Personal Retreats
Guests may visit the monastery for Personal Retreats throughout most of the year, except during scheduled closures, scheduled retreats and winter retreat. Personal Retreats are overnight stays of varying duration for self-guided meditators who wish to partake in the monastery’s daily schedule of activities. In contrast to formal retreats, there is no formal meditation instruction given during Personal Retreats and the schedule is more open for individual practitioners to determine a practice schedule that best suits themselves and the community’s needs. Guests have occasional opportunities to join Ajahn Sona for teatime Dhamma talks and/or one-on-one interviews.
Personal Retreat Booking Guidelines & Registration Form
Arrival & Departure Days:
All Personal Retreatants are asked to arrive only on Wednesdays, Fridays or Sundays. Departures may occur on any day of the week.
Length of Stay:
Two-night minimum. If you have no retreat experience and this is your first visit to a monastery, you may apply to stay for a maximum of five days (possibly a bit longer if visiting from out-of-province or internationally). If you have not visited Birken in the recent past, you may apply to stay up to 10 days (or one week if you need Wednesday pick-ups and drop-offs in Kamloops). If you are a frequent visitor and have stayed for at least 10 days in the past, you may apply to stay up to two weeks. Longer stays require special permission from the Abbot. All guests are limited to 30 days of total retreat time at Birken, per calendar year.
Birken Calendar:
Please consult the Birken Calendar to determine a suitable period of time for your Personal Retreat. First-time visitors should not plan to come for a visit when Ajahn Sona is away. We no longer maintain a ‘vacancies calendar’ – you may submit a registration form for your desired dates and we will notify you if space is no longer available.
Guest Guidelines:
Prior to registering for a Personal Retreat, please make sure you have read the latest version of our Guest Guidelines outlining our daily schedule, monastery etiquette, and other guidelines applicable to your stay. All guests are expected to abide by the Eight Precepts outlined in our Guest Guide.
Contact with “The World”:
In order to safeguard the retreat environment at Birken, guests do not have internet or cell phone access at the monastery at any time. Please finalize your worldly affairs and travel arrangements before arriving. It is expected that you will reside on the monastery property throughout your stay and not leave the premises to make phone calls or run errands, etc. You may provide the monastery’s email address to loved ones back home, for emergencies only: bookings@birken.ca
Helping Out:
It is customary for all guests to help out with light chores around the monastery throughout their stay. Please sign up for one or more tasks on the ‘Yogi Duties’ board in the kitchen upon arrival. All guests are asked to assist with breakfast and lunch clean-up.
Transportation:
Please plan to arrive at Birken sometime between 1:00–4:00pm if you are driving to the monastery (or by 1:30pm if requesting a pick-up in Kamloops). PLEASE NOTE: we now require all guests arriving and departing from the Kamloops Airport to take a taxi / shuttle to and from the Birken pick up location (detailed instructions will be provided in your retreat confirmation). There will be only one guest pick-up and drop-off location in Kamloops. Participants needing a ride to Kamloops will depart the monastery after breakfast (about 8:30am). Prior to registration, you must determine how you plan to arrive and depart, and include this information on your registration form (please wait to finalize your transportation arrangements until the Birken Office has confirmed your booking). Please visit Getting Here for more details.
Cancellations:
Last-minute cancellations are burdensome to the monastery and prevent other guests from the precious opportunity to visit. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your visit. Those who cancel at the last minute or leave the monastery prior to their scheduled departure date, may be subject to restrictions on future visits.
Registration Info:
Personal Retreat Registration Form
Day Visits & Dānā Meal Offerings
Day Visits
Birken welcomes Day Visitors to the monastery throughout most of the year, except during scheduled closures, scheduled retreats and winter retreat. Please make sure to email us at least three days in advance of your desired visit (see Day Visit & Dana Meal Booking Guidelines below for additional information.)
Occasionally, guests have the opportunity to participate in teatime Dhamma talks with the Abbot and other members of the community at 5:00pm. You are welcome to arrive earlier in the day and join us for lunch at 11:00am (11:30am during Daylight Saving Time), and explore the monastery building and grounds on your own. But please keep to the main road and do not wander down the small paths to the cabins (‘kutis’), which are private for monastics and residents. Within the main building, the meditation sala on the ground floor is available for sitting meditation at any time of the day. You are also welcome to peruse our library or use the walking meditation hall, both located in the basement. Day Visitors may also participate in our daily evening group meditation from 7:00 – 7:50pm.
