Victoria Zen Centre: Intensive Preparation course

Saturday mornings, 9:00-11:30 AM
February 18 & 25, 2012
Victoria Zen Centre – Sooke, BC
Open to VZC Members and Associates who have completed the Orientation course

If you have successfully developed a stable daily practice of Zen meditation, and are wondering how to go further with our Sangha, this course is your next step. Participants will be introduced to the subtleties and differences involved in intensive training, and will receive an orientation to, and experience of, practices that are specific to intensive training in the Zen tradition. The Intensive Preparation course is the gateway to deepening your practice.

For Full members of the VZC, the course fee is included as part of membership dues. For Basic members the course fee is $95 and for VZC Associates the fee is $195. Course fees includes a course manual and materials.


For further information about this course or to register: visit our website or email registrar@zenwest.ca

Introduction to Meditation

Victoria Insight Meditation Society

2-day Non Residential Weekend Retreat

January 28 & 29^th, 2012

with Heather Martin

at Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Rd. Victoria, BC

This non-residential weekend retreat is primarily aimed at those who are new to meditation. “New to meditation” is defined as anyone who has only taken up to 1 weekend retreat to date. Forty five of the 60 retreat spots will be reserved for those new to meditation practise for the first 2 weeks of registration. That means 15 spots will immediately be available to anyone with more meditation experience. For the last 2 weeks of registration, as space allows, more spots will be available to anyone who wishes to register. Preference will be given to those who can attend both days of the retreat. We will meet from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm each day.

Heather Martin will lead this retreat using a workshop format. She will teach Mindfulness Meditation (also known as insight or vipassana meditation). The weekend will include shorter periods of instruction and practice, with ample opportunity for questions and clarification.

Heather Martin has been meditating since 1972 and has been practicing Vipassana since 1981. She teaches up and down the West Coast of the US and Canada and is the guiding teacher for the Victoria Vipassana Community. Her approach is encouraging, accessible and practical. Heather lives on Salt Spring Island. Prior to being a dharma teacher, she was a midwife for 20 years.

Cost: The Buddha's teachings are considered to be priceless. In keeping with the teachings and spirit of generosity or dana, we offer this retreat on a donation basis. The suggested donation for this retreat is $40 to cover the retreat costs and other organizational expenses. A basket will be placed at the registration table for your donation. Any money collected above the costs of the retreat will go towards other VIMS programmes.

No one will be refused for lack of funds; please give whatever is affordable given your means.

We will also set out another basket for you to offer dana for the teachings and the teacher who has shared them with us. We will speak about the practice of dana for the teachings during the retreat.

Two to three days after you have completed the registration form you will receive more detailed information by email about the retreat.

Thank you,

Brian Chapel, Retreat Registrar

Link to Retreat Information and Registration Form: http://victoriaims.org/?p=2450

Living Wisely, Loving Well: The Refuges and Precepts as a Path to Freedom

6 Monday nights, starting January 16, 2012

(Jan. 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 13, 20)

7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Oak Bay United Church

1355 Mitchell Street, Victoria, BC

The Victoria Insight Meditation Society is pleased to have Margo McLoughlin offer an evening class on the Buddhist refuges and precepts. The class is suitable for beginning meditators as well as those with more experience.

The three refuges and the five precepts offer a rich field of exploration for the lay practitioner. Whether or not we consider ourselves to be a “Buddhist”, the notion of refuge is a valuable one to explore. What does it mean to take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha? What is the difference between a false refuge and a true one? How do we find our way in a culture where opportunities for distraction are available to us at any moment?

Both the refuges and the five precepts are traditionally introduced at the beginning of a silent retreat as a way of creating a safe container. This sense of safety and mutual trust allows retreat participants to deepen their practice. But how do the training precepts, such as non-harming and right speech, apply in daily life, especially when we are inundated with various forms of media that represent different value systems?

