Birken is supported solely through the ancient tradition of Dana, or generous giving, in the form of monetary and material donations. Generosity is a quality of the heart which the Buddha greatly encouraged for its benefits to the giver in this life and beyond.

Practically speaking, donations supply everything from food, soap and stamps, to generator fuel, building costs and insurance. They enable the monastics to continue their work of training in, and sharing, the Dhamma, and support resident stewards who offer their services freely. This facility and its resident monastics have no outside means of support.

Our monastery is a non-profit charitable organization (the society is officially known as "Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery" ). Financial donations to the monastery are tax deductible in Canada,and eligible for a Canadian tax receipt. (learn more)

We especially appreciate monthly or quarterly donations, as the regularity helps to stabilize our financial operations.

If you would like to offer financial support to the Monastery and resident community, you have several options:

1. Electronically. There are two options: using CanadaHelps or PayPal. These services charge fees. (learn more)

   •	Through CanadaHelps.org (with a credit card)
   •	Through PayPal Secure online payment (with a credit card, bank account, or PayPal balance)

2. You can mail cheques or money orders payable to Birken Forest Monastery to:

   Birken Forest Monastery
   PO Box 5
   Knutsford, British Columbia, CANADA
   V0E 2A0
   

3. Direct deposits are also welcome. Such transfers should be made to our account with the Interior Savings and Credit Union (Summit Branch):

Transit: 05870, Institution 809, Account No. 10-7024342.
Address: #370 – 1210 Summit Drive, Kamloops, BC, Canada, V2C 6M1.
Phone: (250) 314-1210

 Other than financial donations, there are several other ways you can support the monastery:

• If you wish, you can offer food or material goods. For this purpose, we keep a current list of Useful Dana Items. Or, alternatively, you could ask one of Birken's Stewards. (Note: A Steward is a layperson who attends to many of the material needs of the monastery.)
• Physical labour is another form of Dana. While here, your help with the upkeep of the monastery is appreciated.

 Note: Unless they are clearly invited to do so, monastics may not ask for anything directly.

 Thank you for considering supporting the monastery. We rejoice in your merit!