Timeline
1994: Abbot Ajahn Sona established a primitive shack monastery in proximity to Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park. He named the monastery, “Birken”.
1996: Birken Monastery’s growing community moved to a larger location near Elephant Mountain, not far from Princeton BC.
Early 2001: Monks and monastery stewards began searching for a secluded property within 3 hours driving distance from Vancouver. Just as they were putting in an offer on a location in Barnhartvale, they stumbled upon the Smith Lake property almost by accident. Through generous donations, the location was purchased.
11 November 2001: First pabba ceremony held to mark the opening of the new monastery.
Meeting Places
7000 Smith Lake Forest Service Road, Knutsford
Leadership History
1994-Present: Abbot Ajahn Sona
Congregation Website
Meeting Times
Please visit the Visiting Birken: 2023 page of the Monastery's website for information.
Information Sources/More Information
https://birken.ca/about/. Accessed October 2023.
Mike Youds. "Splendid Isolation". Kamloops Daily News. 14 November 2001. B01-B02.