AWAKE AWARE FREE
Our true Nature
'Breath of Life'
with core teachers Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan
May 6th to 10th
“I found such nectar like truth, profoundly peaceful, luminous, uncontrived, a brilliant natural simplicity free from elaboration . . .” Buddha Sakyamuni
Sakyamuni Buddha found this nectar like truth while practicing Anapanasati meditation under the Bodhi tree. Yet this deep insight of compassion and wisdom often directly challenges our experience of life as random, stressful and chaotic. How can we access the truth that the Buddha found?
This meditation on the awareness of breath directly connects us with the immediacy and vitality of life from the smallest cells in our bodies to the largest galaxies in space. Breath is not just in our lungs it is intimately connected to our entire psychomotor system. It is our constant companion, our continual teacher, revealing and clarifying thoughts, feelings, emotions and interconnectedness.
The skill and means of this mindfulness training is rooted in over 2,500 years of tried and tested ancient wisdom. During this retreat we will study interdependent origination conjoined with breath meditation, revealing how we are always intimately connected even though we may feel alone and disconnected.
Spring is a beautiful time to practice at the Dharma Centre.The retreat will be held in silence, apart from classes and interviews where there will be ample time to ask questions. There will also be daily body work to release hidden potentials, loosen and free patterns that bind us, .
There maybe an option for a few people to extend this retreat into solo retreat continuing with the practice from the retreat under the guidance of Mala and Terry. Please contact them at dharmastudies108(AT)gmail.com if interested in this option.
The Vital Breath
This retreat emphasizes the awareness of the unity of breath and energy, leading to more vitality and the natural vivid openness of mind.
This Silent retreat will include:
: daily sitting and walking meditations
: key body/breath work to open and enliven and support the practice
: merging awareness practice with post meditation
: learn how to structure/conduct your own retreat and apply the benefits in your life.
Please prepare to be offline and be ready to put away all technology, phones, computers or tablets etc for this short retreat in order to get the most out it.
Mala and Terry were Resident Teachers of the Dharma centre from 2007- 2022 , in 2011 they took a sabbatical to complete a three year retreat in the foot hills of the Himalayas under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche their respected teacher. More about Mala and Terry
NEWS FLASH !! MALA AND TERRY are kindly offering this RETREAT on ZOOM and in PERSON for those who prefer to do a HOME RETREAT. please email dharmastudies@gmail.com for more info.
Some comment from previous participants.
"Resident teachers -Mala and Terry were extremely generous with the time they spent with us. They were patient, personable, approachable, and showed a genuine interest in the participants. As a first time retreatant, I felt welcomed, supported, and at ease. It is with a grateful heart that I thank you both for your offerings in this retreat. I think of you daily from my cushion. The teachings, lessons and guidance was exactly what I hoped it would be, and then some. I felt like a dry sponge tossed in the ocean,and wanting to soak everything in. I thank you for devoting so much of your time to the group over the three days. And, for allowing time for personal session, which was immense and touched me deeply. I have truly taken to heart all of your suggestions and recommendations. You have helped me regain clarity, direction and confidence in my meditation practice. The “fierce meditator” is at it daily."
Sue Bitonte, Yoga Instructor, Peterborough, Ontario
"The retreat gave me a glimpse that meditation could be so much more. I felt that it was the beginning of a much larger adventure, way bigger than what I thought it would be. Since I've come home, I meditate for longer periods of time. I am much more regular in my practice. For a long time, I've wanted to get rid of some habits such as looking at my phone every 10 minutes, wasting too much time on social media or looking at news feed. The retreat was a chance to get out of the turmoil of everyday life. It gave me perspective on my life and on myself. I was able to stop wasting time on Internet. I am very pleased about that. I'm trying to bring more mindfulness in my life. Enjoying silence in the retreat showed me that all these habits were making me less present. I would really love to do a longer retreat at some point. I am truly grateful for this retreat.”
Matthieu, Montréal, Quebec
Important Details
When: May 6-10, 2022. Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish at 5pm on the last day.
Rates: $500 - non-members $440 - members
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Mala and Terry are sharing their experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation policy: Full refund up to 7 days before the commencement of the course. For cancellations less than 7 days prior to course begin, a $100 administrative fee will be charged.