FAQ

frequently asked questions

FAQ2022-02-08T15:52:25-05:00

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How to attend courses2022-08-19T11:58:24-04:00

How to Attend Courses

How to attend a class

Join Onsite

If you are attending a half day course, day course or weekend course, we ask you to pre-register to let us know that you are coming because these courses include refreshments in the breaks.Payment can be made online before the course or at the door when you arrive.

There is no need to bring anything. We have comfortable chairs, mats and cushions for you to use. We look forward to seeing you at a course soon!

our location

How to attend retreats2022-08-19T11:36:42-04:00

How to Attend Retreats

How to attend a class

Join Onsite

If you are attending a retreat, we ask you to pre-register to let us know that you are coming because these retreats include refreshments in the breaks. You are welcome to come for one session of the retreat, or all of the sessions. It is a wonderful way to spend the day. ake a walk along the river in the break times and contemplate the retreat session teachings.

You don’t need to bring anything. We have comfortable chairs, cushions and mats for you to sit on. TWe look forward to seeing you at a retreat soon!

our location

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

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.

What to expect in a course

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.

How to attend2022-09-04T09:35:58-04:00

How to Attend a Class

How to attend a class

Join Onsite

From September 1, all of our classes will be held in-person. You can attend our class at our main Centre in Guelph on Sunday afternoons or Wednesday evenings. Or attend classes at our branch locations in Kitchener on Tuesdays and Georgetown on Thursdays.

We have comfortable chairs for you to sit on. At our main Centre in Guelph we also have cushions and mats. You can purchase a ticket online before class or pay at the door when you arrive.

our location

What to expect in a Meditation for World Peace class2022-06-05T16:47:19-04:00

What to Expect in a Meditation for World Peace Class

Our meditation classes are for everyone who is interested in learning how to meditate, regardless of background or beliefs. Classes are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, teachings, and practice. This is a short class, with time for prayers and silent contemplation so that we can increase our own inner peace and compassion.

No prior experience, special equipment or special clothes are necessary for our onsite classes – just come as you are. Masks are optional.

This is a free class for everyone. Everyone welcome.

What to expect in a course

Guided Breathing Meditation

Class begins with a guided 15-minute breathing meditation to relax body and mind.

Teaching

The meditation is followed with a short teaching on how to integrate Buddha’s wisdom into our daily life. These practical talks are meant to be contemplated deeply as a way to solve our daily problems and to increase our own inner experience of mental peace and happiness.

Meditation for World Peace

The teaching is followed with beautiful prayers for world peace with verses from Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life and Geshe Langri Tangpa’s Eight Verses of Training the Mind.

Silent Contemplation

After the prayers, there is a five minute pause for silence for students to contemplate whatever they found meaningful from the teaching and prayers.

Dedication

The class finishes with dedication for those who are experiencing physical and mental pain and sufferings such as war and famine so they may be free from suffering.

How to attend prayers2023-09-22T15:21:42-04:00

How to Attend Prayers

How to attend prayers
How to attend a class

Join In Person

All of our prayers are held on site at Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre. You do not need to bring anything. We have chairs, mats and cushions available for your meditation. And we also provide sadhana (prayer booklets) for you to use. These booklets can also be purchased in our shop if you would like to maintain a personal practice at home.

You do not need to sign up to attend. Just come along!

Prayers are free. There is no cost to attend. If you are attending Offering to the Spiritual Guide, Wishfulfilling Jewel or Melodious Drum prayers, please bring a small vegetarian food offering.

our location

What to expect in a class2023-09-14T12:54:21-04:00

What to Expect in a Class

Our meditation classes are for anyone interested in learning how to meditate, regardless of background or beliefs. Classes are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, teachings, and practice.
Every class includes a chance to practise meditation. No prior experience, special equipment or special clothes are necessary for our onsite classes – just come as you are.

Classes are all standalone individual classes that are presented in a series. You do not need to attend the full series to attend a class.

What to expect in a course

Guided Breathing Meditation

Class begins with a guided 15-minute breathing meditation to relax body and mind.

Teaching

The meditation is followed with a teaching on how to integrate Buddha’s wisdom into our daily life. These practical talks are meant to be contemplated deeply as a way to solve our daily problems and to increase our own inner experience of mental peace and happiness.

Second Guided Meditation

The teaching is followed with a second guided meditation based on the teaching to enable us to increase our inner wisdom through contemplation and meditation.

Question and Answer

There is an opportunity to discuss the talk and meditation with others, and to ask questions.

