Vancouver Island Zen Sangha Weekend Retreat June 8-10

MEDITATION RETREAT June 8,9,10 2007 with Zen Buddhist Master Rev. Master Meiten McGuire at Sleeping Dog Farm, Victoria.


Rev. Master Meiten is a monk in the Soto Zen tradition. She was born in California in 1926 and received her Ph.D. in psychology in 1952, after majoring in English and philosophy. In her profession, she practiced clinical psychology until 1972 when, following a personal tragedy, she went to an ashram for spiritual guidance. This was the beginning of her commitment to find a spiritual solution to the suffering she’d experienced.

In 1978, she continued her spiritual journey at Shasta Abbey in California, and received ordination as a Buddhist monk from Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett, the Abbess and Founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. The spiritual tradition followed at Shasta Abbey and world-wide at other Temples of her Order is known as Serene Reflection Meditation.

In 2000 Rev. Master Meiten was named a Master of the Order. All of her spiritual training has helped her to the growing realization of her spiritual quest: how to bring an end to the suffering she’d lived with for much of her life. Through Dharma talks, meditation instruction, study groups, and spiritual counseling, she offers others the teaching and practice which have changed her life.

RETREAT INFORMATION
Friday June 8, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Saturday June 9, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday June 10, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Hosted by the Vancouver Island Zen Sangha at : Sleeping Dog Farm and Retreat Center, 1506 West Burnside Rd. Victoria

For the retreat, participants are requested to be present for all three days. The retreat is in silence except during dharma talks. There will be instruction in meditation - both sitting and walking - meditation practice, and dharma talks. Participants are requested to bring a cushion or chair and a bag lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Overnight accommodation is not provided for as a part of this retreat, but limited space is available at the retreat centre by booking yourself. (see sleepingdogfarm.ca).

There is no fee for this weekend retreat. Donations are gratefully accepted. Early registration is recommended as space is limited.

INFO/REGISTRATION: Pamela @ 544-4338 or pambru@shaw.ca

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 April 16, 2007

Cost: $40 – practice materials included

The Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre

2033 Belmont Avenue

Please call 383-9108 for more information or registration

email: victoria.shambhala2.gmail.com

Dharma Tales in the Garden at Royal Roads University, with Margo McLoughlin

Sunday afternoons, April 22nd, April 29th, and May 6th, from 1 - 4 pm

Join storyteller Margo McLoughlin on a journey to the world of Ancient India. Meet the Buddha-to-be in the form of a swan, an outcaste acrobat, and a forest-dwelling elephant. Listen in as the Buddha gives a teaching on mindfulness of death to the daughter of a weaver...
This is storytelling for adults at its most satisfying.

Margo is a student of the Pali language and a graduate of the Harvard Divinity School. She has performed her own translations of these wonderful stories in many parts of the world, from Vancouver Island to New England, and from Hawaii to Burma. Each afternoon will feature stories on specific themes (spiritual friendship, wise leadership, and living in the light of death). There will be opportunities for reflection and discussion following the storytelling.
If you are interested in attending, please register before April 15th.

Cost: $45.00 + GST
Course Number: PEMS1189

To register, call 391-2600, ext. 4801 or visit
http://www.royalroads.ca/continuing-studies/PEMS1189-Y06.htm

A Walk In The Park Chemainus

Twice annually, Spring and Fall a few Buddhists and the general public meet in Chemainus for a nature walk, a sharing session and open discussion on the Buddha's teachings, while bringing peaceful energy to the community. The Walk happens this Sunday, April 8th, please meet at Askew Creek Park sign on Oak Street at 2 pm, rain or shine. For more info go to www.penlan.com and click on little Buddha House. After the walk and talk we will proceed to the Peace Pavilion to offer some sound meditation for Peace in our Communities. Respectfully, Henry, Buddha Ajari- Guide Teacher

Victoria Zen Centre~April 22nd One-Day Intensive *

A reminder that Sunday April 22nd, we will hold our monthly one-day intensive. The schedule runs from 6am-5pm, and includes chanting, sitting, walking, meal practice, and a period of care taking. Eshu gives a Zen talk during the mid-morning sitting, and conducts one-on-one meetings with each student. The cost for the day is $40 and includes two meals. (All fees for one-day intensives are included in full membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday April 20th if you would like to attend.

