Introduction to Zen Meditation - Victoria Zen Centre

April 25-June 27 (no class May 2 or June 5^th) – Saturdays 9:00-11:30am

July 6-August 31 (no class August 3) – Mondays 7:00-9:30pm

If you are interested in learning how to meditate, this is the course for you. For people that are seeking to reduce stress, clarify a busy mind, improve focus and awareness, boost immune function, improve sleeping patterns, or gain insight into the mental, physical, and emotional habits that are preventing you from living life fully, this course offers a gradual combination of study and practice, individual and group interaction, and personal guidance that will provide a strong foundation to experience the profound change that Zen meditation practice offers. The fee for this eight week course is $495* and includes:

• Eight weekly Sessions for a total of twenty 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 eight core aspects of Zen Practice.
• Peer Support
• 2 chanting practice CDs
• The opportunity to become a member of the Victoria Zen Centre.

For program information:

http://www.zenwest.ca/registration.pdf

The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies presents

“Union of Shamatha-Vipashyana”


A community intensive weekend
with Acharya Jenny Warwick

Friday April 3rd, 2009, at 7 pm
(Registration at 6.30 pm)
Saturday April 4th, 9 am to 5.30 pm
Sunday April 5th, 9 am to 5.30 pm

Being fully awake is possible only when the inherent union of precision and vastness, of shamatha and vipashyana is realized. This community weekend, you are invited to deepen your practice and further your understanding of these foundational Buddhist teachings.
Acharya Warwick lives in Bellingham WA. A senior teacher appointed by the Sakyong, Mipham Rinpoche, she teaches extensively in the Pacific Northwest and in North America.
Cost: $65.00 (includes lunches)
Please pre-register with David Clarke: rangdral@yahoo.com

* It is recommended that participants have had shamatha meditation instruction & some familiarity with practice. Previous participation in Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies programs is desirable but not essential.



Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1-2033 Belmont Avenue, Victoria BC, V8R 3Z7. 383-9108
www.shambhala.org/centers/victoria

Victoria Vipassana Community Sit - March 1st

Join us for a 45 minute sit followed by a talk on Loving Kindness by Peter Kedge, CEO and Director of the Maitreya Project.

The Maitreya Project is based on the belief that inner peace and outer peace share a cause and effect relationship and that loving-kindness leads to peace at every level of society — peace for individuals, families, communities and the world.

Everyone Welcome. By Donation.

Information: Linda (250) 380-6383 or http://www.victoriavipassana.org/weekly_groups.htm

March 1st, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Helga Beer Yoga Studio, 202 - 1600 Bay Street (Shakespeare St. entrance)

Medicine Buddha-Five Wisdom Energies

Hi Folks!

we are about to embark on a wonderful and very interesting exploration of
the Five Wisdom Energies/Maitri and the Medicine Buddha (Menla), with the
guidance of Jim Sacamano... Jim has written an introductory note which I
attach below...

if you're interested, please come along - we'll be doing this in our
sessions February 2 and 16, March 2 and 16, and April 6 and possibly 20...
We might even consider an irregular session March 30, but we'll talk about
that along the way (we usually only meet 1st and 3rd Mondays...)

If you've any questions, please email me back or call me at 250-595-0070 - I
don't guarantee answers, but I can try...

in the spirit

Walter Quan
for the Medicine Buddha Study Group

here's Jim:

***

FIVE WISDOMS MENLA

Dear Friends on the Healing Path,

With the blessings and great kindness of Walter and Linda, I have managed to
provoke another crisis in our collective sanity by asking you to join us in
a study of Menla through the five wisdom eyes of the Maitri postures and
practices. This may be short notice for some of you, but anyone who has
done a Medicine Buddha course is welcome to attend any or all of this
venture.

In case there is anyone not familiar with Maitri, this teaching and practice
is one of the brilliant mind treasures of my root teacher and benefactor,
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Maitri relates to and actually shows us in a very
personal way the natural display of primordial wisdom as we humans can
experience it in ordinary life. This is done through the five colors and
five body postures. These in turn relate to the five elements, seasons,
directions and everything in life. These are also part of Menla practice as
demonstrated by the walls of Menla’s palace and the HUM in his heart.

I believe that by revisiting these postures in the context of Menla practice
we may be better able to find the hidden obstacles in our own path and
hidden powers as Menla healers. There is no charge for this class which
will run on the regular alternate Monday night Menla practice times for 5 or
6 sessions.

Whether or not you can attend, I wish you all the best in this new,
challenging and very “interesting” year and all those ahead. Whatever
practice you do, we all need you to do it more than ever.

Yours,

Jim Sacamano

Victoria Vipassana Community Sit - February 1st

Join us for a 45 minute sit followed by a talk by Margo McLoughlin on Stories of Women at the time of the Buddha.

Everyone welcome. By donation. Information: Linda (250) 380-6383 or http://www.victoriavipassana.org/weekly_groups.htm

Details: February 1st 7:00 - 9:00 pm Helga Beer Yoga Studio, 202 - 1600 Bay Street (Shakespeare St. entrance)

Margo translates the Jataka (the stories of the Buddha’s former births) from Pali. She performs her own adaptations, bringing to life the world of Ancient India with evocative images and the use of original Pali words and phrases. http://jatakatales.googlepages.com/

Lojong Course

The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies presents

Lojong

With George Howell and Silas Rosenblatt.