Advice on Daily Practice

The class finishes with practical advice on how we can integrate the teaching into our daily life with the practice of mindfulness.

Questions about membership?2022-01-19T13:33:03-05:00

Questions about Membership?

No. Everyone is welcome to attend our classes, courses, prayers and retreats. Prayers held at the Centre are free and we offer free meditations onsite (when covid restrictions allow). Our classes, courses and retreats can all be paid for by a “drop-in”, one time payment basis. For onsite classes, we also offer series passes -$40 for 4 classes.

A) You can sign up online by using the sign-up buttons above. Alternatively, you can sign up at the Centre when you come to class.

A) As soon as your membership is activated, you will be able to access your membership account by logging into the membership site from our home page at akbc.ca. This will take you to our membership software, Wild Apricot. From here you will see all the classes, courses, and retreats that you are able attend online or onsite (when possible due to covid restrictions). Just click the link and come along. Or if you are attending onsite, send a text to let us know you are coming. You will also be able to view your account statement and payment history.

A) If you sign up online using Paypal, your membership will automatically renew each month using the credit card you registered with. If you sign up choose to pay with Interact eTransfer, you will receive an invoice the day before your membership is due. You can send your payment by interact eTransfer to payment@akbc.ca.  Alternatively, you can pay securely through Paypal with monthly recurring payments here. It is also possible to pay by cash at the Centre or post-dated cheques. Please contact us at membership@akbc.ca to arrange payment with post-dated cheques.

A) There are two start dates depending upon how you register:

  • Onsite membership registration: your membership begins immediately.
  • Online registration: please give us 24 hours to activate your membership. Your membership begins as soon as it is activated.

A) We ask that you pay your membership as soon as it is due. If you are paying through Paypal with automatic recurring payments or with post-dated cheques, your membership will automatically renew. If payment is not received, there is a 7-day grace period before your membership will become lapsed. At this time, you will no longer be able to access on the online links. After 21 days your membership is suspended. As soon as payment is received your account will become active again.

A) No. Membership benefits apply to one adult member only and are not transferable.

A) No. AKBC is part of a global organization and we have many Kadampa Centres worldwide. Each of our Centers are independently registered organizations, so your AKBC membership only covers classes and events directly affiliated with and organized by AKBC.

A) We request a three-month minimum commitment for Level One – General Program and a six-month commitment for Level Two – FP. Once your membersip is initiated, your membership will automatically renew each month. Membership can be cancelled by emailing membership@akbc.ca. Please give two-weeks notice for cancellation. If you cancel your membership before the end of the 3-month or 6-month commitment period, you will need to wait three months before you can start a new membership.

A) No, membership at AKBC is not tax-deductible. You have the option when you become a member to add a monthly donation to your membership. If you would like to support AKBC’s classes, please consider making a regular or one-time donation at akbc.ca/donate.

This sometimes happens. The membership software we use, automatically generates and emails an invoice to you each month. Sometimes this invoice is still generated after payment has been received. No worries. Your payment has very likely been recorded in our system. You can log into your account and see an up-to-date account of all your invoices and payments. If you have any questions, please email membership@akbc.ca.

Support AKBC With Your Monthly Membership

Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre is a registered Canadian charity.  Our Center is volunteer-run and all activities are dedicated to the development of world peace. All funds raised through our classes and events support our classes and events.

Start Saving & Enjoy Discounts

Commit to your own spiritual growth by becoming a member of Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre. If you regularly attend classes and events and want the most economical option, or if you want to take your meditation practice to another level, sign up for a membership plan.

Sign Up!

Becoming a Member is quick and easy. Just sign up online, over the phone or at the Center. Decide which membership is right for you, then use the “Become a member” button below.

questions about membership
What are the membership fees?2022-01-19T13:26:10-05:00

What are the membership fees?

Choose Your Membership

Level One - GP Membership

$$50monthly
  • 3-month minimum commitment
Sign Up

Includes:

• Drop -in (General Program) meditation classes
• Half day courses
• Day courses
• Retreats held at the centre
• Livestream our Wednesday class (coming soon)
• Access to our borrowing library

Level Two - FP Membership

$$75monthly
  • This level requires enrolment in Foundation Program. Our next term begins on April 4. If you would like to enrol, please contact us to set up a pre-registration interview and sit in on a class.
Request Sign Up

Includes:

• Drop -in (General Program) meditation classes
• Half day courses
• Day courses
• Retreats held at the centre
• 20% discount on special events
• Discounts on special events
• Livestream our Wednesday class (coming soon)
• Access to our borrowing library

Benefactor Membership

$Your Choice Monthly
  • Make a monthly donation to support AKBC and receive a charitable tax receipt. This monthly donation does not give access to classes.
Foundation Program FAQ2022-09-02T15:12:17-04:00

Foundation Program FAQ

A) Foundation Program is from 6:45 – 9 pm on Monday evenings, except for holiday Mondays. There is some time off on Mondays in December and for two Mondays in August.

