Issue 36: Monastery for Two Months - Interim Update

Dear Dhamma Friends,

Three weeks into the Monastery for Two Months, we're settling in and it's going well.

The First Weeks

The monastery opened during a snowfall - six inches of it! The first days brought unexpected weather and a power outage during meal preparation. The monks helped shovel snow—in their sandals—bringing the spirit of Kammaṭṭhāna practice to a Canadian winter. We adapted to the outage by cooking on the wood stove and digging out the barbecue.

Practice Environment

Practice takes place at Tugwell Cottage, a log cabin with stained glass windows, surrounded by evergreen forest. The monks stay in a cottage behind the main building, its porch looking out to the forest. A stream runs between the buildings, and connecting trails weave through the property. Along the rural road, you might spot a "Bear in Area" sign - though as our neighbors note, we haven't seen any bears yet.

The property is a short drive from East Sooke Regional Park, where the monks have visited to practice among dramatic coastal cliffs and crashing waves.

Daily Life

Days follow the monastic schedule: morning meditation, shared meals, chores, time for personal practice, and evening gatherings for tea, Q&A with Ajaan Peter and meditation. The Sala has been sectioned off with screens to create meditation spaces during the day.

Reflections from Our Community

“It was a very inspiring week at the monastery. I have so much appreciation to Ajaan Peter and Than Will as well as to you (Brock) and June for all your efforts in making this happen.”
— Louise T.
“In every aspect, this trip was the nicest and most positively memorable experience to date with Ajaan Peter and Than Will. Every detail you, June and Kiko accounted for served to remind all here of what matters the most - sharing the Love, and putting a final end to all suffering.”
— Retreat Participant
“Retreat practice is a lot like baking bread. You bring all the ingredients together and you carefully and repetitively work the dough and then you allow it to rise. Then bake it. Such a simple process yet infinitely complicated. So many causes and conditions that can create a different outcome. The age of the yeast, the type of flour, the temperature of the water, and the temperature and length of the proofing. It’s an exercise in taming our expectations. That’s why they say, ‘you never get the retreat you want. You get the retreat you get.’”
— David R. (Aranya Refuge Monastery Baker)

Looking Ahead

Ajaan Peter and Than Will will stay until March 3rd. Than Saulo and Than Peter will arrive from Wat Mettā that same day for a month-long residence.

We had previously announced that Than Ajaan Geoff would join us for two weeks. However, he will be unable to come this time due to preparations for the inauguration of the new Ordination Hall at Wat Mettā in March. We wish the Wat Mettā parisā well with this auspicious occasion.

Join Us

Overnight guest spots are fully booked, but day visitors are welcome! We encourage those new to a monastery experience to drop-in for the morning meditation as well as participate in the morning meal offering that we all share. Or, come for unstructured time in the afternoon, or the Q&A, meditation and dhamma talk in the early evening. 

Anyone wishing to bring food is welcome to do so at any time.

Questions?

Send us an email: registrar@aranyarefuge.org

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha to take roots in a wilderness home on Vancouver Island.

  • Monastery for Two Months Operations team: Brock Brown, Kiko Brown, Duncan Murphy

  • Registration Team Volunteers: Suzan Denis, Kiko Brown, Irfan Pirbhai

  • Aranya Refuge Board of Directors: Than Ajaan Geoff, Jacqui Balfour, Brock Brown, Russ Callaghan, June Fukushima (in loving memory), Irfan Pirbhai

“When I was up camping in Canada recently, there were days when the rain lasted all through the day, all through the night. You’re stuck in your tent and you could make yourself miserable if you wanted to. But you could also look at it as an opportunity: no responsibilities, all that time to be with the breath. In other words, no matter how bad the situation may be … you’ve always your breath, and there’s always something to learn.”

Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu
Metta Can Hurt
August 13, 2013

Issue 35: In Memory of June Fukushima: A Pillar of Aranya Refuge

September 20, 1961 – January 7, 2025

With profound sadness, we share that our beloved friend, colleague, and Dhamma practitioner, June Fukushima, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, following a cancer diagnosis this past August. As a founding member of Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery and Secretary of our Board of Directors, June's impact on our community has been immeasurable.

June was a third-generation Japanese Canadian born into a Buddhist family in British Columbia. She spent nearly four decades as a student of the Dhamma, particularly learning from teachers in the Thai Forest tradition. 

June's journey with Aranya Refuge began in its earliest days, from an idea in a passing conversation with Taan Ajaan Geoff (Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu) on a ferry ride in British Columbia. From humble beginnings in 2017, with June’s devotion to the Dhamma, exceptional organizational skills, and deep understanding of monastic requirements, she helped develop Aranya Refuge into a registered Society and Canadian charity. June was deeply committed to every project she undertook. She was like a shepherd – always there, usually quietly in the background, making sure that all the details were taken care of.

Together with her husband Brock Brown and their daughter Kiko, June opened her home countless times to host monastics, providing a space for meal offerings, community gatherings, and Board meetings that helped support Aranya Refuge.

June's vision and hard work were crucial in establishing our "Monastery for a Month" programs, which have hosted Taan Ajaan Geoff and other monks from Mettā Forest Monastery. Even during her illness, June continued to contribute to planning our upcoming Two-Month Monastery program, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to creating opportunities for others to practice and study the Dhamma.

Beyond her work with Aranya Refuge, June's impact on the broader Buddhist community was profound. She served as Personnel Director at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts, volunteered extensively with Victoria Insight Meditation Society for many years, and was an active host in the Mettā Parisā community. Her commitment to service embodied the qualities described in the Mettā Sutta – she was indeed "able and upright, straightforward and gentle in speech." 

As we mourn June's passing, we also celebrate her remarkable legacy. Whether you knew June personally or not, if you ever engaged with any offerings from Aranya Refuge or Victoria IMS, you were benefiting from June's work and dedication. Her generosity and selfless service have benefited hundreds, if not thousands, in Victoria and beyond. Her efforts towards creating a home for Thai Forest monks on Vancouver Island through Aranya Refuge will surely benefit practitioners for generations to come.

A memorial service celebrating June's life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2 PM (Pacific Time Zone) at the First Unitarian Church of Victoria (5575 West Saanich Road). The service will also be available via Zoom for those unable to attend in person.

Zoom Link: Here
Meeting ID: 929 3170 4845  
Passcode: 917173

For the short Dhamma talk from the Bungsukul Ceremony for June at Wat Mettā on Sunday, January 19, 2025, "The Skills of Merit," listen here.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Brock, Kiko, and their extended family. May the merit of June's lifelong dedication to the Dhamma be a condition for her happiness and well-being.

Sabbe sattā sukhitā hontu
(May all beings be happy)

Issue 34: Exciting Updates on Aranya's Two-Month Monastery

We’re encouraged by the early positive response from participants wishing to stay as overnight guests at Aranya Refuge's Two-Month Monastery in Sooke, British Columbia in February and March 2025.

There are rooms available each of the weeks. Apply soon if you’re interested in attending for a one-week stay (Monday to Sunday). Visit our website here.

We’re happy to report that Taan Ajaan Geoff will come for two weeks during the Two-Month Monastery. We look forward to having Taan Ajaan! Ajaan Geoff is still arranging his schedule so at this point we don't know which weeks he will be here. Ajaan Peter will return to be at the monastery for the month of February. He'll be accompanied by Taan Will. We’ll be hosting other Wat Metta monks as well. We'll let you know which monks are coming when schedules are confirmed.

The monastery will be at Tugwell Cottage, a large house in Sooke, BC. We anticipate that overnight guests and day visitors will enjoy the rural setting and the open space surrounding the cottage as well as the large exterior deck that will offer an excellent place for walking meditation. There’s a forest within walking distance of the house. The monks will stay in a separate rented home which is on a neighbouring property to Tugwell Cottage.

