A visit to Birken is a valuable experience for anyone interested in spiritual matters. A journey through the magnificent mountains and valleys of British Columbia brings you to this quiet place. Once here you will spend your time with people dedicated to a peaceful, tolerant and virtuous life. A monastery is a place supportive of personal spiritual development for sincere people of all backgrounds and religions. The monastery itself is new. The facilities are ample and clean.

In the language of the Buddha, monastics are simply referred to as "good friends." They are people who are dedicated full-time to following the path the Buddha set for achieving ultimate freedom from suffering, or enlightenment. Monastics can give you interesting perspectives on your own spiritual experiences, help you to understand Buddhism, and share useful ideas for making your mind bright and peaceful.

While here, all that is expected is that you practice the rules of virtue (expressed in the 8 Precepts) as well as Birken's General Guidelines. Together, they are important and useful strategies to support meditation and the development of wisdom. The Precepts make it easier for a group of people to live together and are harmonious with the precepts undertaken by resident monastics. Our General Guidelines detail appropriate procedures and etiquette for visiting a Buddhist monastery, and are provided to all first-time guests upon arrival. Each individual's requirements at the monastery are diverse, but these differences are met with intelligence, tolerance, patience and kind humor.

For over 2500 years, the monastic tradition has survived only through the support of the lay community. Theravada monks and nuns must refrain from growing or cooking their own food, and handling money. To this day, the lay community in countries around the world continues to generously provide monastics with the basic requisites of food, clothing, lodging and medicine.

Birken is supported entirely by donations. All teaching, accommodation, and food are offered freely, without suggested fee. It is left to the good will and discretion of visitors and well-wishers to decide how they might support the work of the monastery.

We hope that you find the time for a visit. At Birken, you are always welcome!