*Orientation by way of Consultation or Introductory Course is a prerequisite for Zen Training at the Sooke Zendo.

UVic Lecture - A Buddhist Rennaisance?

A Buddhist Renaissance?

Shifting Paradigms and Subverting Traditions within Japan's "Funeral" Buddhist Temples

John Nelson

Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of San Francisco

Buddhism in Japan has been described recently by some of its own priests and scholars as "corrupt," "degraded" and, somewhat surprisingly, "anti-Buddhist." To challenge these perceptions and reaffirm some of the tradition's most basic foundations, the Osaka-based "Buddhist Renaissance" movement is a concentrated and cross-sectarian effort to de-emphasize money-making mortuary rituals and instead practice and promote a more socially-engaged Buddhism. Based on recent fieldwork, we will explore this renaissance as a late-modern, highly-reflexive, and essentially political movement that challenges and subverts established narratives, beliefs and institutions.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007, 4:00 pm
David Strong Building, Room C116

Mahasangha ~ Vancouver Street Retreat

Facilitated by Sensei Grover Genro Gauntt of the Zen Peacemakers Order.

August 2-5, 2007 in the Streets of Vancouver.

A street retreat is a plunge into the unknown. An opportunity to go beyond our imagined limits. A chance to see beyond our small selves, to begin to eliminate the barriers. It's the barest poke at renunciation.

It's not about them. It's about us.

"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

For information please visit http://awakeinaction.org/sr/index.htm or contact Lisa Hill by email or call (604) 837-5779 for registration information.Early registration fee deadline is Tuesday, July 17.

Tenzing Tsewang Performs “Sounds of Tibet”

See Tibetan Master Chanter, musician and story teller live at the intimate La Run Theatre.

Victoria, BC—March 19th, 2007. Accomplished singer, musician, story teller and former Buddhist monk Tenzing Tsewang will visit Victoria for two nights in March to create a Tibetan landscape of sound and music. Tenzing’s profound music reflects the depth and beauty of his native culture. His instruments include flute, dramyen (Tibetan lute), monastic cymbals and trumpet. Tenzing sings ancient sacred chants and traditional folk songs while expressing a warmth, charm, and sense of humour rarely seen. Tenzing’s intimate performance style draws audiences into a direct encounter with the vibrancy of Tibetan music, culture and spiritual traditions.

Tenzing escaped with his family from Tibet as a child, taking refuge in Dharamsala, India. There he trained as a Master Chanter at Namgyal Monastery, the private monastery of H.H. Dalai Lama. Now a citizen of Australia, Tenzing has spent the last 15 years performing in Australia, South East Asia, Europe and the United States. We are very fortunate to have this acclaimed World musician play for us at the intimate La Run Theatre. A reception will follow the Saturday night show at La Run.

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please call Tenzing Tsewang at 250-537-8765, or email tenzingltsewang@yahoo.com

Two Performances will be held: March 23rd at 7:30 pm, March 24th at 7:30 pm, reception to follow (March 24th only). Tickets $20.00, advance purchase at Ivy’s Bookstore at 2188 Oak Bay Avenue. To reserve tickets call Ivy’s at (250) 598-2713. Some tickets may be available at the door. Seating is limited.