We encourage those new to a monastery experience to drop-in for the morning meditation as well as participate in the morning meal offering that we all share. Or come for unstructured time in the afternoon, or the Q&A, meditation and dhamma talk in the early evening. Anyone wishing to bring food is welcome to do that at any time.

Questions? Please email us at registrar@aranyarefuge.org

We hope to see you at the monastery!

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Aranya Refuge Board of Directors:

  • Taan Ajaan Geoff, Jacqui Balfour, Brock Brown, Russ Callaghan, June Fukushima, Irfan Pirbhai

  • Registration Team Volunteers: Suzan Denis, Kiko Brown, Sihan Lin, Irfan Pirbhai, Brock Brown

Issue 33: 2025 ‘Monastery for Two Months’ (February & March)

Greetings,

We are very happy to invite you to participate in Aranya Refuge’s fifth temporary monastery during the months of February and March 2025. Organizers have rented two adjacent homes near a forested area in rural Sooke. Sooke is approximately 1 hour west of Victoria, BC.

Monks from Metta Forest Monastery will be supported to further their practice and offer teachings on a daily basis to those who come to support them. There will be opportunities for those wishing to offer a meal or to come as a day visitor. As well, there will be some room to stay for one-week as an overnight guest.

The Monastery Experience

The schedule is that of a typical monastery in the Thai forest tradition, to which the monks belong: early morning group meditation, morning meal, free time to meditate in solitude for most of the day, Q&A session in the evening, followed by chanting and another group meditation, along with a Dhamma talk at night. Lay visitors benefit from direct contact with the monks who have devoted their lives to the practice of the Dhamma and Vinaya. Guests help in the daily preparation and offering of food, and assist with the upkeep of the facilities. There is plenty of time for meditating in the meditation hall or in the forest.

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.

Visiting and Staying at the Monastery

Offering Food to the Monks

We welcome anyone who wishes to bring food for the monks.

Please visit this page of our website for more information.


Day Visitors

Day Visitors are welcome from Feb 2 to Mar 30 2025.

Day Visitors can join the daily schedule, such as offering food in the early morning, meditating in the meditation hall, engaging in self-directed practice on the grounds, and joining the group meditation gatherings.

Please register to be a Day Visitor here.


Overnight Guests

We have some rooms available for Overnight Guests to stay Feb 3 - Mar 30 2025.

Guests may apply for a one-week stay: Monday to Sunday.

Accommodation options include single rooms, and shared rooms for two people of the same gender.

Please apply to be an Overnight Guest here.

Please click to learn learn more about:

As well, you can view photos from our successful Spring 2024 temporary monastery here.

Questions?
Please email us at registrar@aranyarefuge.org

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha to take roots in a wilderness home on Vancouver Island!

  • Aranya Refuge Board of Directors: Taan Ajaan Geoff, Jacqui Balfour, Brock Brown, Russ Callaghan, June Fukushima, Irfan Pirbhai

  • Registration Team Volunteers: Suzan Denis, Kiko Brown, Sihan Lin, Irfan Pirbhai, Brock Brown

Issue 32: Successful 2-Day Retreat with Taan Ajaan Geoff

Greetings,

Aranya Refuge and the Victoria Insight Meditation Society were honoured to co-sponsor a non-residential weekend retreat with Taan Ajaan Geoff (Thanissaro Bhikkhu) on Aug 17 and Aug 18 2024 in Victoria, BC. The topic was Stream Entry. 105 participants attended in person and 145 participants joined online via Zoom. We are grateful to Taan Ajaan Geoff for sharing the dhamma with us and we are thrilled that so many people were able to listen and receive teachings on this rarely taught dhamma topic.
 

