A SILENT RETREAT
Dharma, Meditation and Movement
with Resident Teachers Mala Sikka & Terry Hagan
“‘Meditation’ this term has been abused. We should change this term to ‘Alive’. Because no matter if it is three minutes or five minutes, during the time of meditation, you're alive, you are consciously alive!
At present, basically we are just like a walking corpses. When we drink tea, we are thinking of other things; when we looking at the beautiful trees, we cannot be aware that green beauty. ‘Alive’ is very important….!”
-Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
Mindfulness of breathing directly connects us with the immediacy and vitality of life. Breath is not just in our lungs it is intimately connected to our entire psychomotor system. It is our constant companion, our continual teacher, revealing and clarifying thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they come and go. Known as Anapansati, this was the practice of the Buddha as he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Breath is not just limited to our body it is intimately connected to all things from the smallest cells in our bodies to the largest galaxies.
During this retreat we will study simple rendition of interdependent origination conjoined with breath meditation, revealing how we are always intimately connected even though we sometimes feel alone and disconnected.
This beautiful time of year here at the Dharma Centre to practice with the fall colours.
The skill and means of this mindfulness training is rooted in over 2,500 years of tried and tested ancient wisdom.
This Silent retreat will include:
daily sitting and walking meditations
dharma classes
meditation interviews
key body work to open and enliven our experience
merging awareness practice with post meditation
learn how to structure and conduct your own retreat and apply the benefits in your life.
Important Details:
When: Friday, November 6th to Sunday November 8th. 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 at 3:30pm on Sunday.
Rates: Non-members: $220, Members: $190.00
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Mala and Terry are sharing their 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.
Given the present circumstances with regards to COVID for those who cannot come to the Dharma Centre at this time, our resident teachers are opening up this retreat to Zoom participants in limited numbers. Preference will be given to those who can commit to the whole weekend.
If you do want to attend via Zoom, Mala and Terry request 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 general conversation. As long as your time zone allows commitment is needed to attend all classes and participants will also be asked to practice between classes. Remember that the amount of energy you put into the meditative process will determine what you get out of it.
A weekend is a very short time for a retreat but with true commitment there will be more benefit.
The retreat starts at 7.30 on Friday ending 3.30pm Sunday
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!