Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery (Sītavana)
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
      • About the Monastery
      • Resident Stewardships
      • Birken Online Upāsikā Program – Ending in 2022
    • NEWS
    • VISIT
      • Visit – COVID Update
      • Guest Guidelines
      • Getting Here
    • RESOURCES
      • Videos and Podcasts
      • Audio Downloads
      • Books and Articles
      • Birken Monastery Publications
      • Other Resources
    • SUPPORT
      • Monetary Donations
        • Endowment Fund
        • General Giving Fund
        • Securities & Mutual Funds
        • Tributes & Memorials
        • Other Ways to Give
      • Food & Material Offerings
    • CONTACT
    • Search
    • Menu

    Registration Opens Today: Winter Retreat & Jhana Retreat

    Although fall has just officially arrived, it’s time once again to turn our attention to the quiet solitude of winter at Birken. This year there are two silent winter retreat opportunities for experienced meditators who have visited Birken for extended stays in the recent past.

    WINTER RETREAT
    January 2 – February 20, 2019; March 20 – April 10, 2019
    Registration Closes March 27, 2019

    Spacious time for self-guided meditation periods amidst the silence of snow and tranquil surroundings. All arrivals and departures MUST be on Wednesdays without exception. Guests will be assigned light duties. The minimum stay is one week; the maximum stay is two weeks.

    Please note that the following dates are NOT available for Winter Retreat bookings:

    • February 20 – 27, 2019 (Reserved for Upasika Group III Winter Retreat)
    • February 27 – March 20, 2019 (Reserved for monastery closure dates and Jhana Retreat)
    TWO-WEEK JHANA RETREAT
    March 3 -17, 2019
    (Registration Closes November 30, 2018)

    Optimal conditions for jhana meditation practice will be maintained during this very special retreat. Individualized jhana instruction from Ajahn Sona will be provided to each meditator, as well as extended meditation periods throughout the day, with a focus on solitary practice in each meditators’ room. NOTE: Unlike our Winter Retreat, the Jhana Retreat begins and ends on Sundays.

    For more information about both retreats and to register, please see our Book a Visit page under “2019 Winter Retreat”.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Birken.
    May you be well, happy and peaceful.
    Latest News Posts:
    June 20, 2022/by Birken Office

    Announcing the Final Birken Online Upāsikā Program

    May 4, 2022/by Birken Office

    The Natural Elements in Meditation Virtual Retreat with Ajahn Sona

    April 1, 2022/by Birken Office

    New Premiere Video: Sunday, April 3, 4pm PT

    © Copyright - Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery (Sītavana)
      Pah Bah Potluck Lunch & Ceremony – Sunday, September 16 at Birke... 2018 Birken Annual General Meeting
      Scroll to top