you wish to receive news relating to upcoming events at the monastery, Ajahn Sona’s visits to other locales, retreat announcements, etc., please enter your email address in the box below to sign up to our new mailing list. You will be able to unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.
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Winter Retreat Bookings - March 2012
Birken will be closed to visitors in January and February while Ajahn Sona is travelling to Asia. Bookings are now open for this year's Winter Retreat (March 2012 only).
Days of Silence
A visit to the monastery is a precious opportunity to deepen your meditation practice. In support of this aspiration of many of our guests and residents, Ajahn Sona is suggesting a deeper commitment to silence during your visit.
Personal Interviews with Ajahn Sona
The Abbot, Ajahn Sona, holds personal interviews between Thursday - Sunday each week in the Monastic Room. Each day has a maximum of three interview slots which will be listed on the sign-up board across from the Monastic Room.
Ajahn Sona's TEDx Okanagan College Talk on Green Monasticism
Click here to view Ajahn Sona's TEDx talk at Okanagan College on the topic of Green Monasticism - the interaction between global monastic practices and sustainability.
Newly-Posted Dhamma Talks: "Abhayagiri: LP Plien Talks in Thai with English translation by Ajahn Pasanno, 2007"
A newly posted collection is now available, called "Abhayagiri: LP Plien Talks in Thai with English translation by Ajahn Pasanno, 2007".Newly Posted Dhamma Talks: "Abhayagiri Community: Vol. 2: 54 Talks by Ajahns Sumedo, Pasanno, Amaro, Sundara, Jitindriya, 2002-03"
A newly posted collection is now available, called "Abhayagiri Community: Vol. 2: 54 Talks by Ajahns Sumedo, Pasanno, Amaro, Sundara, Jitindriya, 2002-03".Annual General Meeting 2011
The Birken Forest Monastery AGM was held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 5:00 pm.
In attendance were all residents, Ralph & Irma West (parents of Ajahn Sona), Kanthi Randeni (our accountant and bookkeeper, as well as one of our treasurers in the early days of the Society), and guests in residence at the time.
In attendance were all residents, Ralph & Irma West (parents of Ajahn Sona), Kanthi Randeni (our accountant and bookkeeper, as well as one of our treasurers in the early days of the Society), and guests in residence at the time.
Ajahn Sona in Vancouver October 25-31, 2011
cool mind
warm heart
green life
Dear Friends,
We are delighted to inform you that this year, Birken Forest Monastery (‘Sitavana’) is celebrating its tenth anniversary at its current location, near Kamloops, British Columbia. Sitavana's growth and vibrancy over the past decade are testament to the vision and generosity of thousands, particularly in the Lower Mainland. To mark this occasion, Sitavana's founder and Abbot, Ajahn Sona, will inaugurate a week of activities to enable friends and newcomers in the Metro Vancouver area to share in merit and in the Dhamma – without the four-hour drive!
Ajahn Sona in Kelowna November 18-19, 2011
Evening Talk by Ajahn Sona
Friday, November 18th, 7:00 p.m.
Meditation Retreat with Ajahn Sona
Saturday, November 19th, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Please bring a food item to share for a Potluck Lunch)
Kelowna Yoga House, 1272 St. Paul Street
Admission to these events is by dana (donation)
For further information call Laurie at 250-764-1022
Friday, November 18th, 7:00 p.m.
Meditation Retreat with Ajahn Sona
Saturday, November 19th, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Please bring a food item to share for a Potluck Lunch)
Kelowna Yoga House, 1272 St. Paul Street
Admission to these events is by dana (donation)
For further information call Laurie at 250-764-1022
2011 Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held on Sept 8, 2011 at 5:00 pm at BIrken.
Anyone interested to hear reflections on the year past and plans for the upcoming year is welcome to attend.
It has been a rich & fruitful year with, of course, many changes at Birken. We take this opportunity to reflect on the contributions of the many friends and supporters who have helped to make Birken what it is today. Anumodana!
Anyone interested to hear reflections on the year past and plans for the upcoming year is welcome to attend.
It has been a rich & fruitful year with, of course, many changes at Birken. We take this opportunity to reflect on the contributions of the many friends and supporters who have helped to make Birken what it is today. Anumodana!
Ajahn Sona in Victoria, BC Aug 26 - 28, 2011
"Seven Factors of Enlightenment"
The Victoria Vipassana Community is delighted to have Ajahn Sona return to Victoria for a weekend of teachings Aug 26 - 28th, 2011. The theme of the teachings will be the Seven Factors of Enlightenment.Friday Aug 26th, 7 - 9 p.m. Public Talk
University of Victoria, Cadboro Commons - Arbutus/Queenswood Room.
"Birken in Kamloops"
Ajahn Sona makes Sunday morning teaching visits to Kamloops once a month. The scheduled dates for 2011 are: September 4, October 23, November 27, December 18 . Please note these dates have changed (anicca, you know...)
Where: "Let’s Move" Yoga Studio, 925 McGill Place, Kamloops.
Where: "Let’s Move" Yoga Studio, 925 McGill Place, Kamloops.
MP3 Dhamma Talk: "The Unlikely Hero"
You can now download the recorded Dhamma Talk given by Ajahn Sona at a recent "Birken in Kamloops" event on Sept 19, 2010. It's 51:32 in length, 21 MB in size.Minutes of 2010 Annual General Meeting
The Minutes of the 2010 Annual General Meeting and the Financial statements for fiscal 2009-2010 are availalbe for download:
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