Audio Recordings from the Retreat

Recordings from the weekend are available here:

Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more

Exciting News: Aranya's Two-Month Feb/Mar 2025 Monastery

Aranya Refuge is organizing a two-month monastery in rural Sooke, BC, one hour west of Victoria, BC. Monks from Metta Forest Monastery will reside in a rented house for the months of February and March 2025.

A second rented house on an adjacent property will serve as the meditation hall (sala), kitchen and dining area and a gathering place for lay guests.
The rural setting and forest nearby offer opportunities for walking and, or sitting meditation inside or outdoors.

Those wishing to offer food for the monks are welcome to drop by.

We encourage Day Visitors to join the meditation gatherings, meal offerings, and take advantage of being in a monastery setting.

There will be some overnight guest accommodations for one-week stays (Monday to Sunday).

Look for more information in our next newsletter: Registrations open Oct 1 2025.

📰 Aranya Refuge featured in Northwest Dharma Newsletter

Aranya Refuge was invited to submit an article to Northwest Dharma about its activities.

You can read it here: Creating a Temporary Thai Forest Monastery As a Stepping Stone to a Permanent Monastery

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Aranya Refuge Board of Directors:

Taan Ajaan Geoff
Jacqui Balfour
Brock Brown
Russ Callaghan
June Fukushima
Irfan Pirbhai

Issue 31: Invitation to Ajaan Geoff Retreat August 2024

We are pleased to invite you to attend a weekend of teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff, abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego county. Taan Ajaan will be visiting Victoria, BC Canada to offer teachings in person and online. The topic of the retreat is Stream Entry.

These teachings are hosted by two Victoria organizations, Aranya Refuge and Victoria Insight Meditation Society (VIMS).

  • August 17 (Sat) & August 18 (Sun) 2024

  • 9 am - 4 pm PDT (Pacific Time)

  • Sngequ House, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC

Description

The Buddha taught that there are four levels of awakening.The first level — called “stream entry” and “the gaining of the Dharma Eye” — is the point where you gain your first glimpse of the deathless. This is a momentous event in the practice. It marks the point where you are guaranteed full awakening within at the most seven lifetimes, and in the meantime, you are safe from being reborn on any level in the cosmos below the human.

This weekend retreat — through readings, talks, meditation, and discussion — will focus on the Buddha’s recommendations for how to attain stream-entry, and his description of the characteristics of a person who has entered the stream.

Reading Materials

Taan Ajaan Geoff has prepared the following readings for the retreat:

Schedule

  • 09:00  - 11:15   Guided meditation, teachings and Q&A

  • 11:15  - 13:00   Break

  • 13:00  - 16:00   Guided meditation, teachings and Q&A  (includes a break mid-afternoon)

Registering


In Person

Click here to register for attending in person in Victoria, BC.
After registering, you will receive information about the venue location.

Online

Click here to register for attending online using Zoom.
After registering, you will receive the links for joining via Zoom.

📧 Contact vims1retreat@gmail.com if you have questions about your registration.

About the Teacher

Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff) has been a Theravada Buddhist monk since 1976. After studying in Thailand with Ajaan Fuang Jotiko, he returned to the US in 1991 to help found the Metta Forest Monastery (Wat Metta) in the mountains north of San Diego. In 1993, Ajaan Geoff was asked to be the abbot and has continued to train monastics and offer teachings to lay people in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Ajaan Geoff is a highly respected scholar and practitioner of the Buddha's teachings. His many recorded talks and writings can be found here.

In 2017, Taan Ajaan Geoff agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a refuge for Wat Metta monks on Vancouver Island. Aranya (Wilderness) Refuge was then established as a society and a registered Canadian charity.  Since 2018, Aranya Refuge has organized four temporary monastery experiences and is planning for its first two-month temporary monastery in February and March 2025.