Event: Sounds of Tibet //Concert and performance
Performer: Tenzing Tsewang
Dates: March 23rd and 24th, 2007
Times: Doors at 7pm, performance at 7:30 until 9pm
Cost: $20.00 per person
Location: La Run Theatre & Arts Club Foundation, 1983 Fairfield Road, Victoria
Contact: Ivy’s Bookstore at 250-598-2713 in Victoria and/or Tenzing Tsewang at 250- 537-8765 (on Salt Spring Island)

Victoria Zen Centre~March 18th One-day Intensive*

A reminder that Sunday March 18th, we will hold our monthly one-day intensive. The schedule runs from 6am-5pm, and includes chanting, sitting, walking, meal practice, and a period of care taking. Eshu gives a Zen talk during the mid-morning sitting, and conducts one-on-one meetings with each student. The cost for the day is $40 and includes two meals. (All fees for one-day intensives are included in full membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday March 16th if you would like to attend.

*Orientation by way of Consultation or Introductory Course is a prerequisite for Zen Training at the Sooke Zendo.

Victoria Zen Centre~Introduction to Zen Meditation

March 17th-May 12th, 2007(Saturdays from 9:00-11:30am)

April 23rd-June 18th, 2007 (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.
• 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.

For program information:

Victoria Zen Centre~2007 Spring Meditation Challenge

Announcing…

The Victoria Zen Centre’s
2007 Spring Meditation Challenge
(Monday March 5th- Sunday March 25th, 2007)

We all know that consistency in our meditation practice is important.
To this end, we invite you all to accept the Challenge!!

The rules are simple:

1. One point is scored for each day that you sit.
2. In order to qualify, each sit needs to be at least fifteen minutes long.
3. The Challenge lasts for twenty-one days.

Each of you is asked to choose your own level of commitment;

Level 1: Minimum 15 minutes each day.
Level 2: Minimum 30 minutes each day (1x30min or 2x15 min)
Level 3: Minimum 1 hour each day (1x60min, 2x30min, 4x15min or any combo=60min)

It doesn’t matter where you sit, or what time of day you sit. It also doesn’t matter how much time you sit on any given day above your Level. The important thing (in this challenge) is to consistently sit every day.

If you sit for two hours in one day, but don’t sit for the next two days, then you only get one point. However, at Level 1, if you sit for fifteen minutes each day for three days (for a total of forty-five minutes), then you would get three points because you are sitting consistently each day.

To register for the 2007 Spring Meditation Challenge, please respond to sangha@zenwest.ca with your name, telephone number, email address, and which Level you would like to be in.

Victoria Zen Centre~Fundamentals of Zen Practice*

(Alternating Thursdays 7:30-9:30pm March 8th, 22nd and April 5th, 19th)

If you are interested in deepening your commitment to Buddhist practice, but are unsure of what to do next, the “Fundamentals of Zen Practice” programme will provide 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;

1. Sange (repentance/purification).


2. Taking the Threefold Refuge.


3. Receiving the Five Sila (precepts).


4. The Four Bodhisattva Vows.

At the Victoria Zen Centre, the Jukai Ceremony takes place upon the successful completion of the “Eldership Programme”. Taking part in the “Fundamentals of Zen Practice” is a wonderful way to discern whether pursuing the path to Eldership is of interest to you.

*Completion of the Introduction to Zen Meditation Course or an Orientation Consultation is required to enrol in the Fundamentals Programme.

Victoria Zen Centre~February 25th, 2007 One-Day Intensive

A reminder that Sunday February 25th, we will hold our monthly one-day intensive. The schedule runs from 6am-5pm, and includes chanting, sitting, walking, meal practice, and a period of care taking. Eshu gives a Zen talk during the mid-morning sitting, and conducts one-on-one meetings with each student. The cost for the day is $40 and includes two meals. (All fees for one-day intensives are included in advanced membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday February 23rd if you would like to attend.

*Orientation by way of Consultation or Introductory Course is a prerequisite for Zen Training at the Sooke Zendo.

Salt Spring Island Meditation Circle

The Salt Spring Zen Meditation Circle is offering a non-residential sesshin led by Nanfu Peter Levitt.

March 16-18, 2007
The Gatehouse
Stowel Lake Farm on Reynolds Road
Salt Spring Island, B.C.

We will begin Friday evening and end Sunday afternoon, in time for people to catch the ferry. Fees are $70 Canadian ($60 US) and include breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Practice will include zazen, dharma talks, interviews with Peter, and work practice if weather permits. The fees cover the cost of the retreat but do not include donations for Peter.

