We are honoured to have Venerable Bhikkhu Sona – abbott (Ajahn) of Sitavana – Birken Forest Monastery return to offer teachings in Victoria.
Ajahn Sona ordained as a Theravada monk under Ven. Gunaratana, at the Bhavana Society in West Virginia, where his first years of training took place. Ven. Sona further trained for over three years at Ajahn Chah’s forest monasteries in northeast Thailand, particularly Wat Pah Nanachat. He returned to Canada in 1994, and established the first Birken Forest Monastery. Ajahn Sona offers the Buddha’s timeless teachings in a profound and refreshing way.
Food Offerings/Pot Luck:
You are welcome to offer vegetarian dishes or meat/fish and any kind of non-alcoholic drink.Those with food allergies will appreciate labels on dishes.
- Fruit is best served in cut up pieces. This includes tomatoes.
- No raw fish please
- If bringing chocolates, please check that they do not have alcohol fillings.
- Serving Dish or bowl and utensils for serving your offering.
- Your own plate, cup, cutlery.
We cannot use the kitchen supplies at Goward House except for their kettles. There is a cooler/fridge. Please consider bringing your dish in a cooler if you own one.
Moderate dress wear is appreciated. Please, no tank tops or shorts.
“During the Buddha’s time, he established a unique and radical relationship between the monastics and the lay community, which continues today in the Theravadan tradition. The monastic code requires the ordained Sangha to live in dependence upon the laity for all their physical needs. Monks and nuns do not grow or prepare their own food, and they can only accept food that is freely offered by laypeople. This tradition has been successfully implemented for more than 2500 years.” Pacific Hermitage.
