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.

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.

"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.

Residential Retreat with Heather Martin

Thetis Island B.C.
September 19 – 24, 2011.
Cost: $265.00 includes room and board for 5 days.

Meditation in Nature is the focus for experienced meditators on this 5 day residential retreat

Daily we are so busy doing things that we fail to appreciate the subtlety and beauty of the natural world. Even when we are out in nature we are often preoccupied and fail to appreciate the experience that we are having.

This silent retreat at Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, B.C. will use the coastal environment, extensive wooded acreage, trails, meadows and shoreline, as a motif for a week of insight and awareness in nature. The retreat will be grounded in the practices of insight meditation: Loving Friendliness (Metta), concentration (Samadhi) and clear seeing (Vipassana) into and through the confusions of the mind, to free us from those habitual daily struggles we impose on our lives.

The large, old, heritage lodge is basic and rustic. It has bedrooms upstairs and kitchen, dining hall, library, and large lounge/meditation hall downstairs. Participants will be sharing bedrooms and bathrooms.

Space is limited to 25 participants. To secure a spot, plan to register early. Cost for the retreat is $265.00 to cover expenses for accommodation and vegetarian meals. Dana donation for the teacher is extra.

More information and registration form - http://victoriavipassana.org/ (click on VVC Retreats)

Victoria Vipassana Community Sit with James Baraz

James Baraz will lead the Victoria Vipassana Community Sunday Night Sit July 3, 2011 7-9 p.m. at Arbutus-Queenswood Room in Cadboro Commons Building at the University of Victoria. Everyone is welcome!

Please arrive by 6:45 p.m.

We will sit for 45 minutes, followed by a talk given by James. Floor sitters, please bring your own mat and cushion. Chairs will be available.

The teachings are offered freely. Donations to the teacher are welcome.

About James Baraz:

James Baraz is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. He has been teaching meditation since 1978 and is a passionate supporter of community dharma groups. James created and taught the first three Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader programmes. James is co-author of Awakening Joy, and leads a 10 month Awakening Joy course in Berkeley, and world-wide through the online course. James and his wife Jane Baraz co-teach Awakening Joy workshops and retreats in the USA, Canada and in Europe.

Parking and Directions:

Park in Lot 5, off of Sinclair Road, east of Finnerty Road. Parking is free on Sundays. Cadboro Commons is adjacent to the Housing Office; both are close to the Lot 5 parking meter.

Ajahn Jayasaro Talk

An Evening of Buddhist Teachings

with Ajahn Jayasaro

June 9, 2011, 7 - 9 p.m.

The Victoria Vipassana Community is honoured to host Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro in Victoria. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive teachings from an esteemed, senior Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest tradition. Ajahn Jayasaro will start the evening with a short meditation followed by a talk with time for questions and answers.

Place: Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Road, Victoria BC

Time: 7 - 9 p.m. Please arrive by 6:45 p.m.

The teachings are offered freely.

Donations to VVC and to the hermitage are welcome.

For more information, contact Brock Brown brock1492@shaw.ca

Additional Info: http://victoriavipassana.org/?p=1338

Metta (Loving Kindness Weekend Retreat

METTA (LOVING KINDNESS) WEEKEND RETREAT

Victoria Vipassana Community

2-day Retreat

Saturday & Sunday, May 28 & 29, 2011

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

With Heather Martin

at

Goward House

2495 Arbutus Road

Victoria, BC

This non-residential weekend retreat is being offered for those new to or familiar with meditation practise. The focus will be on Metta or "Loving Kindness". This practise cultivates interpersonal harmony and opens the heart unconditionally. The Buddha suggested the use of metta as an antidote to fear.

The weekend will include periods of instruction and practise with ample time for questions. Heather will describe both the "how" and "why" of this simple yet profound practise, which benefits us in many immediate ways.

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 SaltSpringIsland. 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 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.