If you'd like to attend and need billeting, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to arrange it.

We look forward to practicing with you.

For further information, contact Rowan at 250-537-2831.

To register, please email Michelle Reed at mareed@rockisland.com

Victoria Zen Centre~January 7th One-Day Intensive

A reminder that Sunday January 7th, we will hold our monthly one-day intensive. The schedule runs from 6am-5pm, and includes chanting, sitting, walking, meal practice, and a period of care taking. Eshu gives a Zen talk during the mid-morning sitting, and conducts one-on-one meetings with each student. The cost for the day is $40 and includes two meals. (All fees for one-day intensives are included in advanced membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday January 5th if you would like to attend.

*Orientation by way of Consultation or Introductory Course is a prerequisite for Zen Training at the Sooke Zendo.

H.E. Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche~Yeshe Korlo Society

Teaching Schedule

January 26 – February 4, 2007

Da Vinci Centre
195 Bay Street
Victoria, BC



Cultivating Peace and Freedom from Fear in Troubled Times
($15)
Friday, January 26
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Vajrakilaya Empowerment and Teachings
Vajrakilaya is one of the most dynamic manifestations of compassionate energy. By receiving empowerment and teachings, and then meditating on Vajrakilaya we are able to pacify sickness, war, famine, natural disasters and obstacles to enlightenment, now and in the future, for ourselves and all living beings. Receiving the empowerment on Saturday is a prerequisite for attending the teachings on Sunday. ($60/day)
Saturday, Jan. 27 & Sunday, Jan. 28
10:00–12:30 p.m. & 3:30–6:00 p.m.

Ngondro: The Foundation Practices
(in the Nyingma Pema Lingpa Dzogchen Tradition)
Attending 'The Foundation Practices' provides the opportunity to explore, in a concise way, the entire range of teachings and practices in the Vajrayana (Tibetan) tradition of Buddhist meditation. One can then engage in these specific meditation practices, thereby purifying one's body, speech and mind, and fulfilling the prerequisite to attend advanced Dzogchen teaching and practice retreats with H. E Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche. ($50)
Friday, February 2
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Amitabha Empowerment and Teachings
Amitabha is the Buddha of Limitless Light. By receiving empowerment and teachings and by meditating on Amitabha, we will attain worldly and spiritual qualities in our life and confidence and peace at the time of death for ourselves and all others. Receiving the empowerment in the morning is a prerequisite for attending the afternoon teachings. ($60)
Saturday, February 3
10:00 – 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Feast Offering (Tsok)
During the Feast Offering, along with meditation and prayers, we make real and visualized offerings of food, drink, light, incense, etc. to all enlightened beings to purify our faults and obstacles to life and enlightenment. At the end we partake of the consecrated food and drink as blessings, thus receiving the blessings of all enlightened beings in the form of health, longevity, happiness, good fortune, merit and wisdom. Please give monetary donations only. This will go towards the cost of the offerings, which will be provided by Yeshe Khorlo. (by donation)
Sunday, February 4
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

H.E. GANGTENG TULKU RINPOCHE
His Eminence Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche, Ninth Body Emanation of Pema Lingpa, is the founder and spiritual director of Yeshe Khorlo International. Rinpoche is the abbot of the ancient Gangteng Monastery and is also responsible for the administration of 35 other monasteries, hermitages, universities and temples in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, including a new study and practice centre for women. Rinpoche is a main lineage holder in the Pema Lingpa tradition, as well as lineage holder of other Nyingma and Kargyu traditions of Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism. Rinpoche is known for his direct and vibrant approach to Buddhist teachings, especially the teachings of Dzogchen.


REGISTRATION
NOTE: Cash only will be accepted at the door. If you wish to pay by cheque, please mail payment with the on-line registration form to the address below. Cheques must be received by January 19th. Thank-you.
Inability to pay the full amount is not a barrier to attending events ‑ please call Nola (250‑370‑1318) prior to the teachings to make alternative arrangements.