A) Terms cover a section of a book – approximately 100 pages. Each term is roughly 6 months – usually from April to October or November, and from October to April.

Foundation Program

This study program comprises the following five subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche:

1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune

2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and The New Eight  Steps to Happiness

3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom

4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold

5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind

Benefits of the program

The benefits of studying and practicing these texts are as follows:

Joyful Path of Good Fortune – we gain the ability to put all Buddha’s teachings of both Sutra and Tantra into practice. We can easily make progress on and complete the stages of the path to the supreme happiness of enlightenment. From a practical point of view, the Stages of the Path, or Lamrim, is the main body of Buddha’s teachings, and the other teachings are like its limbs.

Universal Compassion and The New Eight  Steps to Happiness – we gain the ability to integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily life and solve all our human problems.

The New Heart of Wisdom – we gain a realization of the ultimate nature of reality. By gaining this realization we can eliminate the ignorance of self-grasping that is the root of all our suffering.

Meaningful to Behold – we transform our daily activities into the Bodhisattva’s way of life, thereby making every moment of our human life meaningful.

How to Understand the Mind – we understand the relationship between our mind and its external objects. If we understand that objects depend upon the subjective mind we can change the way objects appear to us by changing our own mind. Gradually we shall gain the ability to control our mind and in this way solve all our problems.

No. The Foundation Program in not a drop-in class but requires enrolment to study this section of the book. You will need to become a Foundation Program (Level 2) Member to attend the Foundation Program. This will also give you unlimited access to all classes offered at AKBC.

A) Yes. To attend the Foundation Program you will need to become a Foundation Program (Level 2) member. You can request membership on our membership page. As a Foundation Program member, you can attend Foundation Program and all meditation classes, and courses for one monthly membership fee.

A) Before enrolling you are welcome to sit in on a class to try out the program. Everyone is welcome to sit in on one class in each section to see what the Foundation Program is about. If you choose to enrol, we there is a short pre-registration interview.

We ask students to attend at least one General Program series before enrolling.

If you would like to try out a class, please contact the Foundation Program Coordinator at fp@akbc.ca to set up a date.

A) From September 2022, the Foundation Program is offered in-person. However, there is an opportunity for those in our area who live at a distance to join us online. To enquire, please contact education@akbc.ca.

A) Yes. Before enrolling in Foundation Program, we encourage you to try out a class. We have an Open House class at the beginning of each section that everyone is invited to attend. However, you can sit in on a class at any time.

A) Yes. You can join the Foundation Program at any time during the section. We have an Open House class at the beginning of each section that everyone is invited to attend. However, if you would like to join mid-section, you are also welcome to. Please contact fp@akbc.ca for details.

We do ask that students attend at least one General Program series before enrolling in the class.

A) When you enrol in the Foundation Program, you commit to attending every class, engaging Centre organized prayers at least once a month, and writing an exam based on this section of book.

A) You will have to open up a Level 2 membership to attend the Foundation Program. The fee is $75 a month. This membership will cover all Foundation Program classes, all drop-in classes, courses and retreat held at the Centre. You can sign up at the Centre with the Foundation Program Coordinator, or if you are a distance student, the Foundation Program Coordinator will send you the membership information.

For other payment information please contact membership@akbc.ca.

FAQ Foundation program
FAQ Foundation program
faq frequently asked questions

Useful Links

Download Free eBooks

How to Transform Your Life - free ebook download

How to Transform Your Life

Modern Buddhism - free ebook download

Modern Buddhism



Donate Today
Kadampa Buddhism Worldwide

©2022 Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre | All Rights Reserved | Reg. charity no. 81467 9429 RR0001 | member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union

Avalokiteshvara Kadampa Buddhist Centre
Toggle Sliding Bar Area
New Kadampa Tradition Logo

Contact Info

143 Wyndham St N, Suite 203 Guelph, ON N1H 4E9

Phone: 1.226.486.2417

Web: akbc.ca

Registered Charity Number

81467 9429 RR0001

Go to Top