A resource for the events of Buddhist groups on the Islands of British Columbia, Canada
Friday, September 28, 2012
Salt Spring Zen Circle Web Site
Friday, September 14, 2012
Zen courses in October

Intensive Preparation
Saturday mornings, 9:00-11:30 AM
October 6 & 13, 2012
Victoria Zen Centre – Sooke
Open to VZC Members and Associates who have completed the free online Orientation to Zen and a practice assessment.
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.
Fundamentals of Zen Practice
Thursday evenings, 7:30-9:30 PM
October 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2012
Victoria Zen Centre – Sooke
Open to VZC Members and Associates who have completed the free online Orientation to Zen and a practice assessment.
Building on the foundation of training established through the Orientation to Zen, you will be introduced to some of the fundamental teachings of Zen Buddhism. Group activities and training assignments ask that we take these teachings out of our head and engage them in the day to day unfolding of our lives.
This course also provides you with the opportunity to explore the ceremony of Jukai, which is commonly considered formally “becoming Buddhist”. The Jukai Ceremony consists of four distinct aspects, each of which is introduced and discussed in an intimate environment of friendship and community. The four aspects are:
- Sange (repentance/purification).
- Taking the Threefold Refuge.
- Receiving the Five Sila (precepts).
- The Four Bodhisattva Vows.
For Full members of the VZC, the course fee is included as part of membership dues. For Basic members and Associates the course fee is $295.
For further information about these courses or to register: visit our website or email registrar@zenwest.ca
Thursday, September 13, 2012
ANNUAL AUTUMN ZEN RETREAT ON SALT SPRING ISLAND
The Salt Spring Zen Circle, which practices in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, author of the classic Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, will be offering our annual Autumn Retreat, called sesshin, on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. The retreat is non-residential, and beginning and experienced meditators are most welcome to attend. Free billeting is offered to as many off islanders as we can accommodate. This traditional retreat, held at the beautiful Gatehouse and gardens on Stowel Lake Farm, begins at 7 PM on Thursday, October 11th, and ends at 3 PM on Sunday, October 14th. In keeping with our tradition of offering authentic practice for the least possible fee, the cost of the retreat is $130 for the entire sesshin, including all meals, plus voluntary dana (donation) for teachings by poet and founding teacher of the Salt Spring Zen Circle, Eihei Peter Levitt. Known for the warmth, humour, clarity and depth of his teachings, Peter is an authorised Zen teacher in the Suzuki-roshi lineage. He is also the author of fourteen books of poetry and prose. Recently, he served as Associate Editor of the Zen classic, The Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dogen's Shobo Genzo (Shambhala, 2010) and in 2013 he and coeditor Kazuaki Tanahashi will be publishing The Essential Dogen: Writings of the Great Zen Master. 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 Colburn at acolburn@verizon.net or call coordinator Judith Daylen at 250-537-2062. Judith may also be reached at jdaylen@telus.net
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Connecting to Sacred World
Throughout history traditional cultures revered and honored the natural world for its life-giving power. The intimate bonds between humanity and the environment can be a source of tremendous inspiration and magic, or of chaos and destruction when the relationship is not respected. The 21st century is marked by urgent messages from the earth calling us to heal our separation from the greater web of life.
The transition to a post-carbon, compassionate society involves not only the movement to a sustainable way of life, but also restoring a sense of interbeing and connection to place. Connecting to Sacred World is an experiential program introducing meditative practices, ceremony and dialog for discovering natural mind and cultivating a direct relationship to the vital energies of the phenomenal world. The program draws on the wisdom of the Shambhala Buddhist teachings and the pioneering work of eco-philosopher Joanna Macy. http://www.joannamacy.net/
This program is open to all interested in deepening a connection to the natural world in everyday life and clarifying one’s unique role as an agent of positive change. Previous meditation experience is recommended but not required; instruction will be provided as needed.
Space is limited to 10 participants. Preregistration is recommended.
Schedule: Four consecutive Thursdays, September 20 – October 11, 7:00 – 9:00 PM; and Saturday, October 13, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (we will have a potluck lunch and spend part of the day outdoors)
Fee: $75.00. If finances are a concern, please contact Silas Rosenblatt at silasmail@gmail.com in advance.
About the facilitator: Silas Rosenblatt has been a student of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and Shambhala Buddhism for over 10 years. He currently serves as a meditation instructor and assistant director/teacher of Shambhala Training. He is a registered acupuncturist and health coach in Victoria. His interests focus on creating deeper connections to people and place as a path for healing and societal renewal.
Preregistration: To reserve a place, or for more information, contact Silas at silasmail@gmail.com.
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Saturday, September 01, 2012
"Music and Dharma" and the Brahma Viharas