Yeshe Khorlo Nyingmapa Buddhist Meditation Centre
839 Foul Bay Road, Victoria, BC V8S 4H6 Canada
information@yeshekhorlo.ca http://www.yeshekhorlo.ca/

Buddha Chemainus Fall Walk

You are invited to the Buddha Chemainus Fall Walk, weather permiting. And of course we expect Sunday, November 26 to be a most pleasant day. For full information please go to www.penlan.com, call 250. 715. 1976 or come to the Buddha House at 3437 Drinkwater Road, Sunday, November 26, 10:30
regular service, meeting in Chemainus at 1 pm. Look forward to seeing you. Respectfully, Henry

Victoria Zen Centre~November 19th One-day Intensive

A reminder that Sunday November 19th, we will hold our monthly one-day intensive. The schedule runs from 6am-5pm, and includes chanting, sitting, walking, meal practice, and a period of care taking. Eshu gives a Zen talk during the mid-morning sitting, and conducts one-on-one meetings with each student. The cost for the day is $40 and includes two meals. (All fees for one-day intensives are included in advanced membership).

Please contact the Centre no later than Friday November 17th if you would like to attend.

*Orientation by way of Consultation or Introductory Course is a prerequisite for Zen Training at the Sooke Zendo.

Shinzanji~Lynn Johnson Pottery Sale

Shinzanji, 958 Terrace Ave. Victoria

Saturday, October 28th, 1pm to 5pm
Sunday, October 29th, 11am to 4pm

The serene ambiance of Shinzanji creates a magical setting for Lynne's lanterns, vases, Tea Ware and everyday tableware done in the Japanese aesthetic.

Please join us for an exhibition and sale of Lynne Johnson's marvelous works in clay! Featuring both wood fired and gas fired ceramics; Lynne's work includes functional, utilitarian work and many unique and wonderful one-of-a-kind pieces.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For more information contact Melody Cornell at 250-598-9345

* Please park your vehicle on Terrace Road and follow the signs up the driveway.

Mahasangha~ENDING WAR, LIVING PEACE: Public Talk and Day of Practice

Join us November 3 & 5 for two special events with Claude AnShin Thomas

-- Vietnam veteran, Zen Buddhist monk, non-violence advocate, and author of "At Hell's Gate: A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace".

* Friday, November 3: Public Talk
-- How do we all create violence and war? What can we do to change this, both within ourselves and society?
7:30-9:30 PM, UVic Interfaith Chapel. Sliding scale $0-10.

* Sunday, November 5: Day of Practice
-- How can we awaken to the possibilities of a peaceful, nonviolent life, and transform conflict, ignorance, hatred, and greed into harmony, compassion, loving kindness, understanding and generosity?
9-5 PM, UVic Interfaith Chapel. Sliding scale $0-10. Please bring a cushion and blanket for meditation, and a bagged vegetarian lunch.

Both events will be facilitated by Claude AnShin Thomas.

Thomas volunteered for active duty at the age of 17 and served as a crew chief on assault helicopters at the age of 18. Upon his return to the US he began working to end the war in Vietnam, for student rights, and to address the social ostracization, homelessness, drug addiction, unemployability, and abnormally high rates of suicide, divorce, and imprisonment among fellow war veterans.

Thomas now speaks and leads retreats internationally on transformation, non-violence, peace, reconciliation, and mindfulness. He works with children, members of youth gangs, prisoners, military personnel, war and trauma victims and perpetrators, and peace activists to look deeply into the roots of violence and war and the possibilities for transformation.

For more information or to arrange ASL interpretation, email jgoldber@shaw.ca or call 721-8629.

Co-sponsored by the Victoria Zen Centre, Barnard-Boecker Centre Foundation, Sooke Meditation and Mindfulness Centre, UVic Institute for Dispute Resolution, UVic Interfaith Chaplain Services, Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group, and Victoria Peace Coalition.