Tuesday evenings 7 pm to 8:30 pm
March 3, 10, 17, 24 , 31 plus a full
day intensive on Sunday March 29th.

“Training the mind is known as lojong in Tibetan: In the mahayana tradition we experience a sense of gentleness toward ourselves, and a sense of friendliness to others begins to arise. That friendliness or compassion is known as nyingje, which literally means “noble heart. ”We are willing to commit ourselves to working with all sentient beings. But before we launch into that project we need a lot of training.” Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

The fifty-nine slogans that are attributed to the Indian Buddhist teacher Atisha are sometimes referred to as the “dharma for leprosy” as tribute to their efficacy in curing the incurable. They provide a method of training our minds through both formal meditation practice and using the events of everyday life as a means of awakening.

George Howell, a student of Chogyam Trunpa Rinpoche and the Sakyong, is a teacher and practioner of Shambhala Buddhism. Silas Rosenblatt is a meditation instructor and a student of the Sakyong Mipham Jampal Trinley Dradul Rinpoche.

Shambhala Community Study Programs cost $65 - $45

To register or enquire for study materials please contact:
David Clarke - rangdral@yahoo.com

(Recommended reading: Always maintain a Joyful Mind - Pema chodron, Training the Mind - Chogyam Trungpa, The Great Path of Awakening - Jamgon Kongtrul)


Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1-2033 Belmont Avenue, Victoria BC, V8R 3Z7. 383-9108
www.shambhala.org/centers/victoria

Ikebana-the path of Flower Arranging

Ikebana – the Path of Flower Arranging

With Lee White

Sunday February 8th, 2009

9 a.m. to 12 noon

Cost $20.00 includes flowers & plant materials.

Pre-registration is essential as space is limited – please contact Linda at lgould@shaw.ca and you will be given more information about what to bring to the class.

In 1982, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche formed a new school of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) inspired by his own training and vision. Kalapa Ikebana, as this school is called, promotes the study and practice of flower arranging, often working closely with masters of other schools of ikebana.

Lee White is one of the founding members of the Victoria Shambhala Centre. She has studied and practiced ikebana for many years, and is also an accomplished calligrapher.

Beginning Buddhist Meditation

Experience your Mind in the space created through Shamatha (Calm Abiding) Meditation Practice, a Buddhist gateway practice to understanding yourself and your world.
A three hour Introduction to Meditation is being offered at the Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre, #1 - 2033 Belmont Ave. in Fernwood, on Saturday, February 7 from 9:00 to noon.
Come and meet yourself on the spot. No previous meditation experience is required.
For information or to register contact John at mmadventures@shaw.ca or by calling 250-598-6433
Registration suggested as participation is limited to 35. Cost $10.00
John Cowan

Introduction to Zen Meditation - Victoria Zen Centre

January 24th-March 14th, 2009 (Saturdays from 9:00-11:30am)




February 16th-April 6th, 2009 (Mondays from 7:00-9:30pm)

If you are interested in learning how to meditate, this is the course for you. For people that are seeking to reduce stress, clarify a busy mind, improve focus and awareness, boost immune function, improve sleeping patterns, or gain insight into the mental, physical, and emotional habits that are preventing you from living life fully, this course offers a gradual combination of study and practice, individual and group interaction, and personal guidance that will provide a strong foundation to experience the profound change that Zen meditation practice offers. The fee for this eight week course is $495* and includes:

• Eight weekly Sessions for a total of twenty hours of class time.
• A free meditation cushion for each participant to keep.
• Chanting practice CDs.
• Weekly course materials and Practice Manual.
• Small class size (max.8).
• Teachings and group discussions on eight core aspects of Zen Practice.
• One-to-one meetings with Eshu.
• One free practice consultation with Eshu upon completion.

Buddhist Art at the Victoria Art Gallery.

Thursday February 12th: 1PM
Lecture: The Architecture of East Asian Buddhist Monasteries with Dr Jordan Paper.

Thursday February 26th: 1PM
Lecture:Thai Buddhist Art: The contemporary Temple Rong Khun with Genevieve Gamache

Thursday March 12th: 1PM
Lecture: Shinto tombs and shrines with Dr. Judith Patt.

4 Noble Truths & The Eightfold Path

Tuesday January 6th. 8 – 9 pm

Martin White will present a talk from the foundational Buddhist teachings from the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

The Four Noble Truths (suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path).

Cost: donation



Tuesday January 20th. 8 – 9 pm

Martin White will present a talk from the foundational Buddhist teachings from the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma.

The Eighfold Path, which includes the three trainings of shila, Samadhi and prajna.

Cost: donation


Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1 - 2033 Belmont Ave., Victoria, BC V8R 3Z7
Tel. (250) 383.9108 Email: victoria.shambhala@gmail.com

New Years Day Celebration

Your Invitation Please join us New Years Day, 10:30 am for our Nichiren Buddha Sangha Service and Celebration. This years services will be held in Ladysmith. Come share, participate, enjoy, resolve to have a great 2009. Respectfully, Henry, Buddha Guide Teacher, Nichiren Buddha Sangha of Vancouver Island. Info: 250. 710. 7594 Website: www.penlan.com e-Mail: buddha@penlan.com

Monthly Community Sit

The Victoria Vipassana Community holds a community sit on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome to attend. There are chairs, yoga mats, bolsters and blankets for our use, but bring your own sitting gear if you wish.

