Issue 26: Registration Open For Online Retreat With Taan Ajaan Geoff

Registration is now open for the next online day-long retreat with Taan Ajaan Geoff.

Topic: The Distinctive teachings of the Thai Forest tradition

Saturday, July 22, 2023
10am-3:30pm Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery will host a day of teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff, also known as Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego county.

Description

People often talk of the teaching style of the Thai Forest ajaans, but what of the substance of their teachings? What is their position on some of the controversial issues in Theravada thought?

This daylong will explore these issues by focusing on the teachings of the most articulate members of the tradition: Ajaan Mun, Ajaan Lee, and Ajaan Maha Boowa.

Reading Materials

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

Schedule

  • 10am-10:15am: Join the Zoom room

  • 10:15am-12pm: Guided meditation, teachings and Q&A

  • 12pm-2pm: Break

  • 2pm-3:30pm: Teachings and Q&A

After registering, you will receive a Zoom link in your confirmation notice, and in the reminder notices emailed to you closer to the date of the teachings.

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.

Offering Dana

For those who are inspired to support the monastics living at Metta Forest Monastery and the monks who will visit the Victoria, BC area, information on how to offer donations can be found here:

For more information, contact organizers at info@aranyarefuge.org

With gratitude for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Sincerely,
Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery Board and Supporters

Issue 25: Online July 22 Teaching

Updated July 26, 2023

Audio recordings from the retreat are now available in the Teachings section.

Online Teaching with Taan Ajaan Geoff

Topic: The Distinctive teachings of the Thai Forest tradition

Saturday, July 22, 2023
10am-3:30pm Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery will host a day of teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff, also known as Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego county.

Description

People often talk of the teaching style of the Thai Forest ajaans, but what of the substance of their teachings? What is their position on some of the controversial issues in Theravada thought?

This daylong will explore these issues by focusing on the teachings of the most articulate members of the tradition: Ajaan Mun, Ajaan Lee, and Ajaan Maha Boowa.

Reading Materials

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

Schedule

  • 10am-10:15am: Join the Zoom room

  • 10:15am-12pm: Guided meditation, teachings and Q&A

  • 12pm-2pm: Break

  • 2pm-3:30pm: Teachings and Q&A

REGISTERING

Click here to register.

After registering, you will receive a Zoom link in your confirmation notice, and in the reminder notices emailed to you closer to the date of the teachings.

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.

Aranya Refuge Monastery Development News

Aranya Refuge organizers are hopeful that in 2024 we can invite Wat Metta monks to stay on Vancouver Island for a month-long temporary monastery. We appreciate all who are supporting our efforts. Here are some photos and teachings from last year’s ‘Monastery for a Month’.

With gratitude for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Sincerely,

Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery Board and Supporters


Issue 24: November 2022 ‘Monastery for a Month' Wrap Up

Dear Friends of Aranya Refuge,

We are writing to express our deep gratitude for the opportunity to have a Monastery for a Month held on Vancouver Island in November 2022.   

We’re thrilled to report that the event was a great success, thanks to our resident monastics, Abbot Taan Ajaan Geoff, Taan Mike, and to all the participants. We sincerely appreciate the generosity and support of people like you.

Taan Ajaan Geoff was the heartbeat of the community, leading daily practice, extended fireside Q&A sessions and daily Dhamma talks that weaved together each day’s themes. Taan Mike served as Ajaan’s attendant, while also helping around the monastery – and quickly developing an easy familiarity with the intricate trail system of the old-growth forests. The venue for the temporary monastery – Earthspring Sanctuary – provided an ideal setting for practice: lush, serene, unpredictable, nourishing.

Throughout the course of the month, 50 people assembled to form a Parisā – a community of lay and ordained Dhamma practitioners. 

Most participants were local from Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island, Vancouver, and the lower mainland ; some traveled from further across Canada, and others ventured in from the United States.

There were overnight guests, day visitors who stayed nearby, drop-in guests, supporters who brought or sent food to the monastery, and many dedicated Dhamma friends around the world sharing enthusiasm and support through online groups and chat messages.

Here are some photos and teachings from the month.

As we look ahead to 2023, Taan Ajaan Geoff and the other members of the Aranya Refuge Board of Directors are exploring how we can continue to support monks from Wat Metta to return for a month of practice and teachings.

If you’re interested in supporting the expenses from last month’s Monastery for the Month, please know that your financial contributions will cover costs related to travel & accommodation for Taan Ajaan Geoff and Taan Mike from Wat Metta to Victoria; groceries and requisites for the monks; rental of Earthspring Sanctuary; additional supplies needed throughout the month; and event insurance. Click here for information on how to contribute.