Registration:
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=gmecm6gab&oeidk=a07e662049k93f178b4
Cost
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Date: Saturday September 8th from 9-5
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Meditation In Everyday Life
Schedule: Consecutive Thursdays from September 20-October 18. From 7-9PM
The course is designed to provide students with the introductory tools and teachings for working with Meditation in Everyday Life. With simple instructions and support, Mindfulness Meditation Practice can become part of our lives, bringing greater stability, strength and clarity.
This is the first weeknight course of the Way Of Shambhala Curriculum. The course includes guided meditation, talks and open discussion of the challenges that meditators face in their practice. It pairs with the Weekend program Shambhala Level 1.
Suggested Price: $85, $50 for graduates of Shambhala Training Level 1. A generosity policy applies.
Questions: contact us at Victoria.shambhala@gmail.com
To register go to the Victoria Shambhala Website at http://victoria.shambhala.org/
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
OCTOBER ZEN RETREAT ON SALT SPRING ISLAND
The Salt Spring Zen Circle, which practices in the Soto Zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi, author of the classic Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, will be offering our annual Autumn Retreat, called sesshin, on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. The retreat is non-residential, and beginning and experienced meditators are most welcome to attend. Free billeting is offered to as many off islanders as we can accommodate. This traditional retreat, held at the beautiful Gatehouse and gardens on Stowel Lake Farm, begins at 7 PM on Thursday, October 11th, and ends at 3 PM on Sunday, October 14th. In keeping with our tradition of offering authentic practice for the least possible fee, the cost of the retreat is $130 for the entire sesshin, including all meals, plus voluntary dana (donation) for teachings by poet and founding teacher of the Salt Spring Zen Circle, Eihei Peter Levitt. Known for the warmth, humour, clarity and depth of his teachings, Peter is an authorised Zen teacher in the Suzuki-roshi lineage. He is also the author of fourteen books of poetry and prose. Recently, he served as Associate Editor of the Zen classic, The Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dogen's Shobo Genzo (Shambhala, 2010) and in 2013 he and coeditor Kazuaki Tanahashi will be publishing The Essential Dogen: Writings of the Great Zen Master. 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 Colburn at acolburn@verizon.net or call coordinator Judith Daylen at 250-537-2062. Judith may also be reached at jdaylen@telus.net
Saturday, August 04, 2012
Online Orientation to Zen Practice

Once the program has been completed, your knowledge and physical Zen practice should be well established enough for you to begin formal practice with the Victoria Zen Centre, and the experience you gain through practice will also ease your entry into virtually any other Zen or Buddhist group you choose to engage with.
Online Training Materials
The online course is structured as a gradual and progressive four-week program, utilizing online videos, audio files, and a practice journal. Course materials are available at http://www.zenwest.ca/courses/90-online-orientation-to-zen-course and are free for you to use any time, as often as you like, and to share as widely as you wish to. These resources are made possible through the generous support of the Members and Associates of the Victoria Zen Centre.
Course Support
In addition to the online materials, we also offer one-to-one Course Support. By registering for support, you will receive a once-weekly, 30-minute Skype support meeting with one of our training guides for each of the four weeks of the Orientation program (for a total of four meetings). These one-to-one sessions provide a forum for discussion of your experiences as you engage in the the program, and an opportunity for support and feedback from experienced practitioners regarding the challenges of establishing a consistent Zen practice.
Participation with a training guide is not required to access the online course materials, but is a requirement for completion of the Orientation to Zen program (a pre-requisite for further training with the Victoria Zen Centre).
To register for Course Support visit http://www.zenwest.ca/courses/90-online-orientation-to-zen-course or email registrar@zenwest.ca.
Practice Assessment
When you have completed the Orientation to Zen program, if you wish to as a next step undertake further training with the Victoria Zen Centre or become a member of the VZC, you must first complete a formal Practice Assessment. This can be done online, or in person. When you register for a Practice Assessment you will be contacted to arrange a mutually convenient time to conduct your assessment.
To register for a Practice Assessment visit http://www.zenwest.ca/courses/90-online-orientation-to-zen-course or email registrar@zenwest.ca.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Two Day Retreat with Heather Martin
Idealism and Realism:
Accessing and Living by Our Best Intentions

Registration: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5uh40yf9f7c6684&llr=gmecm6gab
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice

