Dharma Fellowship Events

End of Year Shamatha Retreat

2012-03-27T22:22:36.000Z

When: Thu Sep 13, 2012 to Mon Sep 17, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Winding down a season of intensive retreats, this gentle practice session in Calm-abiding Meditation will mainly focus on establishing a sense of peace and happiness. Happiness is a sign of physical and mental well-being, but happiness requires a sense of inner peace, coupled with self-esteem, for it to manifest in our being. All wisdom lies within - through meditation, we can look into our hearts and find that which truly makes us happy. As Lama repeatedly says, "For meditation to be successful, you must bring joy into your practice." Joy and self-inquiry are the factors that can transform our life. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

'The Tibetan Book of the Dead' - Insight into Life, Death and Awakening.

2012-03-27T22:21:59.000Z

When: Thu Sep 6, 2012 to Mon Sep 10, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Every one of us must face death at some point; not only our own death, but also that of our loved ones. How do we deal with it? What can we make of it? The Tibetan Book of the Dead is an ancient text that pictures what happens when we die and explains how we can directly pray for and assist those who die, but the ancient text is hard to understand. With distinct insight based on years of personally assisting the dead and the dying, Lama Tsultrim Namdak Rinpoche, a fully ordained Buddhist monk and student of the leading Kagyu master Tai Situ Rinpoche, will 'unpack' the mysteries of the 'Tibetan Book of the Dead' in a way to make it meaningful for Western seekers. Learn how you too can help others in the death process, as well as to prepare, using meditation, for your own demise. At root, understanding death is the key to life itself! FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation to Awaken the Heart

2012-03-27T22:21:21.000Z

When: Thu Aug 30, 2012 to Mon Sep 3, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: This retreat, in the sublime Sikh Tradition, will explore self-healing yogic techniques and meditation, to awaken the consciousness and the potential of the individual. Through the daily practice of powerful Kundalini Yoga Kriyas, Meditations, Mantras and Pranayama (breathwork), as taught by Yogi Bhajan, emphasis is on opening the heart and awakening the spirit within. With many practical teachings and tips for living a wholesome, healthy and happy lifestyle in this new Age of Aquarius, this retreat is great for both beginners and advanced students of meditation and yoga. Optional early-morning Sadhana practice will also be offered. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Annual Mahamudra Retreat

2012-03-27T22:20:43.000Z

When: Tue Aug 14, 2012 to Mon Aug 27, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: In the Tibetan Kagyu school, the path of Mahamudra is considered the 'pinnacle' of ways to awaken to Reality and attain personal realization; the fundamental means for coming to experience the true nature of the Minddirectly. It is the very essence of all the teachings of the Buddhas and sages of the past and present. Inquiry is conducted in precise steps through a combination of intense meditation and pointed questions, according to a program proven meaningful for thousands of years. Strict silence throughout the retreat and many, many hours of disciplined meditation practice are expected from all who attend. Because it is important that those attending the retreat be familiar with Hermitage routine and are knowledgeable in the Centre's style of meditation practice, the requirement for admission is that applicants have completed at least one Calm-abiding (Shamatha) retreat at the Hermitage. This highly disciplined retreat involves instruction each morning, followed by private interviews with the teacher, carried out in a traditional manner based on the victorious Dharma lineage of Namgyal Rinpoche. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Chan Meditation Retreat with Master Guo Jun: A Chinese 'Zen' Intensive

2012-03-27T22:19:58.000Z

When: Fri Aug 3, 2012 to Fri Aug 10, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Master Guo Jun, a Dharma heir of Master Sheng Yen, and the Primary Teacher of Chan Community Canada, currently resides in Singapore. He received monastic ordainment under Master Song Nian at Mahabodhi Monastery, Singapore, and is currently the abbot of Mahabodhi Monastery. Previous meditation experience is required to attend this retreat. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm, http://www.chancommunity.ca/

Four Foundations of Liberation: Building a Solid and Yet Empty House

2012-03-27T22:19:01.000Z

When: Fri Jul 27, 2012 to Tue Jul 31, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: A retreat suitable for both beginner and experienced meditators. The Satipatthana or 'Four Foundations of Mindfulness,' are known as the Direct Path to Realization. In this retreat renowned psychologist and long time meditator Dr. Cheryl Fraser, Ph.D., will show you how incredibly meaningful and alive this approach is! You will explore ways of meditation that bring you directly in touch with the body and feelings, the first two foundations, and how practice on these areas of being can loosen fixed attachment and personal suffering. You will learn how to bring about psychological ease and balance. Further instruction will then focus on awareness of Mind itself. How does the mind interact with body and feeling-tone? Is there a story or bare attention? How can you train the mind to observe itself? Finally the retreat will explore contemplation of the Dhammas, explaining how to bring a view of Liberation to the experience of the first three foundations. You will learn to address the question: What is the experience of Freedom? Known for her direct, clear, and humorous teaching style, Cheryl seeks to introduce the question: 'How can we be Happy for no reason?' FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Shamatha - Calm-abiding Meditation