The next Community Group Sit will be held:

Sunday December 7, 2008
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Helga Beer Yoga Studio
#202 - 1600 Bay Street (Shakespeare St. entrance)

Joan Glover will facilitate.

As well as an opportunity to sit together, a taped dharma talk will be presented. We will also have an opportunity to reflect and share our understanding of this talk.

Everyone welcome. By donation.

For more information...
http://www.victoriavipassana.org/weekly_groups.htm

Introducing Buddhist Meditation

Introducing Buddhist Meditation" is the title of a day-long workshop to be held November 15 at Royal Roads University.

The formal practice of meditation has enormous potential to open our hearts to the whole range of experience we encounter in our lives.


Led by storyteller and teacher Margo McLoughlin, the course will combine an introduction to the history of Buddhism with an exploration of sitting meditation and walking meditation. The day will include time for discussion and reflection on the applications of mindfulness in daily life.

Facilitator: Margo McLoughlin, BA Linguistics, MA Divinity, Harvard Divinity School, is a writer, editor, storyteller, puppeteer, and researcher. Margo is a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School and a student of Buddhism for over twenty years, having practiced with Joseph Goldstein, Larry Rosenberg and other teachers in the Insight Meditation tradition. For three years she taught “Introduction to Insight Meditation” for the Harvard Buddhist Community. She was the Interfaith Chaplain with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass, leading interfaith healing services and a special storytelling series. Her research has included museum studies, comparative religion, Pali and Sanskrit.

Shambhala Training in Victoria

"The Art of Being Human"
Shambhala Training Level I
Director: Mark Hazell

A great deal of chaos in the world occurs because people don't appreciate themselves.

-Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche from
Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior

Shambhala Training is a progressive series of weekend workshops that uses the wisdom of meditation to introduce students step-by-step into the path of working with one's mind in the context of everyday life. This program is founded on the belief that the practice of meditation can help people of all walks of life and followers of any spiritual tradition become more aware in their own lives and more compassionate and courageous with the world around them.
This program is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced meditators. Please join us for talks, discussions and brief sessions of sitting and walking meditation.

Friday, October 31, 2008 starting at 7 p.m. (until about 9:30)
Saturday, November 1, from 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (lunch provided)
And Sunday, November 2, from 9:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Cost $75.00 (seniors and students $60.00)


Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre, #1 - 2033 Belmont Avenue
Victoria, B.C. V8R 3Z7 (Located at the corner of Belmont Ave. and Pembroke St. in the former Belmont United Church building).

To register or inquire, please contact the Victoria Shambhala Centre via
Emailing: mmadventures@shaw.ca or phone John at 250-598-6433

Pre registration will ensure your space and will help coordinators prepare the space.
Don’t let a lack of funds stop you from inquiring about this program.

Learn to Meditate

Learn to Meditate
Saturday, October 18, 9:00 – Noon
Meet your mind and your body on the spot during this three hour session which will include: periods of sitting and walking meditation, working with your mind and your posture along with discussions about the practice offered and your experience with it.
The practice being offered is Shamatha-calm abiding.
Everyone is welcome – no previous experience required.
Suggested donation for the program $10.
To register or for information contact John at mmadventures@shaw.ca or by calling 250-598-6433
Shambhala Buddhism arose from the mind terma of the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a master within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Boddisatva Warrior

The Shambhala School of Buddhist Studies presents

“Bodhisattva Warrior: Six Paramitas”

With Silas Rosenblatt
and Dr. Jim Sacamano


Tuesday evenings 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm
(upstairs shrine room, sitting practice at 7:00pm)
October 28th, November 4, 11, 18 & 25
With an intensive day, Saturday Nov. 29th


In the Buddhist tradition having developed a powerful aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of sentient beings one takes the vows of a Bodhisattva. Thus the spiritual path becomes a process of developing fearlessness and the open heart with which to engage the world. This course presents the six transcendent actions or paramitas of the bodhisattva path.




Dr. Jim Sacamano, founder of the Medicine Buddha program, is a senior teacher at our centre. An early student of Ven. Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. formerly his representative and teacher in
residence at Berkeley and in Halifax. Silas Rosenblatt. a student
of the Sakyong. Mipham Jampal Trinely Dradul Rinpoche. is a
meditation guide at the Victoria Shambhala centre.

Shambhala Community Study Programs cost $60 - $45
(sliding scale depending on your financial means)


To register: contact: David Clarke (rangdral@yahoo.com)

Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1-2033 Belmont Avenue, Victoria BC, V8R 3Z7. 383-9108
www.shambhala.org/centers/victoria

Weekend Non-Residential Vipassana Retreat with Joanne Broatch - October 25 & 26

This retreat will be appropriate for both new and experienced meditators. It will be taught by Joanne Broatch. Information: http://www.victoriavipassana.org/retreats.htm

With Jack Kornfield as her guiding teacher, Joanne 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 of the 60s and 70s; later, Diamond Heart work and Process Painting; and more recently investigating Spiritism and etheric healing in Brazil. She is particularly interested in the importance of faith and lovingkindness in physical, emotional and spiritual healing.

Retired from work as a business writing consultant, writer and editor, Joanne has focused on supporting the growth of sangha in Western Canada, especially in smaller communities in the west. Now semi-retired as a dharma teacher, she teaches retreats, groups and classes primarily in British Columbia and Western Canada.

