Sunday, February 06, 2011

Queenswood Rezoning Open House - Tues 8th Feb - Queenswood needs You!

The University of Victoria, the new owner of the Queenswood Retreat Centre is asking the public for their input as to the future use of the Queenswood property.


The Victoria Vipassana Community and other meditation groups in Victoria have held Retreats and Public Talks at Queenswood Retreat Centre [ i.e. In May 2010, we held a Public Talk + Non-Residential Retreat with Ajahn Sona attended by over 100 people in the Chapel]


This is our opportunity to let the University of Victoria know that we would like the Queenswood property to continue to be utilized as a place where spiritual retreats and public talks can be held.


Queenswood Retreat Centre


Details of Public Open House UVic / Queenswood Rezoning Meeting:


PURPOSE OF MEETING: The University of Victoria, the new owners of what was until recently the Queenswood Retreat Centre, is asking the public for their input as to the future use of the Queenswood property.

LOCATION: St. George's Anglican Church Hall, Maynard Street ( between Hobbs Street and Cadboro Bay Road)

DATE: Tuesday, February 8, 2011

TIME: 4 - 8 p.m. on a drop-in basis

OFFICIAL PRESENTATIONS: 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Awakening Joy On-line 10 Month Course + Local Awakening Joy Group


James Baraz, a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Centre who gave an evening presentation to the Victoria Vipassana Community in October 2010 will be leading his annual on-line 10 month experiential course Awakening Joy beginning the first week in February. People are free to sign up at any time since this is an online course and all materials will be available to everyone. For more information and to register for this online course go to http://www.awakeningjoy.info

Awakening Joy Victoria, a local group will meet the second Thursday of each month (Second meeting will be Thursday, March 10), 7:00 – 8:30 pm Please note: Change in Location from 1st meeting - Please call Susan at 250 483 5847 for address and directions. Through reflection, conversation and play, we will integrate the practices for awakening joy into our lives. Everyone is welcome! Drop-in; It is highly recommended that you sign up for the on-line course but it is not a prerequisite to attend this group.

For more information call Susan Neden at 250 483 5847 Or Linda Chan at 250 380 6383 or visit Awakening Joy Victoria: http://awakeningjoyvictoria.conscious-choices.ca/

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Victoria Zen Centre courses - February 2011

The Victoria Zen Centre has two courses beginning in February 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

Monday evenings, 7:00-9:30 PM
February 28 - March 21, 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.

Intensive Preparation

Saturday mornings, 9:00-11:30 AM
February 19 and 26, 2011
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 these courses or to register: visit our
website or email registrar@zenwest.ca