Over the six weeks of this evening class, we will have an opportunity to consider each one of the five precepts as a particular way of paying attention. Gradually, through reflection and discussion, we will uncover for ourselves the value of nurturing a deeper awareness of role of the precepts on our path to freedom.

This class will combine short talks, drawing on particular discourses of the Buddha, with time for sharing our reflections and experiences. There will be suggestions for participants to practice during their daily lives.

Cost: The cost of the class is a sliding scale of $60.00 to $90.00. (Scholarships are available). Registration and pre-payment are required to secure your spot. To register and to receive more information about the class or how to apply for a scholarship, go to www.victoriaims.org. http://victoriaims.org/?p=2430

About the Teacher:

Margo McLoughlin has been practicing in the Insight tradition of Theravada Buddhism since 1986. She served on staff at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts and later completed a Master of Divinity degree in Buddhist Studies and Comparative Religion at the Harvard Divinity School. Margo is currently in training as a Community Dharma Leader through Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She is also the Artist-in-Residence at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at the University of Victoria. As a writer and storyteller, Margo is particularly interested in the role of narrative and metaphor as tools for awakening perception and renewing one's engagement with spiritual practice. For more about Margo, please visit her website: margostoryteller.net.

The Victoria Insight Meditation Society
is pleased to invite Arinna Weisman
to give a talk on:

The Power Of Thought

Thurs. Nov. 24, 2011 7-9 pm

at the Wilna Thomas Room at Camosun College,

3100 Foul Bay Rd, Victoria BC

The first stanza in the Dhammapada, the earlier recorded teachings of the Buddha, begin with “Mind precedes all things” and Kalu Rinpoche the great Tibetan Master said “We are living in a prison created by our thoughts”. How do we relate to our thoughts, do they have real power? Do they precede all things? How are they transformed? We will explore the practice of Right Thought and how this contributes to our freedom and the opening of our hearts.

Arinna Weisman has studied Vipassana Meditation since 1979 and has been teaching since 1988. Her root teacher, Ruth Denison, was empowered by the great Burmese master U Bha Khin. She is the founding teacher of Insight Meditation Center of the Pioneer Valley, and is the co-author of A Beginner’s Guide to Insight Meditation. She has also taught throughout the United States for 11 years.

Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice

"For over twenty years I had read book after book on the subjects of Zen and Buddhism, but somewhere in the back of my mind I knew all that reading was not enough. I was not DOING. The 'Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice' course was that huge nudge I needed to get myself truly participating and practicing." - Elder Seishin Susanne Ledingham

Monday evenings, 7:00-9:30 PM
November 7 - 28, 2011
Victoria Zen Centre – Sooke, BC

Discover the impact that consistent practice can have on and in your life! This course was designed by our abbot Ven. Eshu Martin, and is aimed at providing the support necessary for you to put an end to excuses, and to begin a stable and life long transformative practice through Zen Buddhism.

The fee for this four-week course is $395 ($295 for Victoria Zen Centre Associates) and includes:

• Four weekly sessions for a total of ten hours of class time.
• Small class size (max.8).
• A meditation cushion for each participant to keep.
• Course manual and supplementary materials.
• Teachings and group discussions on core aspects of Zen Practice.
• Peer Support.
• Chanting practice CD and Chant Sheet.
• The opportunity to become a member of the Victoria Zen Centre.

For program information and to register: visit our website or email registrar@zenwest.ca.

Victoria Insight Meditation Society Presents:

Two Day Non-Residential Retreat with Joanne Broatch

What Were You Thinking!

Working with Thoughts and

Transforming Afflictive Patterns

Saturday & Sunday,

November 12 & 13, 2011

9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Goward House

2495 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC

To Register - Click here

About Joanne:

With Jack Kornfield as her guiding teacher, Joanne Broatch has been practising Buddhist meditation in the Theravadan tradition since 1980, and teaching since 1994. Her spiritual journey has included inner work with humanistic psychologists, Diamond Heart, Process Painting, Spiritism, and etheric healing in Brazil. Retired from work as a business writing consultant, writer and editor, Joanne has focused on supporting the growth of sangha in Western Canada.

