Courses and Retreats

Meditation Courses and Retreats

Half day and full day courses and retreats on modern Buddhism and meditation. Attend at the centre or online with us live-stream with Zoom.

Meditation Courses

At Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre we offer a wide variety of meditation courses and retreats, suitable for all levels regardless of previous experience. Once a month we offer a half day morning or afternoon course – generally from 10am to 1pm. Our half day courses cover a range of topics that are practical advice on how to integrate Buddhist wisdom into our modern daily life.

All half day courses are divided into two 1 hour and 15 minute sessions with a half hour break between the sessions. Each session includes guided meditation, instructions on how to generate the positive mind that acts as an opponent to our negative minds, followed by the opportunity to generate our own inner wisdom by contemplating these points within our meditation.

Our half day courses are suitable for all backgrounds – Buddhist and non-Buddhist. Everyone can benefit from contemplating and meditating on wisdom teachings.

Our day courses are held from 10 – 4pm a few times each year. These courses enable us to delve more deeply into Buddhist topics and teachings. Each course consists of two short morning sessions and one afternoon session with a break for lunch in-between. Each of the sessions include teachings and guided meditations along with time for Q&A and discussion.

We also offer day, weekend and four-day retreats throughout the year.

What to expect at a course2022-09-04T09:41:03-04:00

What to expect at a course

What to Expect at a Course

Our half day, day and weekend courses are for everyone who is interested in learning how to meditate, regardless of background or beliefs, and for those who would like to delve deeper into Buddhist practice. Our half day courses are designed to look at how we can integrate Buddha’s teaching into our life to solve our daily problems and difficulties. Every class includes a chance to practise meditation. No prior experience, special equipment or special clothes are necessary for our courses – just come as you are.

Half Day Courses
Generally run from 1 – 4 pm with two session that are 1 hour and 15 minutes each with a 30 minute break in between.

Day Courses
Generally run from 10 – 4pm with three sessions. There is generally a longer break for lunch. Students are invited to bring a lunch to the centre or to pick up lunch at many of the restaurants nearby.

Session One

Our half day and day courses are divided into sessions with breaks in-between. The first session begins with a guided breathing meditation for about 10 or 15 minutes followed by a 45 minute teaching and meditation.

Break

There is at least a half hour break between sessions. There are refreshments available and a time to have a Dharma chat – an opportunity to ask questions outside of the class. It is also an opportunity to go outside – perhaps talk a walk along the Speed River – and get some fresh air before the next session.

Session Two

The second session includes a teaching and meditation with time for question and answers.

Day Courses: Session Three

Our day courses have three session rather than two. The third session of the day course includes teaching, meditation and time for question and answer.

Upcoming Half Day Meditation Courses

Overcoming Painful Feelings – Silent Retreat

June 10 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Discover No Self

June 24 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Starting a Buddhist Meditation Practice

July 8 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Upcoming Retreats

Day and Weekend Retreats

We also offer meditation retreats once or twice each month. We offer morning retreats, day retreats, week retreats and week-long retreats. Retreats are the best method to go deeper into our meditation practice. Find out more about the upcoming retreats below!