Registration:

Please copy and complete the registration form below and email it back to the registrar, Rod House, rodhouse@shaw.ca. Once you have registered, he will contact you with more info. We encourage people to set aside both days for this retreat, although there will be space for people only able to do one day. If you are a new meditator and can only do one day, it is suggested that Saturday would be the day to come and not Sunday as basic instructions will be given on Saturday. Please let Rod know if you are only coming for one day.

REGISTRATION FORM

Victoria Vipassana Community
2-day non-residential retreat
Date: October 25 & 26, 2008
Teacher: Joanne Broatch
Place: Goward House
2495 Arbutus Rd., Victoria

Thank you for your interest in our upcoming retreat. Please copy and complete the following form. Return it to the registrar, Rod House, at rodhouse@shaw.ca as soon as possible.

1. Name:
2. Email address (or street address, if no email):
3. Phone number:
4. Will you be attending both Saturday and Sunday? Yes or No If no, please specify which day you will be attending?
5. Are you able to offer another meditator a ride? Yes or No If yes, please indicate your neighbourhood or geographical location.
6. Do you need a ride? Yes or No If yes, please indicate your neighbourhood or geographical location
7. Are you able to billet out of town meditators? Yes or No If yes, please specify how many.
8. Do you need to be billeted? Yes or No.

Cost:

We have been using the practice of generosity, or dana, (dana is the word for generosity from the language in the Buddha's time) to cover the costs (rental, teacher's travel, etc.) of putting on the retreat over the past few years and will continue to do so. We suggest a $30 donation for the weekend to cover our costs. Any extra money left over goes into a Scholarship Fund for folks in our community who have an interest in doing longer retreats but not the funds to afford that. If the $30 is beyond your means, though, that is fine. Please feel free to come and simply donate what feels within your means.

There will be a basket out at the retreat for all donations. The teachings themselves are offered by the teacher freely in the Buddhist tradition of over 2500 years. If you feel the teachings have been of value to you, there will be an opportunity to practise generosity, or dana, for the teachings at the end of the retreat. This money will go directly to the teacher. There will be a basket out at the retreat for this. More information will be provided about this at the retreat.

Reverend Master Meiten-Vancouver Island Zen Sangha

ACCOMODATION NEEDED: For Reverend Meiten, a female Zen Buddhist monk. Need a 2 to 3 bedroom home, (3rd to be a small office), with very few or no steps, centrally located; IDEALLY with a big enough room for up to 15 people to meditate twice a week, with suitable parking nearby. Price range - $1000 to $1500. Please contact Pamela 544-4338

Tibetan Buddhist Teachings Fall 2008

Tibetan Buddhist classes in Victoria, Duncan, and Nanaimo

This fall join Ngakpa Kalzang to explore Buddhist teachings including the Four Healing Powers of Mind and the Four Noble Truths.

Victoria classes will be Thursday evenings October 2nd to November 20th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Oak Bay Library meeting room.

Nanaimo classes will be Wednesday evenings October 1st to 22nd from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Nanaimo Public Library (harbourfront).
Duncan classes will be Sundays as per our usual schedule.

Registration for Victoria or Nanaimo is a suggested donation of $50.00. For further information and to register please contact:
Thubten Choling in Duncan, Tel: 250-748-6028
Email: info@thubtencholing.com, Website: http://www.thubtencholing.com/

Medicine Buddha



Know Thyself ♥ Love Thyself ♥ Heal Thyself

An Invitation to Buddhist Healing Tradition

For those seeking to heal themselves, or to assist in the healing of others.

For beginners or long-time practitioners of meditation.

In pursuit of healing, we will learn and practice both Meditation and the Medicine Buddha Sadhana, a profound teaching on medicine and healing from the Tibetan Vajrayana Tradition.

Please join us for 4 Monday nights (7:30 pm-9:00 pm)
starting September 29, 2008 (no class October 13)
Cost: $40 – practice materials included
The Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
2033 Belmont Avenue

Please call 383-9108 for more information or registration
www.victoria.shambhala.org email: victoria.shambhala@gmail.com

Introduction to Zen Meditation-Victoria Zen Centre

September 27th-November 22nd, 2008(Saturdays from 9:00-11:30am)

September 27th-November 24th, 2008 (Monday eves. 7:00-9:30pm)





If you are interested in learning how to meditate, this is the course for you. For people that are seeking to reduce stress, clarify a busy mind, improve focus and awareness, boost immune function, improve sleeping patterns, or gain insight into the mental, physical, and emotional habits that are preventing you from living life fully, this course offers a gradual combination of study and practice, individual and group interaction, and personal guidance that will provide a strong foundation to experience the profound change that Zen meditation practice offers. The fee for this eight week course is $395* and includes:

• Eight weekly Sessions for a total of twenty hours of class time.
• A free meditation cushion for each participant to keep.
• Chanting practice CDs.
• Weekly course materials and Practice Manual.
• Small class size (max.8).
• Teachings and group discussions on eight core aspects of Zen Practice.
• One-to-one meetings with Eshu.
• One free practice consultation with Eshu upon completion.

LIBERATING OUR GIFTS

"LIBERATING OUR GIFTS" - with Margo McLoughlin at Sleeping Dog Farm and Retreat Centre on Sat., Sept. 6

BE A REBEL! COMMIT RADICAL ACTS OF REFLECTION!

TAKE A VACATION FROM THE WORLD & DISCOVER YOURSELF


This upcoming Retreat hosted by the Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living at the Sleeping Dog Farm and Retreat Centre will allow us to take a luxurious trip - inside of ourselves.

