The monastery will be closed on Saturday and Sunday 21st/22nd of December and the Saturday evening meditation cancelled, due to the dangerous fire risk conditions expected here at that time. Fire danger conditions will be CATASTROPIC on Saturday, and it is Santi’s fire safety policy to cancel all visitors and for residents to prepare to evacuate if needed.

If you know the monastery, you will be well aware of the very high fire risk here due to a build up of the fuel load on the forest floor and the extreme conditions we are facing this season. Currently there are emergency warnings with out-of-control fires burning to the Northwest (Wollondilly) and Southeast of us (Tianjara) both within 50 kms from Santi, and the Hume Hwy between Campbelltown and Mittagong may be closed for periods of time due to the fire. A state of emergency has once again been declared this week for NSW, with particular concern for the South Coast and Shoalhaven areas, of which we are a part.

We apologise for any inconvenience due to the monastery closure this weekend, but safety for all is our first concern. We’ll keep you posted of further developments if need be.

May you and all beings be safe and well.

To stay updated regarding road closures, check here: https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html

UPDATE 23/12/19:

Presently Santi FM and Bundanoon area is safe from any fires. There are still large out-of-control fires burning to the North and South of us but of no immediate threat to this area at this time. We are staying alert to the unfolding events each day on the fire fronts, and will keep you posted if things change for SFM.

Our thoughts and prayers go to all beings who are adversely affected by these terrible fires. And of course, much gratitude and prayers for all the firies working so hard and selflessly to protect everyone from what could be much worse.