Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery (Sītavana)
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    Visting Birken: COVID Update

    Posted: January 23, 2021

    Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Birken Monastery remains closed to all day and overnight visitors for the foreseeable future. This closure will extend beyond our winter retreat. When Ajahn Sona deems it safe to re-open the monastery the information will be posted here, announced in our e-newsletter (subscribe below) and displayed prominently on our website main page.

    Frequently asked questions

    I see this page was updated in January. When will a further update will be available?
    This is uncertain. We can’t begin to think about timelines for opening to the public until the entire resident community has been vaccinated. Even then it will take time beyond that. This page will be updated as soon as we have new information.

    I have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Can I visit?
    No, not until Ajahn Sona has re-opened the monastery to visitors.

    May I drop off meal Dana to the monastery?
    Not at this time. Any changes will be announced on the website. Anumodana for your kind intention.

    May I drop off material Dana to the steward in Kamloops?
    Not at this time. We only go to Kamloops once a week and meeting people in town complicates matters for the steward. However, Dana may be sent to us via our post box. Please see our Dana offerings / support page for more information. Anumodana for your kind intention.

    Will there be any scheduled on-site retreats in 2021?
    Likely not. When we re-open to guests it will be on an individual basis for personal retreats.

    Will there be any virtual retreats in 2021?
    Likely yes. Scheduled virtual retreats will be announced on the main web page and go out in our e-newsletter. Visit Ajahn Sona’s YouTube Channel for more virtual Dhamma.

    Latest News
    January 28, 2021/by Birken Office

    Announcing the Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery Endowment Fund

    January 19, 2021/by Birken Bookings

    Stillness Flowing Audiobook Released

    December 1, 2020/by Birken Office

    Reminder: Our 10-Day Virtual Metta Retreat Starts December 22 – Register Today!

    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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    Contact

    Visit Enquiries:

    bookings@birken.ca

    General Enquiries:

    meditate@birken.ca

    Mailing Address:

    Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery
    7000 Smith Lake Forest Service Road
    Knutsford, BC | V0E 2A0 | Canada

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