Located at 4 Lifford Road, Bethany, Ontario, the property was formerly established as a Mahāyāna temple dedicated to Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara). It has since been generously made available to support the Theravāda monastic tradition and the religious activities of the Arahanist Order.

Situated within approximately 250 acres of natural landscape in the Oak Ridges Moraine region, Putuo Hermitage provides a quiet setting for monastic life, meditation, Dhamma study, spiritual cultivation, and religious observances.

Religious Purpose and Activities

As a religious charitable establishment, Putuo Hermitage is maintained for the benefit of the Sangha and the cultivation and transmission of the Dhamma.

Its activities include:

• Supporting the religious life, education, and training of the monastic community.
• Practising meditation and contemplative cultivation.
• Studying and preserving Gautama’s original teachings.
• Receiving devotees who wish to pay respect to the Sangha and make offerings.
• Sharing Dhamma teachings and providing opportunities for religious learning.
• Maintaining a peaceful environment conducive to spiritual development.

Devotees and members of the public are welcome to visit by prior arrangement, participate in appropriate religious activities, listen to Dhamma teachings, and support the Sangha through Dāna.

Monastic Facilities

The hermitage contains monastic residence and seven simple individual rooms, each approximately 12 square metres, furnished with a bed, lamp, and basic necessities.

The rooms bear seven Pāli names reflecting the qualities and progression of the liberation path:

1. Sīla — Virtue and moral discipline.
2. Samādhi — Mental collectedness and concentration.
3. Paññā — Wisdom and discernment.
4. Nibbidā — Disenchantment with conditioned existence.
5. Virāga — Dispassion and the fading of craving.
6. Vimutti — Liberation and freedom from defilements.
7. Santi — Peace and tranquillity.

The property also contains shared washroom and shower facilities supporting the practical needs of the monastic establishment.

Natural Surroundings

The approximately 250-acre property is situated within the Oak Ridges Moraine region and includes significant natural and environmentally protected areas.

The Arahanist Order recognizes its responsibility to respect the ecological character of the land and maintain the property in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Supporting the Hermitage

Putuo Hermitage operates in support of the religious and charitable purposes of the Arahanist Order of Canada.

In the Theravāda tradition, the relationship between the Sangha and the lay community is sustained through Dāna, generosity, mutual respect, and the sharing of the Dhamma.

In keeping with the Theravāda tradition, devotees may offer Dāna (generosity) to support the maintenance and religious activities of the hermitage. Voluntary donations are received through the responsible CRA registered religious charity.

Putuo Hermitage
4 Lifford Road
Bethany, Ontario L0A 1A0
Canada

A monastic home dedicated to the Sangha, the Dhamma, and the path of liberation.