Monastery Etiquette and Visitor Guidelines

Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery has rented two houses on adjacent properties in Sooke, BC in February and March 2025. Monks from Metta Forest Monastery will be in residence during the two months.

The meditation hall, kitchen, and accommodation for lay guests will be in one house, called Tugwell Cottage. The monks will reside in a separate house. A wooded area is close by. The country setting will offer a wilderness refuge suitable for forest monks and for those wishing to participate in the daily schedule of a Theravada Buddhist monastery. Sooke is approx. 1 hour by car from downtown Victoria. See Travel Directions below.

Guests are welcome to visit the monastery to offer food, or join the Daily Schedule as Day Visitors and participate fully or for parts of the day.

Also, we have some rooms for Overnight Guests who are asked to stay for one-week (Monday to Sunday) and participate fully in the Daily Schedule.

There is no charge for room or board, or for the teachings. Everything is provided in the spirit of generosity by the monks and supporters of the Monastery.

Unfortunately, Tugwell Cottage is not set up to receive visitors who require wheelchair access.

Daily Schedule

5:30-6:30am:
Morning Meditation: chanting, recorded talk and guided meditation from Taan Ajaan Geoff

7:00am:
Work Period – meal preparation, cleaning

9:30am:
Meal Offering to the Monks
Gather in the Dining Room by 9:15am

10:30am:
Work Period – Clean-up

Noon:
Self-directed time for meditation

4:30pm:
Work Period for some tasks

6:00pm:
Gather for Q&A with senior monastic
Tea and allowables (in the sala) during Q&A

7:00-8:00pm:
Evening Meditation: chanting, meditation and recorded Dhamma talk

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

OFFERING of FOOD FOR THE MONKS

You are welcome to bring a meal, groceries, or other items to support the monks and those staying at the monastery. The meal offering to the monks is at 9:30am. Please arrive by 8:30am.

We would appreciate your letting us know that you are coming and what you plan to bring so that the cooks can make space for kitchen preparations for your dishes. Email registrar@aranyareufge.org for more information.

You are also welcome to bring meals or grocery items after the 9:30am meal offering. Those items will be offered to the monks in the future

DAY VISITORS joining the DAILY SCHEDULE

Day visitors are welcome to join any time of the day and stay for all or part of the Daily Schedule. Day Visitors may come once, on consecutive days or as regular Day Visitors. Registration for Day Visitors is available here. A Participant Agreement is available here.

While at the monastery, we ask that you follow the 8 Precepts.

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

Overnight Guests participate fully in the Daily Schedule for one-week (6 nights). Arrivals start on Mondays and departures on Sundays.

There is overnight accommodation for up to 7 overnight guests:

  • 3 single rooms 

  • 2 bedrooms with two beds in each room to be occupied by those of the same gender. 

  • Shared washrooms and showers.

For information and to apply, click here.

Unfortunately, Tugwell Cottage is not set up to receive overnight guests who require wheelchair access.

Requirements for travelling to and from Canada can be found here.

If you become ill while at the monastery, you are responsible for arranging alternative accommodations such as renting a hotel or Airbnb. All guests must have appropriate medical insurance.

PREPARATIONS FOR VISITORS - WHAT TO BRING

Be prepared for rain and cold weather between 0 and 10 Celsius.

Bring footwear that will keep your feet dry and for walking in the woods, on gravel and unpaved pathways. Bring slippers for indoor spaces. Bring heavier socks for wearing in the sala (no slippers or shoes permitted).

Dress conservatively. Casual and comfortable is fine, but no shorts, and nothing provocative or revealing. This applies to all genders. Avoid using scented products.

Bring your own sitting gear and blankets/shawls. There are folding chairs, some meditation cushions, and meditation benches.

Bring work gloves if you would like to help with tasks such as moving wood.

Bring a COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device in case you become ill while at the monastery. Wearing a mask is optional. Please bring a mask in case you become ill while at the monastery.

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

Bedding is available and we ask, if possible, that you please bring your own sheets, pillow cases and towel, as bedding and towels are limited. We will let you know the size of the bed you have been assigned prior to your arrival.

Please bring unscented soap and shampoo products.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp, alarm clock, and batteries.

There is one main meal per day. 

We offer food to the monks and then share what is not taken by the monks. The offering includes meat/fish/eggs and a vegetarian dish, vegetables, grain/pasta, fruit, dessert. This substantial meal is offered mid-morning at 9:30 am.

While there will be vegetarian protein options available, please know that we are unable to offer vegan options and we cannot provide gluten-free or dairy-free options or other special diet needs. If you have special dietary requirements, please speak to us about what you can bring with you to supplement your diet.

