Greetings

We extend our wishes for good health and ease during this time of uncertainty due to the effects of the COVID-19 virus.

We have an update on Ajaan Geoff and Than Tim’s visit:

Sadly, the organizing team and Ajaan Geoff have decided to postpone the visit scheduled for May 2020. We will resume plans for a future visit once the BC, Canadian,and California authorities deem it safe to travel and gather in groups.

The rental of the Metchosin property has been cancelled with no financial penalties.

The May 23/24 retreat with Ajaan Geoff, co-sponsored by the Victoria Insight Meditation Society (Victoria IMS), has been cancelled. The venue, Goward House, will send a full refund.

We anticipate that the donor and Victoria IMS who paid for the monks’ flights will be reimbursed.

Message from Ajaan Geoff

We received the following message from Ajaan Geoff, upon his return to Wat Metta from Brazil:

“Things at the monastery are quiet. We have cancelled all overnight visits, and all gifts of food are left in the library, to minimize personal contact.
I just got back from Brazil. I’m currently in two-week isolation, which so far has been quite restful.
Hope you all are well.
Ajaan Geoff.

Future Plans

The organizing team has formed a working group tasked with developing a constitution and set of by-laws to become a registered society in BC. Once Aranya Refuge is a society, the plan is to apply to be a Canadian registered charity.

Our goal is to ensure that what is developed will provide the foundation for both our modest, present goal of a month-long visit, and for Ajaan Geoff’s vision of a hermitage on Vancouver Island.

We have received kind support from a number of Buddhist organizations who have shared their constitution and bylaws with us. We have received offers of help from retired lawyers. As well, we are aware of professional governance and financial experts with whom we may contract as needed.

Please feel free to contact us about this year’s plans and future plans.

With gratitude for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Sincerely,

Aranya Refuge Project Organizers

Brock Brown, Russ Callaghan, Jacqui Balfour, John Jordan, June Fukushima