Calm is the door we walk through.
Clarity is the room we sit in.
Wisdom is the realisation that there are no walls.
We spend so much of our lives listening to false narratives based on false ideas of self and others.
Learning to look at experience directly, free of any ideation allows wisdom to dawn and frees us from the narratives that bind us so tightly.
This silent retreat will be dedicated towards the development of calm, clarity and wisdom. Employing meditations and teachings based on the development of calm clarity and wisdom.
There will be group sittings, Dharma talks and Q&A daily. Preference will be given to those that can stay for the entirety of the retreat.
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.
Important Details
When: Friday, October 29th to Sunday, November 7th, 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: $936.00, Members: $810.00
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. 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.
Dana to Jack you can click the ‘Dana for Jack’ button on our Online Program page or alternatively make an e-transfer to: jleeconnelly@gmail.com.
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.To send
Please note that all participants for this retreat are required to have received their double vaccination 2 weeks prior to retreat start. The Dharma Centre’s full COVID 19 policy can be found on our homepage.
This course is now full. If you wish to be added to the waiting list please proceed to register.