Ajahn Sona’s Year of Solitary Retreat (April 5, 2013 – April 5, 2014)

[Birken Forest Monastery]

Dear Friends & Supporters,

It is with great joy that we inform you that after many years of building monasteries, spreading the teachings of the Buddha all across Canada and supporting spiritual seekers from all walks of life, Ajahn Sona will soon be taking a step back from his duties as Abbot of Birken Forest Monastery to undertake a year-long solitary retreat from April 2013 – April 2014. 

 

Ajahn Sona returned to Canada from Thailand some 18 years ago and has since then been dedicating much of his time to the development of Birken Forest Monastery (‘Sitavana’) from its first location near Pemberton, to its second phase in Princeton and to its current and final resting place near Kamloops, B.C.   Having worked tirelessly to spread the Dhamma throughout his 24 years in the robes, Ajahn is now planning to take one year of personal solitary retreat without any teaching or management duties.  He plans to enter this period of retreat on his 59^th birthday (April 5, 2013) and to re-emerge on his 60^th birthday (April 5, 2014), when he will also be commemorating 25 years of monastic life.  This is a time-honoured tradition of Abbots after the completion of extended projects.  The Buddha himself went into extended solitary retreats from time to time during his own monastic life. 

 

Given its ideal conditions, Ajahn Sona has chosen to spend his retreat right here at Birken Forest Monastery.  He will not, however, be available for any teaching activities or other interactions with the resident community or visiting guests throughout that year.  Over the coming months, we are hoping to make several improvements to Ajahn’s kuti (cabin) to make it a more self-contained place of solitary refuge with an enclosed walking path, shower area and exterior fence to provide greater seclusion.  We will also be undertaking several other construction projects aimed at further greening the monastery (including more insulated window panels in the vihara, improvements to our septic and hot water heating systems, etc.)  These improvements will help simplify our maintenance needs and keep costs low during this period.  If you wish to support these various projects as well as Ajahn’s year of solitary retreat, monetary donations or offerings of skilled labour will be most gratefully received.  Anumodana for your continued support! 

 

During Ajahn Sona’s period of solitary retreat, Birken will remain open to visitors as usual.  Other senior monastics will be available to offer spiritual guidance.  More information on events at Birken in 2013 will be posted to our website closer to that time.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to offer your support to what will be a very special and meritorious time in the history of Birken.

 

With metta wishes to all,

Birken Forest Monastery (‘Sitavana’)

Email: medi...@birken.ca | Web: http://birken.ca