Anumodana to all who contributed past and present, and made it possible to go ahead with the “pop-up” monastery this year. 🙏

We also look forward to continuing to practice and grow together in community. If you would like to join other students of Taan Ajaan Geoff for regular online practice, please visit the following groups:

You can also find the full collection of Taan Ajaan Geoff’s evening and morning talks under “November 2022” on dhammatalks.org.

If you have any questions about Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery, our plans for the future, or how to get involved, feel free to email us at info@aranyarefuge.org.

With deep gratitude,

The Aranya Refuge team

Issue 23: Updates from the 'Monastery for a Month'

The half-way mark has now passed at Aranya Refuge’s Monastery for a Month on Vancouver Island. It’s been going wonderfully.

Taan Ajaan Geoff and Taan Mike have settled in nicely at Earthspring Sanctuary & Retreat Center (the location of the temporary Monastery). 

There is an abundance of scenic beauty in this coastal Highland region of Vancouver Island: filled with old-growth forests, native plant and animal life, and spectacular lookouts.

There’ve been some adventures along the way. Unexpected snow storms, power outages and learning the idiosyncrasies of the rustic buildings on the property. A conducive environment for practice. 🙂

Aranya Refuge Monastery has maintained a schedule similar to that at Metta Forest Monastery (Wat Metta).

Most overnight guests have stayed for a week at a time. There have been guests who’ve rented places nearby to attend daily. Most guests have been from British Columbia, but we’ve had some guests drive, take the ferry, or fly from Washington and California.

The support from the community has been very positive. There is a palpable excitement about the prospect of establishing a Thai Forest monastery on Vancouver Island for the monks from Wat Metta.

Day Visitors are still welcome to participate throughout the rest of November. The daily schedule consists of morning meditation, meal offerings, self-directed practice, and an evening Q&A with Taan Ajaan Geoff, chanting, Dhamma talk, and meditation. Click here for more info.

Even more exciting, is that Taan Ajaan Geoff has consented to the Dhamma talks being recorded on video, to share with the larger community, so that even those who aren’t able to join in person can feel connected, practise together, and benefit from the teachings.

For the remainder of the month, we’ll be posting the evening’s Dhamma talk videos each day at 3PM PST, on both our Facebook & YouTube pages.

(or watch directly on YouTube)

We appreciate the new and familiar faces that have come to the Monastery, the online messages of support from friends far away, and the fortunate conditions that have allowed for us to set up a Thai Forest Monastery for the month of November on Vancouver Island, Canada.

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery Board of Directors & Monastery Volunteers

Issue 22: Some Exciting News

Greetings,

We have exciting news to share: Taan Ajaan Geoff and Taan Mike will be in residence for the month of November 2022 at Aranya Refuge’s monastery for a month. 

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. 

This 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.

For ease of reference, please go to this page on Aranya Refuge’s website.

Visiting and Staying at the Monastery

We have spaces available for Day Visitors for the period Nov 5 - Nov 27 2022 and for some Overnight Guests from Nov 7 - Nov 27 2022.

Please register to be a Day Visitor here and to be an Overnight Guest here.

Registered Day Visitors are welcome to join the daily schedule such as offering food in the early morning and engaging in self-directed practice on the grounds. Registered Overnight Guests are welcome to stay up to one week and will join the full Daily Schedule. Our preference is for overnight guests to stay 3 or more evenings as we are limiting the total number of participants each week for COVID-19 related precautions.

Those who wish to drop off food for the monks can sign up here:

We are carefully monitoring health risks related to COVID-19 and its variants. All guests are required to follow and agree to these COVID-19 Safety Protocols.

If you have questions, please email us at info@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

Monastery Organizers:

  • Kiran Shahbaz

  • Irfan Pirbhai

Issue 21: November 2022 'Monastery for a Month'

November 2022 ‘Monastery for a Month’

We are very pleased to announce that plans are underway for two monks from Metta Forest Monastery (Wat Metta) to reside on Vancouver Island for the month of November 2022.

Closer to the time, Taan Ajaan Geoff will let us know which monks will be available for Aranya Refuge’s Monastery for the Month.

Aranya Refuge has rented 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.

This is not a scheduled retreat as found at some meditation retreat centres, 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.

There will be opportunities for Day Visitors starting Nov 5 - Nov 27 2022 and Overnight Guests from Nov 7 - Nov 27 2022.

Registered Day Visitors are welcome to join the daily schedule such as offering food in the early morning and engaging in self-directed practice on the grounds. Registered Overnight Guests are welcome to stay up to one week and will join the full Daily Schedule.