The rewards are precious time for stillness, solitude and silence - rare and radical behaviour in modern frenzied life, according to our Retreat Guide, Margo McLoughlin.

As we quietly walk through the organic gardens and grounds, whisperings of the soul will have an opportunity to be heard.

As we slowly enjoy the delicious wholesome lunch, gratitude and awareness will flourish.

As we listen to Margo and meditate in the sanctuary, mindfulness will be deepened and compassion awakened, thus allowing CLEAR MIND. CALM SPIRIT. RIGHT ACTION.

Bio for Margo McLoughlin:

Margo McLoughlin is a Victoria storyteller and writer. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Harvard Divinity School, where she taught Introduction to Insight Meditation for three years.

Retreat poster: serfiles/Liberating_Our_Gifts_Flyer_-_Church_of_Truth.pdf

For additional information, please visit: http://cot.seedwiki.com or phone Linda at (250) 380-6383

BE MINDFUL of the final day for the Early Bird Price of $65 (includes a wonderful lunch provided by Retreat Centre) - SUNDAY, AUG. 31; After this date, cost will be $75

Three-Day Sesshin-Salt Spring Zen Circle

Dear Friends,

The Salt Spring Zen Circle, which practices in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, will be offering our annual September three-day sesshin. The retreat is non-residential and everyone is welcome to attend.

Sesshin begins at 7 PM on Friday, September 26, 2008 and ends at 3 PM on Sunday, September 28.

Cost: $80 for entire sesshin, including all meals, plus dana (donation) for teachings by poet and Zen teacher, Nanfū Peter Levitt.

We do our best to arrange billeting for off-island visitors on a first come first served basis, so please register early.

For details and to receive a registration form, please contact Ann Colburn at acolburn@verizon.net or call Judith Daylen at 250-537-2062

Reconnecting to Life

Reconnecting to Life, with Jackie Larkin and Maggie Ziegler, 7th Annual Residential Retreat
Saturday, November 8 - Tuesday, November 11, 2008
New Location, Glenairley Centre for Earth and Spirit in the lovely Sooke Basin.
$440, scholarships available


This popular retreat welcomes everyone who cares about our planet and all its beings and our scholarship program ensures accessibility. This is a time for social justice and environmental activists to slow down for a few days and connect to their own passionate hearts, and with with others who love this world with its extraordinary challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and human suffering. It is a time to find refuge and renewal in our hearts, in nature and in community, and to find ways forward which are heart-felt, thoughtful and sustainable.


Jackie Larkin and Maggie Ziegler are active in labour, social justice and environmental movements. Both have extensive facilitation experience and have co-facilitated Reconnecting to Life retreats together for many years. Their work, inspired by the writings and mentoring of Joanna Macy - eco-philosopher, activist and workshop guide - also integrates a wide range of diverse experiences and influences.


For registration and scholarship information, contact Jackie Larkin at jlarkin@gddc.com or Maggie Ziegler at maggieziegler@telus.net

Victoria Street Retreat

"When we go... to bear witness to life on the streets, we're offering
ourselves. Not blankets, not food, not clothes, just ourselves."
- Bernie Glassman, Bearing Witness

On Tuesday, July 29, the UVic Zen Meditation group will be followed by a discussion with Sensei Genro Grover Gauntt of the Zen Peacemakers Order. Sensei Grover Gauntt is the dharma successor of Bernie Glassman and student of Taizan Maezumi Roshi for twenty-five years. He will discuss with the group his experience of leading street retreats all over North America.

July 29th, 2008 7:00-9:00 pm
Location: University of Victoria, Interfaith Chapel
(http://uvic.ca/buildings/cha.html)


What is a Street Retreat?
For those who do not know, during the street retreat, a group of participants live on the streets with no resources other than true nature. They experience homelessness first-hand, having to beg for money, find places to get food, shelter, to use the bathroom, etc. By bearing witness to homelessness, we begin to see our prejudices and boundaries directly and to recognize our common humanness. Participants are together throughout the retreat, meeting several times a day for meditation and sharing, and spend the night together as a group.

For information, contact Eric Jordan: ericremyjordan@gmail.com

Movie night at the Victoria Shambhala Center

Movie night at the Victoria Shambhala Center
Thursday July 24th ... Garbage Warrior.

What do beer cans, car tires and water bottles have in common? Not much unless you're renegade architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they are tools of choice for producing thermal mass and energy-independent housing. For 30 years New Mexico-based Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony. However, these experimental structures that defy state standards create conflict between Reynolds and the authorities, who are backed by big business. Frustrated by antiquated legislation, Reynolds lobbies for the right to create a sustainable living test site. While politicians hum and ha, Mother Nature strikes, leaving communities devastated by tsunamis and hurricanes. Reynolds and his crew seize the opportunity to lend their pioneering skills to those who need it most. Shot over three years and in four countries, Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century.
Film starts at 7 pm,
By donation – proceeds to go to the Shambhala center
#1 - 2033 Belmont Avenue
Victoria, B.C. V8R 3Z7
(250) 383-9108
About Film for Thought
The truth of change or impermanence is central to the doctrine of Buddhism. At no other point in history has humanity endured such a period of dramatic change, touching all aspect of life. Rarely do we have an opportunity to pause amidst this whirlwind to reflect on our place in the cultural, political, social, and environmental transformation we find ourselves in. Film for Thought explores the theme of Buddhism and change in our modern world expressed through contemporary films and documentaries.
After the viewing there will be an opportunity to share thoughts and feels through a facilitated group discussion for those who are interested.
Volunteers and ideas needed
If you would like help out with Film for Thought movies or have relevant movie suggestions lease contact Silas at silasmail@gmail.com

