Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan have committed most of their lives to Dharma and have been practicing meditation for over 40 years. Together they completed an intensive three year retreat in India under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.
Both Terry and Mala enjoyed their roles as resident teachers of the Dharma Centre of Canada for over a decade, while also being spiritual advisors to the board. They have shared their work here for over twenty years. Terry also served a three year term as a spiritual director for the Dharma Centre. At present, they serve as the resident teachers of the Namgyal Dharma House and continue to support the Dharma Centre as Core Teachers.
For over twenty-seven years Terry was the personal assistant to the late Namgyal Rinpoche (the founder of the Dharma Centre). Further, Terry has trained for over 50 years in all three schools of Buddhism. His wife, Mala, began her practice under the late Zen master Roshi John Garrie in her 20's, while running her Welsh clinic of Healing Shiatsu and Seiki Soho. As well, she served her community as a performing dancer and movement artist. Mala and Terry have both studied Javanese ‘Amerta Movement’ meditation for many years under the supervision of their late teacher Suprapto Suryodharmo - and are qualified guides in this tradition. Mala has been leading Dharma retreats for over 35 years in Europe and Canada and since 2004 has shared in guiding retreats and courses with her husband Terry.
When not teaching at the Centre they enjoy gardening, canoeing the great lakes of Ontario or walking the hills of the Himalayas.
Mala and Terry are especially grateful to their main teachers the late Namgyal Rinpoche and Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. They have both received many teachings and empowerments from Myingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Sakya Trizen and HH Dalai Lama. From this place of gratitude, Mala and Terry deeply enjoy sharing the Dharma, meditation, and Amerta movement with people of all ages and backgrounds, and especially the young. In particular, they appreciate working with people meeting a crossroads in their life.
Testimonials by Students of Mala and Terry
““I am so thankful for the opportunity I was blessed with to have your guidance as a great teacher and a friend. It was one of the greatest and most beneficial experiences of my life. I’m always reminded of the time I spent at the Dharma Centre and I’m continually observing the liberating changes it initiated. Thank you. Looking forward for the next chance to see you.” ”
““The Staff Retreat was a wonderful gift, and I learned so much from Terry’s classes, Dharma talks and guided meditations. It was like a peek into a very long and complicated legacy which left me wanting to know more. That will be a lifetime goal for me” ”
““I enjoyed the whole experience of these past several days. I was much impressed (... but not really surprised) by your grace and professionalism, your patience, and your sense of fun all rolled into one. Well, two, actually, since I am writing to both of you. I’m still sort of glowing from the combination of good teaching and wisdom, good companionship, and good food, all placed in an idyllic setting. I’m a better person as a result... Thanks again.” ”