Meal Offerings
It is also possible to come for a Day Visit to offer a Dana Meal – a time-honoured, meritorious act of generosity going back to the time of the Buddha. If you wish to offer a lunchtime meal to the monastics, resident community and visiting guests, we rejoice in your generosity and will gladly schedule a date for your meal offering. Please make sure to email us at least three days in advance of your requested date (see Day Visit & Dana Meal Booking Guidelines below for additional information.)
Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before – a kitchen steward will be on site to assist you as needed. For more information, please see Food & Material Offerings.
Day Visit & Dana Meal Booking Guidelines
To book a Day Visit or Dana Meal offering at Birken:
If you plan to come for a Day Visit and/or Dana Meal Offering, you do not need to submit an online registration form. We do, however, request that you consult the Birken Calendar and email us at least three days in advance (bookings@birken.ca) of your requested visit, including the following information:
Day Visits:
- Your full name
- The date and time of your visit
- The names of any others who will be joining you
Dana Meal Offerings:
- Your full name
- The date and time you plan to arrive; our main meal is offered at 11:00am (11:30am during Daylight Saving Time); you may arrive as early as 8:30am to prepare your meal offering
- The number of people will be joining you that day, including their names, if possible
- If you plan to offer the whole meal or just a few dishes for all residents and guests; please also consider this as the main meal of the day as no food is served at Birken after lunch
- If you plan to prepare your meal at Birken or will be bringing along prepared dishes
- Please email us (bookings@birken.ca) one week prior to your confirmed Dana Meal to request an up-to-date estimated meal count for that day
We will then notify you if your planned visit conflicts with any scheduled closures or events here at the monastery. Please note that your Day Visit and/or Dana Meal is not confirmed until you receive approval from the Birken Office.
If you plan to arrive in the morning for a Day Visit, please make sure to let us know so we can advise the kitchen that you’ll be here for the midday meal at 11am (11:30am during Daylight Saving Time). If it is your first time visiting the monastery, we recommend that you read through our Guest Guidelines to get a sense of proper monastery etiquette and our daily schedule. For information on how to get to Birken, please see Getting Here.
2019 Scheduled Retreats
At certain times of the year, Ajahn Sona leads Scheduled Retreats at the monastery for both Absolute Beginners and Experienced Meditators. These are formal, guided retreats where participants arrive and depart on the same day and take part in a structured group schedule of mental cultivation. See below for the scheduled retreats for this year, and also note the opening and closing dates for registration specific to each retreat. To book a Scheduled Retreat at Birken, please read Retreat Info and detailed booking guidelines below and then submit the online registration form.
Absolute Beginners Weekend Retreat
July 19 – 21, 2019
Registration is closed for this retreat.
About this Retreat
Retreat Info:
This is a retreat for Absolute Beginners – people who have never meditated, visited a monastery, or been on a meditation retreat. You don’t need to know anything about Buddhism or meditation. The retreat provides a gentle introduction to the art of mental cultivation, with lots of instruction and guidance, short meditation periods (10 to 20 minutes), lots of free time, and opportunities to talk. We start with the absolute basics: how to sit for meditation, experimenting with various postures and aids (cushion, kneeling stool, chair). Key aspects of the Buddha’s teachings are presented, highlighting the benefits and importance of meditation to one’s own well-being and liberation. There is an option for a light evening snack (contrary to the normal practice at the monastery, where only two meals are eaten: breakfast at 7:00am and the main meal at 11:30am). The retreat starts at 5:00pm on Friday, July 19, with a teatime orientation from the Abbot, Ajahn Sona, and a chance to ask questions.
Booking Guidelines & Registration Form
Guest Guidelines:
Prior to registering for a Scheduled Retreat, please make sure you have read the latest version of our Guest Guidelines outlining our daily schedule, monastery etiquette, and other guidelines applicable to your stay. All guests are expected to abide by the Eight Precepts outlined in our Guest Guide.
Contact with “The World”:
In order to safeguard the retreat environment at Birken, guests do not have internet or cell phone access at the monastery at any time. Please finalize your worldly affairs and travel arrangements before arriving. It is expected that you will reside on the monastery property throughout your stay and not leave the premises to make phone calls or run errands, etc. You may provide the monastery’s email address to loved ones back home, for emergencies only: bookings@birken.ca
Helping Out:
It is customary for all guests to help out with light chores around the monastery throughout their stay. Please sign up for one or more tasks on the ‘Yogi Duties’ board in the kitchen upon arrival. All guests are asked to assist with breakfast and lunch clean-up.
