Open Mind Retreat
6 Day Retreat with Jack Connelly
October 25-31
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 that 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
Please plan to arrive on October 25th by 4:00 pm to settle in. The retreat will begin after a light dinner and will conclude after lunch on October 31st.
Rates: Non-members: $660.00, Members: $570.00.
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.
What is Dana?: Teachers give the 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.
Payment: Payment can be made to the Dharma Centre of Canada by credit card, cheque or e-transfer. Please call us, toll free, if you need information on making a payment at 1 866 266 0966 or email: info@dharmacentre.com. Full payment is due 10 days prior to the start of a retreat or course. A 50% deposit is required to hold your space for an upcoming retreat.