Dana:
The Buddha's teachings are considered to be priceless. In keeping with the teachings and spirit of generosity or dana, we offer this retreat on a donation basis. The suggested donation for this retreat is $40 to cover the cost of facility rental, and other organizational expenses. A basket will be placed at the registration table for your donation. Any money collected above the costs of the retreat will go towards other VVC programmes.

No one will be refused for lack of funds; please give whatever is affordable given your means.

We will also set out another basket for you to offer dana for the teachings and the teacher who has shared them with us. We will speak about the practice of dana for the teachings during the retreat.

To Register - Click here

Two to three days after you have completed the online registration form you will receive more detailed information by email about the retreat. If you have difficulty with the form or have questions, please email us at here.

Thank you,
Joyce Elliott, Retreat Registrar

"We are what we think.

All that we are arises with our thoughts.

With our thoughts we make the world...

...Speak or act with a pure mind

And happiness will follow you as your shadow, unshakable.

...Your worst enemy cannot harm you

As much as your own thoughts, unguarded."

Excerpt from the Dhammapada

Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice

"For over twenty years I had read book after book on the subjects of Zen and Buddhism, but somewhere in the back of my mind I knew all that reading was not enough. I was not DOING. The 'Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice' course was that huge nudge I needed to get myself truly participating and practicing." - Elder Seishin Susanne Ledingham

Saturday mornings, 9:00-11:30 AM
October 15 - November 5, 2011
Victoria Zen Centre – Sooke, BC

Discover the impact that consistent practice can have on and in your life! This course was designed by our abbot Ven. Eshu Martin, and is aimed at providing the support necessary for you to put an end to excuses, and to begin a stable and life long transformative practice through Zen Buddhism.

The fee for this four-week course is $395 ($295 for Victoria Zen Centre Associates) and includes:

• Four weekly sessions for a total of ten hours of class time.
• Small class size (max.8).
• A meditation cushion for each participant to keep.
• Course manual and supplementary materials.
• Teachings and group discussions on core aspects of Zen Practice.
• Peer Support.
• Chanting practice CD and Chant Sheet.
• The opportunity to become a member of the Victoria Zen Centre.

For program information and to register: visit our website or email registrar@zenwest.ca.

Traditional Chinese Qigong, Levels I & II, with Eva Wong

Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre, #1 - 2033 Belmont Avenue, Victoria, BC
Saturday, October 29 - Sunday, October 30, 2011, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM both days



Cultivate strength of body and calmness of mind through the healing Taoist practice of qigong. Take this rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique lineages, the Pre-celestial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School, neither of which have previously been fully transmitted to students in the West.

In Level I, students will be in instructed in various techniques of outer and inner qigong. Outer qigong is concerned with strengthening the muscular-skeletal system—joints, muscles, tendons, bones, and spinal column. It includes techniques of tendon changing, marrow washing, self-massage, and calisthenics. Inner qigong is concerned with nourishing the internal organs and cultivating qi, or internal energy. Students will learn Chen Xiyi’s sleeping and walking qigong and Wang Xiangzhai’s standing qigong.

In Level II, students will learn the Nine Self-Massage Technique and the Twelve Devas Tendon-changing system in their entirety. The Self-Massage Technique focuses on stimulating the meridians and acupuncture points and the Twelve Devas forms focus on recovering flexibility, strength, and softness in the tendons and muscles. In addition, students will continue to learn new forms of Wang Xiangzhai’s standing qigong that are designed to preserve, gather, and circulate internal energy. Level I qigong is required to attend Level II.

Price: $200.00 for the general public; $150.00 for members, seniors and students; half price for repeat participants. $100.00 deposit required.

