Stewarding and Long-Term Guest Opportunities during Ajahn Sona’s Year of Solitary Retreat

[Birken Forest Monastery]

Dear Friends,

During the period of Ajahn Sona’s year-long retreat (April 2013 – April 2014), Birken will be in need of stewards and long-term guests to help with a variety of duties around the monastery.  The year is expected to be a quiet one, with limited guest bookings and no major building projects – thus affording plenty of time for personal practice in a peaceful and tranquil setting.  For seasoned meditators, this will provide an opportunity for intensive practice as well as the accumulation of great merit by supporting Ajahn Sona’s year of solitary retreat.  Priority will be given to those who are well known to the monastery and have visited for extended stays in the past, though we will also welcome applications from those who have had extensive retreat experience elsewhere or come highly recommended.  Long-term guests (lighter duties, shorter stay) may stay for a period of up to 2 months.  Stewards (more responsibility, longer stay) may stay for 3 months to 1 year, with periodic reviews. This is an excellent opportunity for practitioners who are looking for a simple life devoted to the Buddha’s teachings, meditation and meritorious acts of service to the Sangha, in the company of like-minded individuals who are also committed to these ideals.

The Duties:
Beginning in April 2013, we will have need of stewards and long-term guests to help with the various duties listed below (approximately 2-3 hours of work per day).  Please note that we will primarily need help with kitchen duties and maintenance duties so candidates who are willing to serve in these areas will be given priority:

• Kitchen Duties:  preparing meals for the resident community and assisting with the management of kitchen facilities and supplies (these duties are shared with other stewards and guests)
• Maintenance Duties:  assisting with the daily maintenance of the monastery buildings and off-grid systems (handy-man skills are a definite asset though not required)
• Driving Duties:  driving to Kamloops for weekly shopping, errands and guest pick-ups/drop-offs  (a driver’s license in good standing is a must.)
• Office Duties:  occasional assistance with administrative duties may be required (please let us know if you have office / computer skills though these are not required)
  

Suitable Candidates Will Possess:

• Commitment to abide by the Eight Precepts while at the monastery
• Stable personality
• Good physical & mental health
• Willingness to learn & adapt; ability to live & cooperate in community
• Driver’s license in good standing
• Cooking experience is not necessary; on-the-job training is provided
  

How to Apply: 
If you are interested in serving as a steward or committing to one or two months of service as a long-term guest at Birken, please send an email to medi...@birken.ca outlining your interest, skills, and what period of time you’d like to serve at the monastery.  If you have not visited Birken before, a preliminary visit to assess mutual compatibility may be required. 


With metta,
Birken Forest Monastery ('Sitavana')
medi...@birken.ca | http://birken.ca
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