Transportation:
Please plan to arrive at Birken sometime between 1:00–4:00pm if you are driving to the monastery (or by 1:30pm if requesting a pick-up in Kamloops). PLEASE NOTE: we now require all guests arriving and departing from the Kamloops Airport to take a taxi / shuttle to and from the Birken pick up location (detailed instructions will be provided in your retreat confirmation). There will be only one guest pick-up and drop-off location in Kamloops. Participants needing a ride to Kamloops will depart the monastery after breakfast (about 8:30am). Prior to registration, you must determine how you plan to arrive and depart and include this information on your registration form (please wait to finalize your transportation arrangements until the Birken Office has confirmed your booking). Please visit Getting Here for more details.
Cancellations:
Last-minute cancellations are burdensome to the monastery and prevent other guests from the precious opportunity to visit. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your visit. Those who cancel at the last minute or leave the monastery prior to their scheduled departure date, will be subject to restrictions on future visits.
Registration Info:
Registration for this retreat is closed.
Accepted candidates will be notified by email in early June. All others will be notified that they have been placed on a waitlist. Interested candidates who are unable to attend the retreat this year are invited to come another time for a Personal Retreat. If you have not heard back from the Birken Office by mid-June, please email us at bookings@birken.ca to make sure that we received your form.
10-Day Silent Retreat for Experienced Meditators
Sept 27 – Oct 6, 2019
Registration is closed for this retreat
About this Retreat
Retreat Info:
This is a retreat for ‘Experienced Meditators’ – lay people who have had a regular meditation practice for some years and have previously attended a 10-day residential retreat. Priority will be given to those who have visited Birken for a Personal Retreat or Scheduled Retreat of at least 10 days in the recent past. The retreat includes some instruction, as well as extended meditation periods (2 to 3 hours), allowing meditators to alternate sitting and walking meditation at their discretion. The retreat is conducted in silence: there is no conversation between participants during the duration of the retreat. Reading and listening to audio talks are also strongly discouraged. There will be opportunities to join Ajahn Sona for Dhamma talks throughout the retreat. The retreat starts at 5:00pm on Friday, September 27, with a teatime orientation led by the Abbot, Ajahn Sona, and a chance to ask questions.
Prerequisite: Prior 10-day retreat experience. Priority is given to those who have visited Birken for a Personal Retreat or Scheduled Retreat of at least 10 days in the recent past.
Booking Guidelines & Registration Form
Guest Guidelines:
Prior to registering for a Scheduled Retreat, please make sure you have read the latest version of our Guest Guidelines outlining our daily schedule, monastery etiquette, and other guidelines applicable to your stay. All guests are expected to abide by the Eight Precepts outlined in our Guest Guide.
Contact with “The World”:
In order to safeguard the retreat environment at Birken, guests do not have internet or cell phone access at the monastery at any time. Please finalize your worldly affairs and travel arrangements before arriving. It is expected that you will reside on the monastery property throughout your stay and not leave the premises to make phone calls or run errands, etc. You may provide the monastery’s email address to loved ones back home, for emergencies only: bookings@birken.ca
Helping Out:
It is customary for all guests to help out with light chores around the monastery throughout their stay. ‘Yogi Duties’ will be assigned for this retreat; please see the ‘Yogi Duties’ board in the kitchen upon arrival. All guests are asked to assist with breakfast and lunch clean-up.
Transportation:
Please plan to arrive at Birken sometime between 1:00–4:00pm if you are driving to the monastery (or by 1:30pm if requesting a pick-up in Kamloops). PLEASE NOTE: we now require all guests arriving and departing from the Kamloops Airport to take a taxi / shuttle to and from the Birken pick up location (detailed instructions will be provided in your retreat confirmation). There will be only one guest pick-up and drop-off location in Kamloops. Participants needing a ride to Kamloops will depart the monastery after breakfast (about 8:30am). Prior to registration, you must determine how you plan to arrive and depart and include this information on your registration form (please wait to finalize your transportation arrangements until the Birken Office has confirmed your booking). Please visit Getting Here for more details.
Cancellations:
Last-minute cancellations are burdensome to the monastery and prevent other guests from the precious opportunity to visit. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your visit. Those who cancel at the last minute or leave the monastery prior to their scheduled departure date, will be subject to restrictions on future visits.
Registration Info:
Registration is closed for this retreat.
Ajahn Sona will review all 10-Day Silent Retreat applications and select those who can best benefit from this period of quiet practice. Accepted candidates will be notified by email in July and asked to reconfirm their commitment to attend the retreat. All others will be notified that they have been placed on a waitlist. Interested candidates who are unable to attend the retreat this year are invited to come another time for a Personal Retreat and can check back next year for more scheduled retreat opportunities. If you have not heard back from the Birken Office by late-July, please email us at bookings@birken.ca to make sure that we received your form.