Eva Wong is author and translator of 13 books on the Taoist arts of health, meditation and qigong. She is the 19th-generation lineage carrier of Xiantianwujimen Taoism (Pre-celestial Limitless Gate School of Taoism) and 3rd-generation student of Wang Xiangzhai, founder of Yiquan martial arts and Zhangzhuan (standing qigong).

To Register visit the Victoria Shambhala Website at
http://victoria.shambhala.org/program_details.php?id=67320&cid=237
For More Information: email Mark Hazel : markhazell45@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER ZEN RETREAT ON SALT SPRING ISLAND OPEN TO ALL

The Salt Spring Zen Circle, which practices in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, will be offering our annual September retreat, called sesshin.  The retreat is non-residential, beginning and experienced meditators are most welcome to attend, and free billeting for off islanders is offered.

 

This traditional retreat, held at the beautiful Gatehouse and gardens on Stowel Lake Farm, begins at 7 PM on Thursday, September 22nd, and ends at 3 PM on Sunday, September 25th.

 

 

 

Cost is $120 for the entire sesshin, including all meals, plus dana (donation) for teachings by poet and founding teacher of the Salt Spring Zen Circle, Eihei Peter Levitt.

 

We encourage off-island visitors who may want billeting to register early since billeting will be on a first come first served basis.

 

For details and to receive a registration form, please contact Ann at acolburn@verizon.net or call our coordinator Judith at 250-537-2061.  Judith may also be reached at jdaylen@telus.net

Victoria Zen Centre courses - Autumn 2011

Victoria Zen Centre courses - Autumn 2011

Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice

"For over twenty years I had read book after book on the subjects of Zen and Buddhism, but somewhere in the back of my mind I knew all that reading was not enough. I was not DOING. The 'Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice' course was that huge nudge I needed to get myself truly participating and practicing." - Elder Seishin Susanne Ledingham

Saturday mornings, 9:00-11:30 AM
October 15 - November 5, 2011
Victoria Zen Centre – Sooke, BC

Monday evenings, 7:00-9:30 PM
November 7 - November 28, 2011
Victoria Zen Centre – Sooke, BC

Discover the impact that consistent practice can have on and in your life! This course was designed by our abbot Ven. Eshu Martin, and is aimed at providing the support necessary for you to put an end to excuses, and to begin a stable and life long transformative practice through Zen Buddhism.

The fee for this four-week course is $395 ($295 for Victoria Zen Centre Associates) and includes:

• Four weekly sessions for a total of ten hours of class time.
• Small class size (max.8).
• A meditation cushion for each participant to keep.
• Course manual and supplementary materials.
• Teachings and group discussions on core aspects of Zen Practice.
• Peer Support.
• Chanting practice CD and Chant Sheet.
• The opportunity to become a member of the Victoria Zen Centre.

For further information about these courses or to register: visit our website or email registrar@zenwest.ca

Introduction to Insight Meditation

4 Monday nights Sept 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3, 2011

7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Oak Bay United Church

1355 Mitchell St. Victoria, BC

The Victoria Vipassana Community is pleased to have Brock Brown teach an Introduction to Insight Meditation course. The course is suitable to beginner meditators as well as those who wish a review of Insight Meditation.

Insight Meditation, also known as Vipassana, is the simple and direct practice of bringing moment to moment attention and mindfulness to the ever-changing experiences of our body/heart/mind. With sustained practice, we gain insight into the habituated conditioning of our minds. This practice cultivates compassion for oneself and others and leads to freedom.

This course will combine information about mindfulness meditation techniques as well as experiential exercises with time for sharing our experiences. We will practice mindfulness of different objects including breathing, the body, thoughts, and emotions. There will be suggestions for participants to practice during their daily lives.

