Aranya Refuge Theravada Buddhist Monastery
Monastery for Two Months ‘26

We are very happy to invite you to participate in Aranya Refuge's sixth temporary monastery during the months of February and March 2026. Following the success of our 2025 program, we are returning to Tugwell Cottage—two adjacent homes on adjoining properties in rural Sooke, approximately 1 hour west of Victoria, BC.

Monks from Mettā Forest Monastery (Wat Mettā) 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

Meal Offering (Dāna) to the Monastics

You're welcome to bring food for the monks on any day from February 2 through March 29, 2026.

Please arrive by 8:15 am if you have dishes that need heating or cooking. Food will be offered to the monks in the meditation hall (sala) at 9:30 am.

Learn more here.

Day Visitors

Day Visitors are welcome from Feb 2 to Mar 30 2026.

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 2026.

Eight week-long cohorts are available for Monday to Sunday stays.

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 2025 ‘Two-Month 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: Than Ajaan Geoff, Brock Brown, Jacqui Balfour, Russ Callaghan, Irfan Pirbhai, Tiara Letourneau, Kiko Fukushima, June Fukushima (in loving memory)

  • Monastery for Two Months Volunteer Team: Brock Brown, Kiko Brown, Suzan Denis, Irfan Pirbhai