Once the program has been completed, your knowledge and physical Zen practice should be well established enough for you to begin formal practice with the Victoria Zen Centre, and the experience you gain through practice will also ease your entry into virtually any other Zen or Buddhist group you choose to engage with.
Online Training Materials
The online course is structured as a gradual and progressive four-week program, utilizing online videos, audio files, and a practice journal. Course materials are available at http://www.zenwest.ca/courses/90-online-orientation-to-zen-course and are free for you to use any time, as often as you like, and to share as widely as you wish to. These resources are made possible through the generous support of the Members and Associates of the Victoria Zen Centre.
Course Support
In addition to the online materials, we also offer one-to-one Course Support. By registering for support, you will receive a once-weekly, 30-minute Skype support meeting with one of our training guides for each of the four weeks of the Orientation program (for a total of four meetings). These one-to-one sessions provide a forum for discussion of your experiences as you engage in the the program, and an opportunity for support and feedback from experienced practitioners regarding the challenges of establishing a consistent Zen practice.
Participation with a training guide is not required to access the online course materials, but is a requirement for completion of the Orientation to Zen program (a pre-requisite for further training with the Victoria Zen Centre).
To register for Course Support visit http://www.zenwest.ca/courses/90-online-orientation-to-zen-course or email registrar@zenwest.ca.
Practice Assessment
When you have completed the Orientation to Zen program, if you wish to as a next step undertake further training with the Victoria Zen Centre or become a member of the VZC, you must first complete a formal Practice Assessment. This can be done online, or in person. When you register for a Practice Assessment you will be contacted to arrange a mutually convenient time to conduct your assessment.
To register for a Practice Assessment visit http://www.zenwest.ca/courses/90-online-orientation-to-zen-course or email registrar@zenwest.ca.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Victoria Zen Centre: Intensive Preparation course

May 19 & 26, 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
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Seeing for Oneself
Victoria Insight Meditation Society
One Day Meditation Retreat
Sunday, April 29th, 2012
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
With Brock Brown

at
Goward House
On this day of mindful awareness we will combine sitting and walking meditation practices with an investigation of the teachings of the Buddha with particular attention to the Kalama sutta. In this sutta, the Buddha encourages us to see for ourselves what thoughts, words and actions lead in the direction of liberation. Beginners and experienced meditators welcome.
Brock Brown has been practicing in the Theravada Buddhist tradition since 1989. He is completing the Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader training program and is a graduate of their Dedicated Practitioner's Program. His teachers include Heather Martin and Guy Armstrong. He is also inspired by the Ajahn Chah lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition. Brock is a facilitator for the Victoria Insight Meditation Society Sunday Night Community sit, offers Beginner's Meditation courses, and is a co-facilitator of an Awakening Joy group in
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 VIMS 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.
Soon after you have completed the registration form you will receive more detailed information about the retreat.
Thank you,
Joyce Elliott, Retreat Registrar
Victoria Insight Meditation Society
Web Site: http://victoriaims.org/
Sunday, March 04, 2012
ANNUAL SPRING ZEN RETREAT ON SALT SPRING ISLAND WELCOMES EVERYONE
Friday, March 02, 2012
Four Kinds of Liberation:
Insight Meditation with Pascal Auclair
2-day Non Residential Weekend Retreat
Saturday & Sunday, March 24 & 25th, 2012
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Road Victoria, BC
Online Registrations Open: Click on Form (Scroll to bottom of the page on this link)
With the intention of fostering freedom and fluidity in our lives, we will investigate aspects of our lives where we get stuck, where rigidity occurs and clinging tends to rule. Pascal will help us explore how we can find more ease by releasing the holds the following have in our lives: pleasure & displeasure, views & opinions, conventions, and the ‘me-I-mine-moi’ sticky-part-of-life. Ehipassiko! Come and see for yourself! This retreat is suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience. Sitting and walking meditations will be alternated.
Pascal Auclair has been immersed in Buddhist practice and study since 1997, studying with revered Asian monastic and lay Western teachers. Pascal is co-founder of True North Insight Meditation Centre (Quebec and Ontario) and teaches in Canada, the USA and Europe. With his warmth and humour, Pascal is a much appreciated teacher.
“Pascal Auclair is a wonderful teacher. His depth of insight, classical training, and creative expression all combine in a wise and compassionate presence. I’m delighted that he is now sharing his dharma understanding.”
Joseph Goldstein, meditation teacher and author, co-founder of IMS, Mass.
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 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.
Please fill in the form at http://victoriaims.org/?p=2923 (Scroll down) Within 2 – 3 days of completing the registration form you will receive more detailed information about the retreat.
Thank you,
Brock Brown, Retreat Registrar
vims1retreat@gmail.com