Cost: The cost of the course is a sliding scale of $40.00 to $60.00. (Scholarships are available). Registration and pre-payment are required to secure your spot. To register and to receive more information about the course or how to apply for a scholarship, go to http://victoriavipassana.org/?p=1811

About the Teacher: Brock Brown has been practicing Buddhist meditation since 1989. He is currently in the Community Dharma Leader Program offered by Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Brock has also completed the Dedicated Practitioner Program, a 2 year program offered by Spirit Rock.

His teachers include Heather Martin, Guy Armstrong, Sally Clough and Eugene Cash. He also has an affinity for the teachings of Ajahn Chah and the Thai Forest Tradition.

SEPTEMBER ZEN RETREAT ON SALT SPRING ISLAND

The Salt Spring Zen Circle, which practices in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, author of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, will be offering our annual September retreat, called sesshin.  The retreat is non-residential, beginning and experienced meditators are most welcome to attend, and free billeting for off islanders is offered.

 

This traditional retreat, held at the beautiful Gatehouse and gardens on Stowel Lake Farm, begins at 7 PM on Thursday, September 22nd, and ends at 3 PM on Sunday, September 25th.

 

 

 

Cost is $120 for the entire sesshin, including all meals, plus dana (donation) for teachings by poet and founding teacher of the Salt Spring Zen Circle, Eihei Peter Levitt.

 

We encourage off-island visitors who may want billeting to register early since billeting will be on a first come first served basis.

 

For details and to receive a registration form, please contact Ann at acolburn@verizon.net or call our coordinator Judith at 250-537-2061.  Judith may also be reached at jdaylen@telus.net

"7 Factors of Enlightenment " - A Public Talk and Weekend Retreat with Ajahn Sona

Public Talk - Friday, August 26, 2011, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (No registration required) Weekend Retreat, Saturday + Sunday, August 27 & 28, 2011 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Ajahn Sona University of Victoria Arbutus and Queenswood Rooms in Cadboro Commons Ajahn Sona returns to Victoria after a very popular retreat with us last summer. The Venerable Bhikkhu Sona is Abbot of Birken Forest Monastery, located south of Kamloops. Born in Canada, Ajahn ("teacher") Sona's background as a layperson is in classical guitar performance. His encounter with Buddhist wisdom as a young man initiated a spiritual journey that led him to become a lay hermit for several years. He subsequently ordained as a Theravada monk under Venerable Gunaratana, at the Bhavana Society in West Virginia. Ajahn Sona further trained at monasteries in the Ajahn Chah lineage in northeast Thailand. Upon his return to Canada in 1994 he helped establish Birken Forest Monastery. Ajahn Sona has ample experience leading meditation retreats and lecturing on Buddhist meditation and practice, both in Canada and abroad. His teachings combine tried-and-true Buddhist wisdom with modern commonsense. Cost: The Buddha's teachings are considered to be priceless. In keeping with the teachings and spirit of generosity or dana, we offer this retreat on a donation basis. The suggested donation for this retreat is $40 ---- to cover the cost of facility rental, and other organizational expenses. A basket will be placed at the registration table for your donation. Any money collected above the costs of the retreat will go towards other VVC programs. We will also set out another basket for you to offer dana for the teachings and the teacher who has shared them with us. No one will be refused for lack of funds; please give whatever is affordable given your means. Register online at www.victoriavipassana.org Once you have completed the registration form you will receive more detailed information about the retreat. Thank you, June Fukushima, Retreat Registrar

HH Sakya Trizin - Teachings in Victoria

His Holiness Sakya Trizin will be giving the following teachings in Victoria as part of his current world-wide tour.

Tuesday, August 16, 7:30- 9:00 pm
“How Buddhism Applies to Daily Life”
Alix Goolden Hall, 907 Pandora Ave. $23.50.

Wednesday, August 17, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Trikulanatha (Chenrezig, Manjushri, Vajrapani) initiation.
Church of Truth, 111 Superior St. $50.

Tickets for these events will be available, beginning in a week or so, from the MacPherson box office and the usual outlets.

Sponsored by The Victoria Buddhist Dharma Society.