Please note there is limited storage space. Coolers will be available for items that need to be kept cold. There is no fridge space for personal items.

Taan Ajaan Geoff will consider exemptions on a case by case basis for those who have medical or special dietary needs and cannot follow the 6th Precept of refraining from eating after midday and before dawn.

Bring a water bottle and/or thermos.

Tea, coffee, dairy milk, sugar will be available after the morning meditation sit, and at the main meal.

In the late afternoon, allowable items will be available. 

  • Dark chocolate, no dairy, nuts, fruit

  • Candied ginger

  • Candies such as jelly beans, gummy bears 

  • Tea - a selection of herbal, black and green teas

What Not To Bring

  • Electronic devices such as kettles, hair dryers, and irons.

  • Cell phone reception is limited. If you need to use your phone or computer, please be discreet and use it for emergencies only. 

  • Items that require frequent laundering, as laundry facilities are limited.

EIGHT PRECEPTS AND RIGHT SPEECH

This event is not a scheduled retreat as found at some meditation retreat centres. The monastery experience is modelled after Metta Forest Monastery, which is always in “retreat” mode. While at the Monastery, all lay guests will follow the Eight Precepts.

  1. Refrain from taking life.

  2. Refrain from stealing.

  3. Refrain from sexual activity including comments or physical contact that could be interpreted as sexual or sensual in nature.

  4. Refrain from telling lies.

  5. Refrain from consuming alcohol or intoxicating drugs.

  6. Refrain from eating at the wrong time (after mid-day and before dawn).

  7. Refrain from dancing, singing, music, watching shows, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying oneself with cosmetics.

  8. Refrain from sitting or lying on high and luxurious seats and beds.

The Monastery is not a place for total silence. However, visitors are encouraged to keep conversations to a minimum to support an atmosphere conducive to meditation. There are certain chores to be done and cooperation is necessary among the guests, so some speech is necessary. The Buddha taught the principles of Right Speech. Before speaking, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it useful? Is this the right time?

THE MONKS

Please do not walk or meditate close to the monks’ house. If you’re not sure, ask a monk or a steward for guidance.

Guests are asked to be supportive of the Vinaya rules that the monks follow. When you are interacting with the monks, they might alert you to certain protocols or restrictions. First, be respectful of their requests. Second, they do not expect the laypeople to know all the Vinaya rules and will be happy to explain them to you, time permitting. If you want to learn more about the monks’ rules, you can download and peruse the eBook version of the Buddhist Monastic Code.

OFFERING FOOD AND OTHER REQUISITES 

Please email registrar@aranyarefuge.org if you are planning on bringing food to offer to the monks. This will help the cooks plan the meal offering.
Please know that we cannot respond to phone calls.

Please inquire with a Steward or contact us by email if you would like to offer other requisites to support the monks.

To offer financial support, please click here.

Travel Directions

Place: Tugwell Cottage | 7990 Tugwell Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0J8.

Sooke is 50 km from the city of Victoria, BC. Travel options to Sooke are available here. Tugwell Cottage is approx. 15 minutes from downtown Sooke.

 

Public transit buses operate from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to Victoria (map) and from Victoria to Sooke (info).

Car Rentals are available at the airport or in Victoria.

Taxi service is available from the airport or ferry terminal.

Ride-hailing services such as Uber are also available.

WHERE TO PARK

Please park in front of the cottage. Enter the cottage from the right-side entrance.

Tugwell Cottage, Sooke BC

TRAVEL INSURANCE

For those traveling to join us at Tugwell Cottage, especially from the USA or other overseas locations, it's important to obtain medical insurance before your arrival. This step is important to safeguard against any unforeseen medical expenses for those not residing in Canada.

Additionally, we recommend considering comprehensive travel insurance. This can provide peace of mind and protect against unexpected changes in travel plans. We suggest looking for policies that cover trip cancellations and interruptions—ideally with a 'Cancel for Any Reason' (CFAR) upgrade, which offers the most flexibility.

While Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery endeavors to provide stability and certainty in our retreat planning, we recognize that unforeseen circumstances can arise. Robust travel insurance can be an essential safeguard for your investment in travel and accommodation. Please ensure that your policy provides adequate coverage for cancellations initiated by either the traveler or the retreat organizers.

HEALTH SERVICES

If you are not a resident of British Columbia, you must have appropriate medical insurance for your time in British Columbia. 

The closest urgent care facility is in a nearby city, Langford, BC, approx. 30 minutes from Sooke.

The closest hospital is the Victoria General Hospital, approx. 30 minutes from Sooke.

Guests are responsible for finding appropriate accommodation should you become ill while staying at the monastery.

Information about services in Sooke can be found here.