Sati Saraniya Hermitage is a rural monastic residence for bhikkhunis in the Canadian Forest tradition of Theravada Buddhism. We welcome overnight guests for short periods of time who would like to share in the lifestyle of our community.
We can accommodate 3 female guests indoors; during the warmer months, there is space for outdoor camping in a tent.
The Hermitage is sustained through the kindness and generosity (dana) of our wider community. The support we receive is not only financial but also comes in the form of basic requisites such as food, medicines, and household items, as well as through the work of volunteers who help us run and maintain the property.
GUIDELINES FOR STAYING OVERNIGHT:
While staying with us, we ask that you:
1. observe Eight Precepts* – the basic code of conduct for all residents of our community. Our last meal of the day is at 11 am with no food taken until the next morning; and
2. participate in our routine: all group activities, beginning with a daily morning meditation at 5:15 am, evening meditations, chanting, and work projects.
Whatever food and daily requisites we have are freely shared including the lodgings themselves. We do not purchase any groceries, therefore meals are prepared from whatever food has been offered.
To best enjoy the seclusion and peaceful setting of the Hermitage, we suggest that you leave your computer and all worldly concerns behind.
Since we have no guest telephone or computer service, we ask that you organize your travel and work schedules in advance and that during your stay you remain in the monastery and not make outside trips.
There is no smoking anywhere in the monastery and we are not able to accept pets.
*THE EIGHT PRECEPTS
1. Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature.
2. Trustworthiness: not taking anything that has not been given.
3. Celibacy: refraining from any kind of sexual behaviour.
4. Skilful speech: avoiding false, abusive, malicious or idle talk.
5. Sobriety: abstaining from intoxicating drink or non-medical drugs.
6. Renunciation: not eating after midday (12 noon or 1 pm during Daylight Savings time.
7. Modesty: dressing modestly, not beautifying the body nor seeking distraction in music or entertainment.
8. Alertness: not indulging in sleep or laziness.
Personal items to bring:
flashlight
toiletries
sturdy shoes
work clothing
rain gear
winter clothing (in season)
alarm clock
any medicines you are taking
house slippers
If you are coming by car, please bring your own towel and sleeping bag (or sheets).
BOOKING YOUR VISIT:
First-time visitors may stay for 7 days; 2 weeks for those travelling from overseas. Please confirm your reservation 10 days in advance. Do let us know if you need to cancel so as to allow others the opportunity to come since space is limited.
Please fill out the ‘Request to Stay‘ form and email it to hermitage@satisaraniya.ca
or you can send it by post to:
Sati Saraniya Hermitage,
RR #7
1702 McVeigh Rd.,
Perth, ON. K7H 3C9
Canada
