Arrow River Forest Hermitage

Arrow River Forest Hermitage is a Theravadin Buddhist monastery and retreat centre situated in Northern Ontario, Canada. It is part of the Thai Forest Tradition, emphasizing meditation and monastic living in natural forested surroundings. The hermitage serves as a spiritual refuge for those seeking to practice Buddhist teachings in a serene, contemplative environment.

Overview

Arrow River Forest Hermitage adheres to the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravāda Buddhism. This tradition is known for its strict adherence to monastic discipline and meditative practices in forest settings. The hermitage embodies the philosophy that enlightenment practice involves both ordinary daily tasks and spiritual cultivation, encapsulated in the saying: "Before Enlightenment; Chopping Wood, Hauling Water. After Enlightenment; Chopping Wood, Hauling Water."

Activities and Community Engagement

The hermitage functions as a retreat centre where practitioners and visitors can engage in meditation retreats, spiritual teachings, and monastic support activities. The lay community is encouraged to support the hermitage by donating funds or volunteer work, including help with maintenance tasks like cleaning, woodworking, and firewood gathering.

Governance and Charity Status

Arrow River Forest Hermitage is registered as a Canadian nonprofit organization with the Business Registration Number 119949774RR0001. It is officially recognized as a charity by the Canada Revenue Agency, allowing it to issue tax receipts for qualifying donations. The hermitage actively raises funds for ongoing projects, such as its new kitchen facility, relying on the generosity of supporters to maintain and expand its infrastructure.

Location

The hermitage is located near Thunder Bay, Ontario, nestled in a natural forest environment conducive to meditation and monastic life.

This concise overview provides insight into Arrow River Forest Hermitage’s spiritual mission, community involvement, and organizational status as a Canadian nonprofit religious institution dedicated to preserving and practicing the Thai Forest Tradition of Buddhism in Northern Ontario[1][2][4][5].