Celebration of Buddha's Birthday

Two Day Retreat with Heather Martin

 Idealism and Realism:

Accessing and Living by Our Best Intentions

Saturday + Sunday, May 26 + 27, 2012

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

Goward House

2495 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC 

We may "know" our truest values and highest intentions but often they remain tantalizing beyond reach, and can even turn around and bite us.  How can we live in accord with our best intentions while coping with the confusions of being constantly bombarded by the myriad joys and sorrows of everyday life? During this weekend non-residential retreat, we will practice mindfulness meditation, flavored by compassion and appreciative joy, as we explore just how accessible our ideals really are. 

The retreat is open to everyone, regardless of experience.  There will be periods of sitting and walking meditation.

Cost:  The retreat is offered freely and we welcome whatever offering you are able to make.  The suggested donation to cover organizational costs for this retreat is $40.

Donations for the teachings and for Victoria IMS can be made at the retreat.

Heather Martin has been meditating since 1972 and has been practicing Vipassana since 1981.  She teaches up and down the West Coast of the USA and Canada and is the guiding teacher for the Victoria Insight Meditation Society.  Her approach is encouraging, accessible and practical.  Heather is a long time resident of Salt Spring Island.  

Registration:  http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5uh40yf9f7c6684&llr=gmecm6gab

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." - Seishin Susanne Ledingham

Discover the impact that consistent Zen practice can have on and in your life! The Victoria Zen Centre now offers a comprehensive Orientation to Zen Buddhist Practice training package to help you develop a stable Zen practice, no matter where you are.

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.