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

Link to Registration Form:

http://victoriavipassana.org/?page_id=926

Thank you,

Joyce Elliott, Retreat Registrar

Victoria Zen Centre courses - June 2011

Victoria Zen Centre courses - June 2011

The Victoria Zen Centre has two courses beginning in June 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
June 13 - July 4, 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
June 4 and 11, 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

Brilliant Moon

"Brilliant Moon" is a documentary on the life of Dilgo Khyentze Rinpoche. This is a 60 minute film and is available at Pic-A-Flic Video. 328 Cook St.

I have seen the film and I recommend it to anyone interested in Buddhism or the History of Buddhism in the West.

The trailer for the movie is on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCrHbChjCUk

Gord Shipway

A Day of Mindfulness: Seeding the Generous Heart

Victoria Vipassana Community Presents:

1-day Retreat

Saturday, April 30, 2011

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

With Margo McLoughlin

at

Goward House

2495 Arbutus RoadVictoria, BC

In this one-day retreat, Margo McLoughlin will guide participants to consider how mindfulness and generosity work together on our spiritual journey. What does it mean to practice generosity and why is it considered the first step on the Buddhist path?

This retreat is open to both beginners and students with more practice experience.

Margo McLoughlin has been practicing in the Insight tradition of Theravada Buddhism since 1986. She is currently in training to be a Community Dharma Leader through SpiritRockMeditationCenter in Woodacre, 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 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.

Once you have completed the registration form (see below) you will receive more detailed information about the retreat.

Link to Registration Form:

http://victoriavipassana.org/?page_id=927

Thank you,

Brian Chapel, Retreat Registrar

Quiet tenant sought

The downstairs suite at 646 Ridgebank Crescent ( Reverend Meiten's house/meeting place of Vancouver Island Zen Sangha ) is going to be available for rent as of June 1st. We would like to encourage our Mahasangha to let any quiet, responsible friends know about it.

It has one bedroom (a very large bedroom) – with a small second bedroom that has no windows, but would work well for an office and den. The bathroom is a shower only – no tub. There are a good size kitchen and living room. Both are fairly bright with lots of light.

There is a big yard at the rear of the house.

Rent is $700 per month plus 1/3 utilities for the house, that is, 1/3 of the water/hydro/oil bills. Phone and TV are up to the tenant to arrange and pay for. The rent is paid on a month to month basis.

No smoking, pets only if our landlord approves in advance. The current tenants have had a spaniel for over a year.

Laundry is shared and part of the laundry room is available for the downstairs tenant for storage.

If interested, please contact the landowner Doug Arnold who can arrange to show it most week-ends if he has notice. Please contact Dave 250-656-2500 dsled@telus.net if you have further questions.

The landlord's contact information is:

Doug Arnold Consulting Inc.

219 1230 Haro Street

Vancouver BC V6E 4J9

604 760 0352

Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice - Victoria Zen Centre

Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice - Victoria Zen Centre

"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
May 7-28, 2011
Victoria Zen Centre – Sooke

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 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.

Mindfulness and the Brain - 1 Day Retreat

Mindfulness and the Brain Victoria Vipassana Community 1-day Retreat Sunday, March 20, 2011 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with Beth Trotter at Goward House 2495 Arbutus Rd. Victoria, BC In this daylong for students with prior mindfulness, or vipassana (insight) meditation experience, we will practice in silence with periods of sitting and walking. As well there will be some teachings and experiential exercises about current neuroscience understandings of the brain. We will look at how these findings can support the Buddhist understandings of release from suffering and increased happiness and wisdom. We will meet from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm at the Activity Centre of the Queen Alexandra Hospital, 2400 Arbutus Rd., Victoria, B.C., on Sunday, March 20, 2011. Prerequisite: Some previous experience with mindfulness, or vipassana meditation Beth Trotter has practised vipassana meditation since 1983 and has also been influenced by other traditions including dzogchen and the diamond approach. She is a therapist in private practice in Victoria and is particularly interested in making the dharma accessible to our western minds. Beth was instrumental in establishing the Victoria Vipassana Community, and has taught retreats for VVC in the past. 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 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. Once you have completed the Registration Form you will receive more detailed information about the retreat, including what to bring. Thank you, Eric Bedard, Retreat Registrar To register for the retreat: http://victoriavipassana.org/?page_id=927 If you have questions, please email Eric at magic@islandnet.com