Picture this weekend as Buddhist Summer Camp - no cell phones or computers, but instead a full emersion into explorations of the universe. Following in the footsteps of Namgyal Rinpoche, founder of the Dharma Centre of Canada, this weekend will explore the microcosm of life at a retreat centre, focusing on the micro and the macro to appreciate nature with all the plants and animals on the property. Come prepared to join in outdoor meditation objects including art and all the senses.
Note: this is not a silent retreat, but rather an engaged program that focuses on exploration, experiments, and activities. Suitable for persons of all ages, including intergenerational families.
Lama Linda (aka Linda Hochstetler) has studied both mindfulness meditation and Vajrayana Buddhism for more than 20 years. She trained in mindfulness meditation with Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 90’s, and studied under Namgyal Rinpoche (the first Canadian-born Rinpoche) from 1995 until his death in 2003. She received permission to teach in the Namgyal lineage in 2014, and currently studies Vajrayana Buddhism with Doug Duncan Sensei and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Silent meditation retreats are a central part of her study and practice, and since 1995, she has completed retreats of between 1 week and 2 months in length every year.
Important Details
When: Friday, August 6th to Sunday, August 8th, 2021. 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 after lunch on the final day.
Rates: Non-members: $250.00, Members: $220.00
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals plus a course fee to support teacher’s travel. They do not include instructor fees. Linda is sharing her 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.
Please note that Lama Linda is requesting that all participants for this retreat will have received their double vaccination ideally 2 weeks prior to retreat start. The Dharma Centre’s full COVID 19 policy can be found on our homepage.