DOBOOM TULKU DIRECTOR OF TIBET HOUSE talks on FIELD OF MERIT

DOBOOM TULKU



DIRECTOR OF TIBET HOUSE

CULTURAL CENTRE OF H.H. HOLINESS THE

DALAI LAMA, NEW DELHI

will give a public presentation on:



FIELD OF MERIT



Victoria Shambhala Centre Thursday, August 7, 2008 7:00 pm



Admission: Suggested $10 donation



Doboom Rimpoche will speak on the unique tradition of Tibetan Buddhist

Concept of “Tshog Shing”, known as “Merit Field” This is the use of artistic

display in the form of Thangka painting showing a assemblage figures to

meditate on. The centre figure being that of the main deity the practitioner is

meditating on. Surrounding this figure will be the representation of the Lamas,

or the root- Gurus, followed by various images of personages and deities

arranged according to their hierarchy, in accordance with the order stated

in the text precribed for the particular Sadhana practice.



Each of the four traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, has its own system and

style of representing these images. Doboom Rimpoche will focus his talk

on the general concept and tradition of this particular aspect of Tibetan

Buddhism. Rimpoche will also explain the liturgical, historical other important aspects of images of deities. Tibetans attach great importance to the images of deities, irrespective of the material such images are made from. Also there are other spiritual and historical value system Tibetans consider when devotees acquire possession of images. Rimpoche will enlighten us on these Tibetan nuances with regard to figurines, images, paintings etc. of spiritual value.



Rimpoche will give the talk directly in English and he looks forward to a lively

session of “questions and answers.”



Doboom Tulku recognized as the incarnation of his previous incarnation at the

age of three and brought to Tehor Dhargye Monastery, Kham in Easterrn Tibet.

He remained until he was 12 years old, when entered Drepung Monastery

study Buddhist philosophy. He escaped in 1959 to India and remained with

the rest of monks who escaped at place called Buxa, in North Easter India and

continued his religious studies. Later Rimpoche joined the Instititute of Higher

Tibetan Studies, under the auspices of the Sanskrit University of Varanasi

and graduated with a Geshe Acharya Degree. Rimpoche’s full biography will be

available at the Shamabala Centre, when he gives his talk on August, 7, at 7:00pm

“Ikebana – The Path of Flower Arranging"

The Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
presents a Summer Workshop
“Ikebana – The Path of Flower Arranging”
with Lee White
Sunday August 10, 2008
10 am to 4 pm
(Registration & set-up at 9.30 please)
Cost: $40 (includes flowers/plant materials)
Pre-registration is essential as space is limited – please contact Linda at lgould@shaw.ca
Upon registration you will be given a list of supplies to bring

(Lunch break: please bring your own – tea will be served). 
In 1982, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche formed a new school of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) inspired by his own training and vision.
Kalapa Ikebana, as this school is called, promotes the study and practice of flower arranging, often working closely with masters of other schools of ikebana.
Lee White is one of the founding members of the Victoria Shambhala Centre.  She has studied and practiced ikebana for many years, and is also an accomplished calligrapher. 
Location – Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
 #1- 2033 Belmont (at Pembroke)

Self-Transcendence Triathalon August 3, 2008-Volunteer Request

Hello all,

I received the following email request from Sheila Flood of the Victoria Multifaith Society this morning. Apparently the Sri Chinmoy Triathalon held annually at Elk lake is in need of some volunteers in order for it to run smoothly. Please see below for details!

If you can help please contact the race Volunteer coordinator Patricia Irwin at 250-592-5355 or email info@scmt.ca

Thanks for your willingness to make this worthwhile event run smoothly.

Eshu

____________________________________________________________________

Dear VMS Members,

The Self-Transcendence Triathlon/Duathlon will be held August 3, 2008. The Race Director, Sumitra McMurchy, has asked if a request could go out to our members asking for additional volunteers (about 25 more are needed).

This is a grassroots, community kind of race, intent on providing a very supportive atmosphere for athletes. The organizing group is a meditation group--the Sri Chinmoy Centre of Victoria. http://www.srichinmoy.org/

There are many perks involved, as you'll see in this letter that explains the details:
http://slc.bc.ca/attach/volunteerXrequestXmultifaithXsociety.doc

If you do volunteer, please mention that you received the invitation through the Multifaith Society.

For more information about the race see http://www.victoriatriathlon.com/

Thank you,
S. Flood,
VMS Secretary

8th Annual Buddha In The Park

Buddha In the Park 8th Annual 3 Day Retreat in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. Tenting and RV set up available, Community Kitchen during the three days of Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 25 - 26 - 27th JULY. Reservations to: buddha@penlan.com
How Many Buddha's, Oneness of the Person and the Law, The Wisdom Teachings of the Lotus Sutra, 40 topics for research, study and discussion. Personal Empowerment, Spiritual Development, Meditation and more.
The Buddha's teachings are always free, donations based on ability and value received most appreciated.
Mahayana Nichiren Tradition, 3 Days for You.
Visit www.penlan.com for information and directions.
Namaste, Nam-MyoHo-Renge-Kyo
Respectfully, Henry, Buddha Guide Teacher,Author

