The Pacific Hermitage meditation retreats at Birken Forest Monastery – will continue in 2025. Applicants can apply for a one of two ten-day sessions, scheduled for May 2-11th and May 16-25th. The retreats allow for a travel day on a Friday and begin that evening and finish on the following Saturday evening; allowing for eight full days of teachings and meditation. The final Sundays are scheduled for returning home.
The theme has not been established yet, but as always, Ajahn Sona will offer reflections each night on a theme, there will be evening group tea time questions and answer discussion with Ajahn Sudanto, and group meditation practice sessions throughout the day.
Members of the community interested in attending can request to participate by filling out this application – requesting either one or both of the two sessions. Please Pre-register by January 18th 2025, and those accepted will be notified by January 31. Also:
- The selection of retreat spots is not done on “first come, first serve” basis nor by lottery. The main selection criteria is available spaces with preference given to active supporters of the Pacific Hermitage and members of Portland Friends of the Dhamma.
- Details about logistics and coordinating carpools will be shared after this time.
- With the recent renovations at Birken, each participant will have a single room.
If you have any questions, please email Ajahn Sudanto at hermitage@abhayagiri.org, and put “2025 Birken Retreat” in the subject line.
Birken Monastery is a beautiful setting quite conducive to meditation, investigation and reflection. We are glad Ajahn Sona and the Birken community are willing to host us and offer us the chance to continue receiving these precious teachings!
