Wednesday, February 15, 2012

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
March 3-24, 2012

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.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

1 day Metta retreat with Margo McLoughlin


REGISTRATIONS OPEN

Resting the Heart, Freeing the Mind:
The Liberating Practice of Loving-Kindness

1-day Retreat

Sunday, February 26, 2012
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

With Margo McLoughlin
at
Goward House
2495 Arbutus Road Victoria, BC

In the text of the Metta Sutta, or the Discourse on Loving-Kindness, the Buddha systematically lays out the practice of extending goodwill to several categories of beings. What the discourse also reveals is the potential for freeing the mind by cultivating unconditional care for all beings. In this one-day retreat, Margo will draw on the Metta Sutta to present the practice of Metta in the context of daily life. Margo will give instructions in practicing metta in all the postures, from sitting to standing, to walking and lying down. There will also be time for questions. This retreat is suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience

Margo McLoughlin has been practicing in the Insight tradition of Theravada Buddhism since 1986. She is currently training to be a Community Dharma Leader through Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. As a storyteller and writer, Margo brings a deep appreciation of the role of metaphor, in the form of stories and poetry, to enlivening and inspiring our practice.

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 $20 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 Victoria IMS programmes.

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.

Within two to three days after you have completed the registration form you will receive more detailed information about the retreat. If you have difficulty with the online form, please email me at vims1retreat@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Eric Bedard, Retreat Registrar

Victoria Insight Meditation Retreat Registration