Shaambhala Art Part One

Shambhala Art part one:
Coming to Your Senses
July,12th 7-9pm, July 13th 9-5pm
W/ Charles Blackhall & Hamish Tucker
Cost $45, lunch included

To be genuine the creative process requires that we first perceive our world directly before we can represent it in an art form or use it as a launching pad for expression. Are we sensing things as they are, or just as we think or imagine they are?
Shambhala Art Part One explores the nature of our perceptions and how our thoughts influence what we perceive. We will learn through meditative discipline and exercises, the source of creativity and the meaning of pure expression. We will learn that when our senses including our mind are synchronized, that our expression becomes vivid, possessing greater richness and accuracy.
Shambhala Art’s purpose is to explore the creative and viewing processes from the viewpoint of a meditative discipline. Shambhala Art does not teach a particular skill or technique. It is about the source of inspiration, its manifestation, and how it speaks to us.

Please do not let finances prevent you from participating
Shambhala Art is good for Artists, Art viewers, and all people interested

To Register or enquire please email victoria.shambhala@gmail.com
Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
#1-2033 Belmont Avenue • Victoria • BC • V8R 3Z7 • 383-9108

“When your visual and auditory world is properly synchronized and you have a sense of humor, you are able to perceive the phenomenal world fully and truly. That is talent; Talent comes from the appreciation of basic beauty and basic goodness arising from the fundamental peace and coolness of dharma" CTR

.

Meditate & Destroy a film on Noah Levine

Meditate and Destroy is an 81 minute feature documentary on meditation teacher and author of Dharma Punx and Against the Stream, Noah Levine. After a self-destructive adolescence of criminal activity and substance abuse, Noah is now a devout Buddhist. This provocative documentary provides a personal portrait on this unique individual by showing how he uses his punk rock sensibilities to teach others the path of spirituality and community service in urban centers around North America.

Meditate and Destroy features interviews with Jack Kornfield, Ajan Amaro and Stephen and Ondrea Levine.

Tattoos, motorcycles and Buddha are featured in this hard hitting look at how Buddhism has a place in the world of punks. This edgy, but serious documentary provides an intimate account of how Noah has utilized Buddhism to guide him from a life of addictions, self-destruction and violent behaviors to a place of insight.

Not to be missed!!!!! Very exciting to have this film shown in Victoria.

Sarah Fisher the director will have a Q&A after the screening.

After the screening stay for 3 AMAZING BANDS!!!!!!

49th Peril from Vancouver

The Easy Brothers from Vancouver

and

The Mags!!!! from Victoria

DOORS AT 8pm
July 6th @
Lucky Bar
517 Yates St.

$10 suggested donation - no one turned away for lack of funds.
 

Pema Chodron: practicing Peace in Times of War

Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
presents a summer series of video teachings

“Practising Peace in Times of War”

A DVD series with Pema Chődrőn and Richard Reoch
(recorded in California, July 2007)

Tuesday evenings, July 1st through August 19th, 2008
7 pm to 9 pm

Explore the importance of meditation in finding peace and nonaggression in one’s heart, as well as its relevance in the world. These teachings are suited for those new to meditation, as well as those who have been practicing for years.

July 1st The Buck Stops Here
July 8th Cultivating Non-Violent Mind
July 15th Leaning In and Natural Openness
July 22nd Effective Social Action
July 29th Natural Warmth and Compassionate Abiding
August 5th Groundlessness as the Source for Strength
August 12th Meditation Instruction (Richard Reoch)
August 19th Meditation Instruction (Richard Reoch)


No registration required – $5.00 donation per session will help to support our Centre – Thank You!


Pema Chődrőn is an American Buddhist nun in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition and resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Cape Breton N.S. She is the author of many books, including The Wisdom of No Escape, Start Where You Are, and When Things Fall Apart.


Richard Reoch is the President of Shambhala International. He is a former public information officer of Amnesty International, the editor of Human Rights: The New Consensus, and he compiled the official manual on combating torture for the Organizational for Security and Co-operation in Europe. He is also a trustee of the Rainforest Foundation and chairperson of the International Working Group on Sir Lanka.

Reflections on the Path:Zen training in everyday life~Vancouver Island Zen Sangha

The Vancouver Island Zen Sangha is happy to announce the publication of "Reflections on the Path: Zen training in everyday life" by our resident monk, Rev. Master Meiten McGuire. A series of reflections on the meaning and purpose of life, this offering is a down-to-earth, practical approach which is the hallmark of her teaching.

Rev. Meiten's writings resonate with the rich experience of her many years of spiritual practice. As a result, the teachings have taken on her own particular flavor, while at the same time respecting the deep roots of Soto Zen, founded in Japan by Dogen Zenji over 800 years ago.

If you would like a copy, please e-mail dsled@telus.net with your name and full address or send a card to:

Vancouver Island Zen Sangha,
2169 Malaview Avenue,
Sidney, BC
V8L 2E6

Although we offer this at no charge, donations are gratefully accepted and may be mailed to the above address.

Teachings with Ngakpa-la begin soon (click poster to enlarge)

Ngakpa Kalzang will teach about the Four Immeasurables this June in Victoria, Duncan, and Nanaimo once a week for four weeks. For more information please click on the poster or visit http://www.thubtencholing.com/ Hope you can join us!

