Open Mind Retreat
with Jack Connelly
Oct 23-28
The purpose of meditation is to free our hearts and minds from confusion and suffering so that we may experience our essential nature which is peaceful, radiant and joyful.
The Open Mind Retreat will provide the time, space and opportunity to work towards the realization of this state through the cultivation of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, as taught by the Buddha.
Through the development of calm, concentration and direct insight into the truth of the present moment, we will learn to let go of false notions of who we are and what is, leading to increased liberation from suffering and a return to our essential nature.
This retreat will be held in silence with periods of sitting and walking meditation, along with daily talks that include question and answer periods.
Many years ago, Jack travelled to India as a young man with the purpose of exploring this wide world. One day, while sitting on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi watching it flow, a Buddhist monk came by, stopped, and from his robe pulled out an orange which he offered to Jack. Over the next few days they met for tea and discussions and a new world of possibilities opened up for him. He spent the next five years in Asia traveling, studying and practicing meditation with different teachers in retreat centres and monasteries in India, Burma, Sri Lanka and Thailand. There, he was fortunate in meeting many of the great Thervadian Masters of the day, including Ajahn Tate, Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Buddhadasa and Mahasi Sayadaw, as well as Advaita Vedanta Masters Sri Nisargadata Maharaj and H.W.L. Poonjaji.
Since that time his study and exploration of Buddha-Dharma and meditation continued both in Canada and back in Asia. His principal teacher became the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. He was also fortunate in receiving empowerments and teachings from H.H. the 17th Karmapa and H.H. Dilgo Khyentse, as well as direct one on one teachings from Urgyen Tulku Rinpoche.
'In classes and retreats, Jack offers students the advantage of his rich life experience, both in the traditional ascetic and Western realms. He offers a unique blend of the Buddhist tradition steeped in an accessible and modern-day context.'
'While teaching, Jack guides students safely through their unfolding self-exploration process, wherever they happen to be in that process, with the right balance of teachings, modern applications, insights, wisdom and humor. He makes meditation accessible by using the right amount of structure, skill and means needed to help them. Jack can feel and intuitively know where people are on the path and offer support and advice if things get challenging. His Dharma story telling alone is worth being in his presence.'
Jack has been teaching meditation for many years now. He presently resides in Peterborough where he has an Acupuncture practice. He also gives meditation classes there and often leads retreats at the Dharma Centre of Canada nearby in Kinmount, Ontario.
Learn more about Jack: https://acupuncturehealthclinic.ca/about-us/
Important Details:
When: Friday, October 23rd to Wednesday October 28th. 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: $550, Members: $475
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Jack is sharing his 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.
Giving the present circumstances with regards to COVID Jack has decided to open up his retreat to Zoom participants in limited numbers.
Preference will be given to those who can commit to the full 5 days. There will be classes in the morning, afternoon and evening that will include talks, Q & A and meditations. There will also be some Chi Kung exercises, however, it is not sure how that will transfer on Zoom.
Jack will not be taking live questions from the zoom participants. You will be able to chat or email your questions and Jack will do his best to answer them.
If you do want to attend via Zoom, Jack requests that you treat this time as a home retreat following retreat protocols to the best of your ability.
Plan your time so you can stay home and commit fully to the practice for the course of the retreat.
You will be asked to maintain “ Functional Silence “, only speaking when it is necessary avoiding any idle conversation. Make a commitment to attend all of the classes if possible and to meditate at other times. Remember that the amount of energy you put into the meditative process will determine what you get out of it.
5 days is a short time for a retreat but you can get a lot out of it with the proper commitment.
The retreat will start at 7.30 on Friday and end at noon on Wednesday.
Please contact the Dharma Centre Administration at retreats@dharmacentre.org to request Zoom participation in this retreat.
In order to offset administrative costs we ask for a suggested donation of:
$15 per day (minimum fee)
$25 per day (patron fee)
Any donation below or above the suggested amounts
In order to make this suggested donation please send us an e-transfer to retreats@dharmacentre.org or make payment with PayPal or Credit Card via our donate page.
Thank you for your support!
This retreat is fully booked. If you wish to be added to the waiting list please proceed to register.