……The first simile is a variant on the stream image. Instead of flowing along with a stream, you are trying to cross over a stream to the safety on the further shore. In this image, the first noble attainment is where you “gain a footing” (MN 56). In other words, you haven’t yet reached the further shore, but you have reached the point near that shore where the stream is so shallow that your feet can be firmly planted on the streambed. From this point on, you won’t be swept away by the current. The second simile highlights the fact that the amount of suffering you potentially face in the cycle of death and rebirth is now drastically reduced. Prior to stream-entry, that suffering can be compared to all the dirt in the world. After stream-entry, it’s like the dirt under a fingernail (SN 13:1)……

Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu
The Dhamma Eye  (Chapter in the book Along the Way , P98 - 108)

Issue 30: Successful Spring Monastery, August Teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff

Greetings,

Aranya Refuge organizers are encouraged by the positive response to Aranya Refuge’s Spring Monastery for a Month, held from March 16 to April 15, 2024.

The temporary monastery was held at Earthspring Sanctuary, a retreat centre 40 minutes from Victoria, BC. Earthspring provided a suitable wilderness refuge for our visiting Wat Metta monks, Ajaan Peter and Taan Will. 

There were 35 overnight guests and 17 day visitors. Most weeks, we were at full capacity. The number of participants was slightly higher in comparison to Aranya Refuge’s November 2022 Monastery for a Month when Taan Ajaan Geoff and Taan Mike were our monks-in-residence. 

Ajaan Peter and Taan Will alternated leading the morning chanting and meditation gatherings. In the early evening, Ajaan Peter answered questions and led the evening chanting and meditation. Both Ajaan Peter and Taan Will played dhamma talks from Taan Ajaan Geoff that reflected the questions from participants.

Some highlights:

  • For the first time, Aranya Refuge marked Songkran, a celebration of the Thai New Year. This was led by Salisa Suddhisanont from Langford, BC. Two Buddha statues were bathed with scented  water. Participants were then invited to pour the scented water over the monks’ hands. The water was then offered to trees outside of the sala.

  • A black bear visited twice. See the video of a determined bear here. The day we departed, the caretakers removed all garbage from the premises to discourage further visits from the bear. You can read Taan Ajaan Geoff’s instructions for “bear awareness” at the bottom of this email.

  • Most evenings, we went to sleep with a chorus of frogs. Listen here.

  • Here are some more photos and videos from the month.

Aranya Refuge organizers appreciate all the participants who helped ensure the monks and guests were well-fed, and that other monastery operations ran smoothly. We cleaned, made areas more orderly, and did our best to deal with mice and ants. 🐁🐜

We are also very grateful to those who offered food, groceries, services, and financial dana. The Board also wishes to thank the volunteer Registration team: Suzan Denis, Cameron Young, Irfan Pirbhai, June Fukushima


Plans for 2025 Winter Monastery (for 2 Months)

To continue our exploration for establishing a Vancouver Island monastery, the Board of Directors will organize a two-month temporary monastery in Feb and March 2025. 

We will rent two houses in Sooke, BC on adjacent properties. One house will be for the monks to reside, and the second house will be used for the sala, kitchen, dining, and rooms for overnight guests. Sooke is one hour west of Victoria, BC. 

A creek runs through the property, and a forested area is within walking distance.

This option allows for more Wat Metta monks to come, and there will be a longer period of time for guests to visit the monastery. The costs are within our budget.

Registrations for the 2025 monastery will open in the fall of 2024. More information will be shared in future updates. If you have questions, please contact us at info@aranyarefuge.org

August 17-18 Teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff
Topic: Stream Entry

Aranya Refuge and the Victoria Insight Meditation Society will co-host a weekend of teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff. Registrations will open July 22, 2024 through the Victoria Insight Meditation Society. 

A large meeting room at the University of Victoria has been rented. Our intention is to make this a hybrid retreat so that participants can join via Zoom.