Buddha's Birthday Celebration~Victoria Zen Centre

What: Buddha’s Birthday Party

Who: Victoria Zen Centre, University of Victoria Interfaith Services

When: Sunday May 25th, 2008 at 1-3pm

Where: University of Victoria, Interfaith Chapel – Parking lot 6 (free on Sunday)

A Buddha of a Birthday Party!
On Sunday May 25 from 1-3pm, Victorians will be celebrating the birth of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, in the traditional way… by having a Birthday party! This event, co-sponsored by the Victoria Zen Centre and the University of Victoria Interfaith Services, now in its 4th year, is open to the public and all children (with well behaved parents) are welcome! This event is free, and for those that wish to, a donation of $5-20 is suggested.

The Interfaith Chapel at UVic, amidst Finnerty garden, will be decked out in flowers provided by Yukiyasu Kato, a master of Sogetsu Ikebana, and the owner of Zen Floral Studio. The event will offer families the opportunity to hear the story of the Buddha’s birth, and to experience a brief Buddhist ceremony in a relaxed and welcoming community environment. Of course, there will also be a piñata, birthday activities for the kids, a display of Buddhist resources for families, cake, and music! Uminari Taiko, Victoria’s taiko (“big drum”) troupe, will help to ensure that everybody knows its Buddha’s birthday!

Venerable Eshu Martin, abbot of the Victoria Zen Centre, and the University of Victoria’s Buddhist Chaplain will preside over the ceremony and celebration. “From the beginning, the teachings of the Buddha tell us that just as we are, we are whole and complete.” Says Eshu, “There isn’t anything missing, and you don’t need to improve upon True you. As we get involved in careers, and feel the responsibilities of family and society, we lose sight of this underlying principle, and start trying to “fix” things, often with terrible results!”

In its first years the ceremony was held as a formal event, an opportunity for the community to learn about Buddhism, “…but it wasn’t the grown ups that got the most out of it” adds Martin, “it was the kids. There was a natural understanding and joy in the celebration of just being... I never expected that!” This year, Ven. Eshu hopes that many families will attend, and that parents will come ready to learn from their children.

For the Victoria Zen Centre’s supporters, this years event will also see the inauguration of the “Wall of 1,000 Buddhas” which is a fundraising event aimed at establishing a permanent home for the Zen Centre in the Greater Victoria area.

For more information, please contact the Victoria Zen Centre.

Ph. 250-642-7936

Email: office@zenwest.ca

Website: http://www.zenwest.ca/

The Wall of 1,000 Buddhas~Victoria Zen Centre

The Wall of 1,000 Buddhas

Background and purpose:
At the Victoria Zen Centre, it is our vision to be a dynamic community and sustainable environment for the practice of living Zen in our families and in our world.

We are committed to realizing this vision by offering:

• Training for many non-residential members, and a few residential members.


• A variety of inclusive activities for the Sangha and broader community.

Since 1980 the Sangha of the Victoria Zen Centre has grown from just 10 members, into a thriving community of practice with more than 500 individual practitioners taking part in our programmes and activities in 2007 alone.

In order to realize our vision fully, we believe it is imperative for the Victoria Zen Centre to be sustainable, and to establish a permanent place of practice and training in Victoria, British Columbia.

To this end, we are establishing a Wall of 1,000 Buddhas. The Wall of 1,000 Buddhas is a fundraising initiative aimed at making our Vision a reality. It is based on the understanding that you - our donors, and the act of Dana (selfless giving), are the foundation of our Zen practice, and of our community. If we are to realize our vision, it will be as a result of our donors, and we believe that your generosity deserves to be acknowledged.

Contributing to the Wall of 1,000 Buddhas will provide a lasting reminder of the practice of Dana. We will create a symbol of our community working together to realize our common vision that will be experienced by all that enter the Victoria Zen Centre in the future.

Your help is needed! Please help build the Wall of 1,000 Buddhas!

All funds raised will go first to meeting the Victoria Zen Centre’s operational costs, and then towards the eventual purchase of property for the Victoria Zen Centre.

We will be inaugurating the Wall of 1,000 Buddhas as part of our celebration of the Buddha’s Birthday on Sunday May 25, 2008.

Details of the Wall of 1,000 Buddhas:

• Based on the amount of an individual donation, a Buddha figure of the corresponding size may be placed on the Wall of 1,000 Buddhas:[1]


• For each donation of $100 the donor can place a Buddha figure 4” in height or smaller.


• For each donation of $1,000 the donor can place a Buddha figure 8” in height or smaller.


• For each donation of $10,000 the donor can place a Buddha figure 16” in height or smaller.

Creating a personal connection and relationship with the Victoria Zen Centre is an important aspect of this project. Therefore, we recommend that each donor select and acquire the Buddha figure that they wish to place on the Wall of 1,000 Buddhas themselves.[2] However if time, distance, or circumstances make this impossible, at your request, we would be happy to select an appropriate Buddha figure on your behalf.

If you would like to donate and contribute to the Wall of 1,000 Buddhas, please contact the Victoria Zen Centre by telephone, post, or email, or you can give online through the “Canada Helps” link under the main menu on the left side of our webpage. Simply note that your donation is for the Wall of 1,000 Buddhas.

[1] The Victoria Zen Centre is a federally registered Charity, and will issue a receipt for all contributions received with name and address information through December of each year.

[2] Figures may represent any Buddha or Bodhisattva. The Abbot and Board of the Victoria Zen Centre reserves the right to determine whether a particular figure is appropriate for display.