10-Day Metta (Loving-Kindness) Retreat for Experienced Meditators
Dec 22, 2019 – Jan 1, 2020
Registration open from June 1 to August 31
About this Retreat
Retreat Info:
This is a retreat specifically focussed on the theme of Metta (Loving-Kindness) for ‘Experienced Meditators’ – lay people who have had a regular meditation practice for some years and have previously attended a 10-day residential retreat. Priority will be given to those who have visited Birken for a Personal Retreat or Scheduled Retreat of at least 10 days in the recent past. The retreat includes some instruction, as well as extended meditation periods (2 to 3 hours), allowing meditators to alternate sitting and walking meditation at their discretion. The retreat is conducted in silence: there is no conversation between participants during the duration of the retreat. Reading and listening to audio talks are also strongly discouraged. There will be opportunities to join Ajahn Sona for Dhamma talks throughout the retreat. The retreat starts at 5:00pm on Sunday, December 22, with a teatime orientation led by the Abbot, Ajahn Sona, and a chance to ask questions.
Prerequisite: Prior 10-day retreat experience. Priority is given to those who have visited Birken for a Personal Retreat or Scheduled Retreat of at least 10 days in the recent past.
Bookings Guidelines & Registration Form
Guest Guidelines:
Prior to registering for a Scheduled Retreat, please make sure you have read the latest version of our Guest Guidelines outlining our daily schedule, monastery etiquette, and other guidelines applicable to your stay. All guests are expected to abide by the Eight Precepts outlined in our Guest Guide.
Contact with “The World”:
In order to safeguard the retreat environment at Birken, guests do not have internet or cell phone access at the monastery at any time. Please finalize your worldly affairs and travel arrangements before arriving. It is expected that you will reside on the monastery property throughout your stay and not leave the premises to make phone calls or run errands, etc. You may provide the monastery’s email address to loved ones back home, for emergencies only: bookings@birken.ca
Helping Out:
It is customary for all guests to help out with light chores around the monastery throughout their stay. ‘Yogi Duties’ will be assigned for this retreat; please see the ‘Yogi Duties’ board in the kitchen upon arrival. All guests are asked to assist with breakfast and lunch clean-up.
Transportation:
Please plan to arrive at Birken sometime between 1:00–4:00pm if you are driving to the monastery (or by 1:30pm if requesting a pick-up in Kamloops). PLEASE NOTE: we now require all guests arriving and departing from the Kamloops Airport to take a taxi/shuttle to and from the Birken pick up location (detailed instructions will be provided in your retreat confirmation). There will be only one guest pick-up and drop-off location in Kamloops. Participants needing a ride to Kamloops will depart the monastery after breakfast (about 8:30am). Prior to registration, you must determine how you plan to arrive and depart and include this information on your registration form (please wait to finalize your transportation arrangements until the Birken Office has confirmed your booking). Please visit Getting Here for more details.
Cancellations:
Last-minute cancellations are burdensome to the monastery and prevent other guests from the precious opportunity to visit. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your visit. Those who cancel at the last minute or leave the monastery prior to their scheduled departure date, will be subject to restrictions on future visits.
Registration Info:
Registration for the 10-Day Metta Retreat opens June 1, 2019 and closes August 31, 2019.Ajahn Sona will review all 10-Day Metta Retreat applications and select those who can best benefit from this period of quiet practice. Accepted candidates will be notified by email in September and asked to reconfirm their commitment to attend the retreat. All others will be notified that they have been placed on a waitlist. Interested candidates who are unable to attend the retreat this year are invited to come another time for a Personal Retreat and can check back next year for more scheduled retreat opportunities. If you have not heard back from the Birken Office by late-October, please email us at bookings@birken.ca to make sure that we received your form.
Winter Retreat
January to April is the annual period of monastic-centred retreat for the resident community of Birken. During this time, Birken will accept a limited number of bookings from experienced lay meditators who have visited Birken for extended stays in the recent past and who are willing to lend a helping hand towards the daily running of the monastery. All guests will be assigned light chores for the duration of their stay. Priority will be given to those who have attended previous Winter Retreats at Birken or who have been visiting Birken regularly over the last two years.
The dates for our 2020 Winter Retreat and details about our Jhana Retreat will be posted here later this year.
Support the Monastery
Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery is a registered Canadian charitable society and is supported entirely by donations or ‘dānā’ (generosity). All teachings, accommodations, and meals are offered free of charge. 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.
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Mailing Address:
Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery
7000 Smith Lake Forest Service Road
Knutsford, BC | V0E 2A0 | Canada