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Aranya Refuge Board of Directors:

Taan Ajaan Geoff
Jacqui Balfour
Brock Brown
Russ Callaghan
June Fukushima
Irfan Pirbhai

Now, the Buddha realized that simply giving instructions in generosity, virtue, and meditation would not cover every situation in life. It’s important that you also learn the skills to judge for yourself what is skillful in the areas where clear-cut rules don’t apply, or two good general principles would pull you in opposite directions. So he also gave instructions on how to train yourself to judge situations wisely for yourself.

I’ll give an illustration of this principle. If you ever go to Alaska, you’ll discover that there are bears. Most of the people who encounter bears in Alaska have no previous experience with bears. They don’t understand bears’ habits or the etiquette of bears. Bears do have their etiquette, you know. So, in order to train strangers in how to deal with bears, the Alaskan government used to post big signs around the state, entitled, “Bear Awareness.” It's a joke in English that doesn’t work in French, because the word “bear” in “bear awareness” can also be “bare.” The signs listed ten points to remember when encountering bears. I can’t remember all ten, but the first nine gave specific do’s and don’ts. For example, if you see a bear, do not run away. Even if the bear runs at you, do not run off. Instead, raise your hands so that you look large to the bear—bears have very poor eyesight—and stand your ground. At the same time, speak to the bear in a calm, reassuring voice, to let the bear know that you mean it no harm. If the bear attacks you, lie down and play dead. Usually the bear will lose interest and walk away.

Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu
A Healthy Sense of Self, May 24 2011

Issue 29: Celebrating A Special Birthday and Spring 2024 'Monastery for a Month'

Greetings,

Ajaan Geoff’s students are organizing a special evening of meditation on Wednesday, December 27th from 6:30-8:00PM Pacific Time (PT) to celebrate Taan Ajaan Geoff’s birthday (on December 28th).

The patipatti-puja (homage through the practice), will start with participants recording their good wishes to Ajaan Geoff. This recorded message will be sent to Taan Ajaan on his birthday. The evening will then follow the usual format for the Uposatha evenings: chanting with a recording from the Wat Mettā Sangha, a recorded Dhamma talk from Ajaan Geoff, and silent meditation.

To join the session:

  • Zoom Meeting ID: 878 3693 7349

  • Zoom Passcode: Appamada

Registrations are open for Aranya Refuge's Spring 2024 'Monastery for a Month' from March 18 to April 14, 2024. 

Consider staying as an Overnight Guest, joining as a Day Visitor, or offering food to the monks.

Overnight Guests
We have spaces available for Overnight Guests to stay for one-week periods, Monday to Sunday:

  • March 18-24

  • March 25-31

  • April 1-7

  • April 8-14

Accommodation options include single rooms, dorm space, small heated cabins (bed only).

👉 Apply to be an Overnight Guest here.

Day Visitors
We welcome applications for Day Visitors from Monday, March 18, through to Sunday, April 14, 2024.
👉 Apply to be a Day Visitor here.

Offering Food to the Monks
We welcome anyone who wishes to bring food for the monks. Please email ahead of time for meal planning purposes.
👉 Learn more about offering food here.


For any questions or concerns, please email us at registrar@aranyarefuge.org

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

  • Aranya Refuge Board of Directors: Taan Ajaan Geoff, Jacqui Balfour, Brock Brown, Russ Callaghan, June Fukushima, Irfan Pirbhai

  • Registration Team: Suzan Denis, Cameron Young

Issue 28: Important Update on Spring 2024 'Monastery for a Month'

Greetings,

We have an update regarding our 'Monastery for a Month' event. The new dates are now set for Monday, March 18 to Sunday April 14, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause.

Overnight Guests

We have spaces available for Overnight Guests to stay for one week periods, Monday to Sunday: Mar 18-24, Mar 25-31; Apr 1-7, Apr 8-14. Accommodation options include single rooms, dorm space, small heated cabins (bed only).

Please note that registrations for the first week are close to being complete. There is room for males interested in dormitory stays.

Given the demand, we advise registering soon to secure your place. Should spots fill up, a waitlist will be available to accommodate any last-minute openings. Apply to be an Overnight Guest here.

