These are tiring and trying times for all of us. Between the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, most of us are exhausted and in need of a reboot. Times were tough for the Buddha as well, with war, famine and limited finances, and his meditation practices for inner and outer peace have stood the test of time for 2500 years.
Imagine the peace of body, mind, and soul that comes from simple meditation practices that focus on breathing, the senses, and nature. We will start with practices that cultivate deep inner peace and the fearlessness that comes with just showing up in each precious present moment. From there we will move to outer peace and prayers for the planet and all its sentient beings. Experience the joy of cultivating outer peace for a larger purpose beyond yourself.
Consider this in person long weekend retreat just the thing to feed your inner world as well as global consciousness.
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 Qapel and Catherine 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. She is also a registered social worker with a specialty in illness, dying, and death, and a thriving private practice. More recently, she has authored a book - 21 Days to Die: The Canadian Guide to End of Life - and written numerous articles and been hosted on blogs about dying and death. www.lindahochstetler.com.
Important Details
When: May 20-23 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 after lunch on the final day.
Rates: $405 - non-members, $360 - members (with $30 going to AIT)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals as well as an administrative fee for Awaken in Toronto. 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.