Sarasota Forest Monastery | Buddhist Monastery in Englewood, Florida | Sarasota Forest Monastery, a Buddhist Monastery in the Thai Forest Tradition

SFM is a dedicated Buddhist monastery rooted in the Thai Forest Tradition, a lineage known for its deep commitment to mindfulness, simplicity, and meditation in natural surroundings.

Weekly Progam on Sundays

10:00 - 10:50 am Morning chanting / meditation

11:00 - 11:20 am Meal offering to the monks

12:30 - 01:20 pm Afternoon group meditation

(The morning chanting typically lasts approximately 20 minutes and is then followed by a 30-minute meditation session. At present, the afternoon group meditation is being conducted inside the main building, due to frequent flooding in the forest area and the presence of many mosquitoes. Updated on June 23, 2025)

Following the meal offering to the monks, you can join a potluck on the patio or around the kitchen before participating in the afternoon group meditation session.

Visitors may attend any portion of our weekly program that interests them and fits into their schedule. Beginners are warmly welcome. No prior meditation experience is required to join the program.

The small shed has many foam mats for your use when sitting and meditating in the forest. Please refer to the monastery map for the location of the small shed.

A Morning Meetup on Tuesdays

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Morning chanting / meditation

News and Upcoming Events

Due to the recent frequent rainfall, the soil at SFM has become saturated, making the grounds prone to flooding even with moderate rain. As a result, visitors may occasionally need to park on wet or softened ground.

If you choose to park along the edges of the gravel driveway or on the sides of Lewis Street, please ensure your vehicle does not block the flow of traffic, as illustrated in the accompanying diagram.

(updated on June 25, 2025)

Phra Ajaan O and Ajaan Chichung will attend the annual meeting of the Dhammayut Order in the U.S.A. in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 6 to June 9. The weekly program scheduled for June 8 (Sunday) will be canceled accordingly.

Phra Ajaan O will continue his trips to Dallas and Los Angeles after the meeting, while Ajaan Chichung will return to the monastery on June 9.

The resident monks' retreat will end on December 31, 2024, and the Weekly Sunday Program will resume starting January 2025. The schedule for the first Sunday in 2025, January 5, is as follows:

10:00 -10:50 a.m. Morning chanting and meditation.

10:50 - 11:00 a.m. The monk has his alms-round outside the main building

11:00 -11:20 a.m. Meal offering to the monk inside the main building.

12:30 - 01:10 p.m. Sitting meditation (in the forest, weather permitting)