Day Visitors

We welcome applications for Day Visitors from Monday, March 18, through to Sunday, April 14, 2024. Apply to be a Day Visitor here.

Offering Food to the Monks
We welcome anyone who wishes to bring food for the monks. Please email ahead of time for meal planning purposes.

For any questions or concerns, please email us at registrar@aranyarefuge.org

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

  • Aranya Refuge Board of Directors: Taan Ajaan Geoff, Jacqui Balfour, Brock Brown, Russ Callaghan, June Fukushima, Irfan Pirbhai

  • Registration Team: Suzan Denis, Cameron Young

“Note the importance of using your sense of humor to—as we say in English—“make light” of difficulties. We’ve already seen the element of humor in the story of Lady Vedehikā. But the use of humor in developing endurance is something universal and contains an element of folk wisdom.

There was a British explorer in Canada back in the 1830s who wanted to find a copper deposit that was said to be in the Northwest Territories. He couldn’t find anyone to guide him there except for a group of Dene natives. So, he decided to go with them. It was one of the first cases of a British explorer entrusting his life to the natives. As they were going across the territory, they lived off their hunting and fishing skills. He noticed that on the days when the hunting and fishing were bad, those were the days when the Dene were telling the most jokes, to keep their spirits up in spite of the hunger.

These are some of the ways that you use your knowledge of fabrication to help you endure a situation.”

Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu
Good Heart, Good Mind, Maintaining Concentration

Issue 27: March 2024 'Monastery for a Month'

Update: New Dates for Our Spring 2024 ‘Monastery for a Month’ – March 18 to April 14, 2024.

Greetings,

Aranya Refuge Monastery for a Month - March 2024

We are excited to announce that Aranya Refuge will have a temporary monastery for the month of March 2024. The monastery will be located at Earthspring Sanctuary, a retreat centre 40 minutes from Victoria, BC. Earthspring provides a wilderness refuge suitable for forest monks and for those wishing to participate in the daily schedule of a Theravada Buddhist monastery. 

Taan Ajaan Geoff and Taan Mike were the resident monks at Aranya Refuge’s monastery for a month at Earthspring in November 2022. They found the location was very supportive for their practice.

Ajaan Peter and Taan Will, senior monks from Metta Forest Monastery, will be our monks in residence for March 2024.

Ajaan Peter and Taan Will have been to Vancouver Island for previous month-long visits. Taan Will came for Aranya Refuge’s inaugural month-long visit in May 2018 and Ajaan Peter came for a month-long visit in May 2019. We look forward to their return to Vancouver Island.

The Monastery Experience
The monastery experience is not a scheduled retreat as found at some meditation retreat centers, as a monastery is always in “retreat” mode, where lay visitors join in the daily schedule and follow the Eight Precepts. Please read the Monastery Etiquette and Visitor Guidelines for details.

As well, you can view photos from our successful November 2022 temporary monastery here.

Visiting and Staying at the Monastery

Overnight Guests
We have spaces available for Overnight Guests to stay for one week periods, Monday to Sunday, from March 4 - Mar 30 2024. Accommodation options include single rooms, dorm space, small heated cabins - bed only.

Please apply to be an Overnight Guest here.

Day Visitors
Day Visitors are welcome from March 4 2024 - March 30 2024.

Registered Day Visitors can join the daily schedule, such as offering food in the early morning, engaging in self-directed practice on the grounds, and joining the meditation gatherings.

Please apply to be a Day Visitor here.

Offering Food to the Monks
We welcome anyone who wishes to bring food for the monks. Please email ahead of time for meal planning purposes.

Please email us at registrar@aranyarefuge.org

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

  • Aranya Refuge Board of Directors: Taan Ajaan Geoff, Jacqui Balfour, Brock Brown, Russ Callaghan, June Fukushima, Irfan Pirbhai

  • Registration Team: Suzan Denis, Cameron Young