2010 Workshops and SpecialTeaching Events

"CLEAR SKY MIND" RETREAT (HWA YEN BUDDHISM)
with Sensei Doug Duncan

 

WHEN: MONDAY, MAY 17. FIRST CLASS IS TUESDAY MORNING. To SUNDAY, MAY 30 AFTER LUNCH

WHERE: THE BARN, WAKEFIELD, QUEBEC (30 minutes from Ottawa)

Teaching Schedule

The retreat is led by Achariya Doug Duncan Sensei who is known for his eclectic approach, irreverent sense of humor, and dedicated efforts to help beings awaken in this lifetime. In the last decade he has founded international centers in Japan (dharma-japan.org) and the Canadian Rockies (clearskycenter.org). His training includes more than 25 years of studying with his teacher, Namgyal Rinpoche (dharmafellowship.org/biographies/historicalsaints/kyabje-namgyal.htm).

(from teachings of HWA YEN Buddhism)
Objects of the mind (sense experience, feelings or thoughts and mind tones) occupy our field of awareness constantly. Behind and within these objects abides "Clear Sky Mind". This retreat focuses on how to see the "Clear Sky Mind" in all the eventings of consciousness.

Referent text: "The Buddhist Teachings of Totality" by Garma C.C. Chang

There are two teaching sessions each day with Sensei who is also available for private interviews. Participants sit (on their own, indoors or outdoors) for specified periods during the day and evening. The retreat will probably be in social silence. There will be a daily yoga class (gentle movements) to facilitate ease in sitting.

The retreat is 13 days long with a minimum stay of 3 days. All participants must arrive at the retreat the evening of Monday, May 17. Included in the cost per person are yoga, accommodation, breakfasts, excellent lunches and dinners prepared by a professional cook (Tanya Wodicka) and a share of the retreat costs attributable to Sensei and his assistant, Catherine.

If you stay for the entire 13 days, the total cost of the retreat is $895 ($69 per day). Any stay less than 13 days is $78 per day. Supper will not be served on the first evening (Monday); however, you may bring your own food. There are also restaurants nearby. You may arrive during Monday afternoon if you wish.

In addition to the above costs, we ask that participants give a donation to Sensei for his teachings. This "dana" is given at the beginning of your stay (if you wish to add more at the end, that is up to you). Knowing that Sensei lives entirely from the dana, we ask that people be as generous as possible. What Sensei offers cannot really be measured in $$; it is far more valuable.

REGISTRATION
To register and secure your place, send a deposit of $150 of which $50 is non-refundable. Make cheques out to Paula Selmayr and send to Paula Selmayr; 186 rue Principale Est; Masham, PQ;
J0X 2W0, Canada. As space is limited we recommend you get your deposit in as soon as possible. Preference will be given to those who sign up for the full retreat. The deadline for registration is APRIL 21.

Telephone: 819-456-2144 E-mail: pspr@xittel.ca
Website: the-barn.ca

Classes and empowerment are by donation and a bowl will be at the door for your donations. Please also contribute to the Expenses bowl, to help defray Crystal Staff's contribution to the cost of travel.
No one will be turned away for financial reasons.

Meditation and the Path of Awakening

Tuesdays 7:30 PM  

Steven & Cheryl Gellman are offering teachings on the Path of Liberation as originally taught by the Buddha, beginning with the Four Noble Truths and progressing through Mahayana and Vajrayana teachings.  Each session will include meditation and instruction. Cheryl and Steven are a married couple with 40 years of experience practising the spiritual path.They were lifelong students of the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche.

Cost is by donation. For information and directions please contact:  613-745-0428

Awareness Through Movement®

Contact Karen@beyondmovement.ca ~613-761-6200

Awareness Through Movement is an aspect of the Feldenkrais method®, that uses gentle guided movements to develop awareness of how we move, sense, think, and feel. By engaging in series of simple movement sequences, we utilize the inherent intelligence of our nervous system to expand body awareness and discover new ways of functioning with more ease, fluidity, and creativity. Awareness Through Movement lessons help us experience ourselves more fully and let go of unnecessary efforts and habits that are not conducive to our physical or mental well-being. This process uses mindfulness of the body and movement, to develop awareness of our behaviour patterns. It is complementary to other meditative explorations that students of Buddhism might already be engaged in. Lessons are done lying on the floor, sitting and walking.
Mats will be available. Wear loose comfortable clothing..

Vajrasattva Practice, one Friday each month

Samaya (Beth Gordon) hosts a Vajrasattva meditation beginning at 5:30
on one Friday evening of each month.  The meditation is followed by a potluck
supper. The date of each session is decided on a month-to-month basis.

The Vajrasattva meditation is designed for cleansing the unwholesomeness of
all etheric planes, and removing obstacles to the clear understanding of the
disciple." ("Body, Speech and Mind" by Namgyal Rinpoché as heard by Cecilie
Kwiat, p. 424)

For information and directions call 613 829-8536

"Breathing" Meditation

Strom Eedy can give Anapanasati Meditation instruction to any one who
wishes. This is often called breathing or insight meditation (both
terms are really misnomers). It has been practiced for over 2000
years, was what the Buddha used for his breakthrough as did Strom's
original teacher Namgyal Rinpoche. It is considered a safe, excellent
meditation tool and practiced in some form in practically every school
of Buddhism .

Contact Strom 613-259-5703

Group Meditations in Almonte:

We are doing group meditations at Julie's (Spirit Matters) on Friday
evenings at 7:30pm. This is a community (i.e. sangha) building
activity and very, very good to get you feeling connected if you are a
meditator. Also some people really meditate better in a group and it
can get you going. If interested keep in touch with David Baril
dbaril@sympatico.ca (613-256- 2689) as
the time might change in the winter.