Please register to be a Day Visitor here and to be an Overnight Guest here.

Those who wish to drop off food for the monks can sign up here.

We are carefully monitoring health risks related to COVID-19 and its variants. All guests are required to follow and agree to these COVID-19 Safety Protocols.

If you have questions, please email us at info@aranyarefuge.org.

We appreciate the fortunate conditions that make it possible to provide a Canadian wilderness refuge for the monks of Wat Metta and to see how a Thai Forest monastery may take shape on southern Vancouver Island.

Anumodana for supporting the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Aranya Refuge Theravada Board of Directors:

  • Taan Ajaan Geoff

  • Jacqui Balfour

  • Brock Brown

  • Russ Callaghan

  • June Fukushima

Monastery Organizers:

  • Irfan Pirbhai

  • Kiran Shahbaz

Issue 20: Online July 23 Teaching

Updated July 24, 2022

Audio recordings from the retreat are now available in the Teachings section.

Online Teaching with Taan Ajaan Geoff

Topic: Recognizing the True Dhamma

Saturday, July 23 2022
10am-3:30pm PDT

Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery welcomes you to participate in a day of teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff, also known as Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego county.

Reading Materials

If you would like to read materials prior to the retreat, Recognizing The Dhamma, written by Taan Ajaan Geoff, is available here.

Schedule

  • 10am-10:15am: Join the Zoom room

  • 10:15am-12pm: Guided meditation, teachings and Q&A

  • 12pm-2pm: Break

  • 2pm-3:30pm: Teachings and Q&A

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.

The teachings of the Buddha are offered freely.

Offering Dana

For those who are inspired to support the monastics living at Metta Forest Monastery and the monks who will visit the Victoria, BC area, information on how to offer donations can be found here:

For more information, contact organizers at info@aranyarefuge.org

With gratitude for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Sincerely,
Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery Board and Supporters

Issue 19: Online Dec 29 Teaching

Updated December 29, 2021

Audio recordings from the retreat are now available in the Teachings section.

Online Teaching with Taan Ajaan Geoff

Topic: Aging, Illness and Death

Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
10am-12pm; 2-3:30pm PST

Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery welcomes you to participate in a day of teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff, also known as Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego county.

Description

The format of the morning and afternoon sessions includes a guided meditation, Taan Ajaan Geoff offering teachings followed by a Question and Answer period.

Reading Materials

Ajaan Geoff has prepared readings for the retreat, which can be found here.

Schedule

  • 10-10:15am: Join the Zoom room

  • 10:15am-noon: Guided meditation, teachings and Q&A

  • 2-3:30pm: Teachings and Q&A

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 1990 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.

The teachings of the Buddha are offered freely.

Offering Dana

For those who are inspired to support the monastics living at Metta Forest Monastery and the monks who will visit the Victoria, BC area, information on how to offer donations can be found here:

For more information, contact organizers at info@aranyarefuge.org

With gratitude for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Sincerely,
Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery Board and Supporters

Issue 18: Online Nov 13 Teaching

We regret that this retreat did not happen due to technical difficulties.

Online Teaching with Taan Ajaan Geoff

Topic: Recognizing the True Dhamma

Saturday Nov 13, 2021
10am-12pm PST

Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery welcomes you to participate in a half- day of teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff, also known as Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, abbot of Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego county.

Reading Materials

Taan Ajaan Geoff suggests that participants review this study guide in preparation for the retreat.

Schedule

  • 10am-10:15am: Join the Zoom room
    10:15am-noon: Guided meditation, teachings and Q&A

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 1990 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.

The teachings of the Buddha are offered freely.

Offering Dana

For those who are inspired to support the monastics living at Metta Forest Monastery and the monks who will visit the Victoria, BC area, information on how to offer donations can be found here:

For more information, contact organizers at info@aranyarefuge.org

With gratitude for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Sincerely,
Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery Board and Supporters

Issue 17: Nov 13 2021 Online Teachings from Taan Ajaan Geoff

Hello Dhamma Friends,

Plans for Taan Ajaan Geoff and Taan Mike to stay on Vancouver Island for the month of November 2021 have been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.

We are, however, very happy that Taan Ajaan Geoff will offer teachings on:

Saturday Nov 13, 2021
10am-Noon (Pacific Standard Time)
Topic yet to be determined

Saturday Dec 29, 2021
Details yet to be determined

The teachings will be offered using the Zoom platform. Registration will open one month prior to the date of the events.

For more information, contact us at info@aranyarefuge.org

With gratitude for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

Sincerely,
Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery Board and Supporters