2012-03-27T22:17:39.000Z

When: Fri Jul 20, 2012 to Tue Jul 24, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: This silent practice retreat will focus on developing deep states of meditation by means of concentration and peacefully calming the busy 'monkey-mind,' to attain steadiness, relaxation and clarity. Gain an understanding of the nine stages of calm-abiding that ultimate lead to the beatific state of Samadhi. Learn to establish a solid basis for health and well-being of mind and body. This retreat consists of daily teaching, followed by interview with the Lama, and with each practitioner encouraged to practice at his or her own pace, on their own in the midst of Nature. In fact, finding harmony between oneself and Nature is an important component of this practice. Calm-abiding is considered to be the foundation on which all other forms of successful meditation or inner work must depend. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Meditation on the Bodhisattva of Compassion

2012-03-27T22:16:56.000Z

When: Fri Jul 13, 2012 to Tue Jul 17, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Lama Shenpen has led a full life, first as a married mother with children and then as an ordained Buddhist renunciate. She teaches not only with the skill that comes from study and learning, but by the lived example of her purposeful spiritual life. In 1995, she completed the classical Three Year Retreat in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of her teacher, the renowned venerable Kalu Rinpoche. During this July retreat, Lama Shenpen will give teachings on Calm-abiding Meditation, with instruction on posture, sitting, walking, the four contemplations that turn the mind, etc., and especially the Avalokitesvara practice which leads to direct realization. She will explain how to establish a daily routine and how to use this practice as a transformative tool in ordinary life. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Meditation On Love and Relationship

2012-03-27T22:15:52.000Z

When: Wed Jul 4, 2012 to Tue Jul 10, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Maitri-bhavana, the cultivation of love in meditation, is an ancient technique that was originally taught by the Buddha. The practice focuses on awakening the heart and learning to break down the barriers protecting our vulnerability. In the abstract the aim is to learn to develop an unconditional love toward all beings, but in particular this meditation also changes how an individual functions in relationship. From the romantic to the spiritual, and everything in between, the greatest transformative force in the world is that of love. When love itself becomes the focus of concentration, individuals find themselves lifted from the mundane to the transcendental. They find themselves healed of past traumas and buried negative reaction-patterns. The walls come down and new life is born within them. Love conquers all. Love awakens the soul within. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Anapanasati - Mindfulness of Breathing

2012-03-27T22:14:50.000Z

When: Fri Jun 22, 2012 to Sun Jul 1, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Pure basic meditation, Anapanasati is the system of awakening taught in the sutras of the Buddha. This is the most classic, direct, stream-lined process of meditation known to man. Lama Gerry Kopelow from Winnipeg, Canada, is a highly regarded teacher of Buddhist Meditation, who has guided many seekers out of depression, anxiety and anger-issues, to lasting happiness and higher states of consciousness, strictly through the Anapanasati technique. With astounding subtlety, humour and wisdom, Gerry has transformed the lives of hundreds of individuals who have followed his technique. Through Anapanasati, and Gerry's guidance, let attention on the breath lead you to personal liberation and enlightenment. Some say that this is the greatest and most direct of all meditation paths. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Walking the Path Successfully While Living In the World

2012-03-27T22:14:05.000Z

When: Fri Jun 15, 2012 to Tue Jun 19, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Namdak Rinpoche is a fully ordained Buddhist monk or Bhikshu and long time student of the venerable master Tai Situ Rinpoche and the venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. For many years Lama worked as a medical doctor, while pursuing the 'path of awakening' amidst a very busy worldly life. The retreat will focus on how to work on oneself and develop your spirituality, not in some isolated monastery somewhere, but while engaged in the daily round. Can worldly people find enlightenment in the world? This is an eminently valuable series of lessons and instructions in the meditation path, especially suited to the Westerner. The lessons are illustrated with many pertinent, first hand examples. The discussion is far ranging and touches upon every aspect of life, with a focus on awakening in the here and now. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Yoga Nidra - Meditation of Sleep & Dream

2012-03-27T22:13:20.000Z

When: Fri Jun 8, 2012 to Tue Jun 12, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: A process of awakening through the Deep Sleep State. Yoga Nidra is a technique and type of meditation that has been taught in India since ancient times. References to the science of Yoga Nidra can be found in the early Mandukya Upanishad, yet few people know the technique. This is a rare opportunity to learn a unique method of accessing the wisdom, power and natural luminosity within one's being through the Deep Sleep State, thereby radically changing one's life for the better. Through Yoga Nidra individuals can attain well-being, happiness, health and mental balance, inner peace and self-realization, using a path that is at once clear, easy and direct. The skills learned in this retreat can be taken into daily life, providing you with confidence, courage and knowledge to face all situations. Yoga Nidra is also helpful in dealing with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and so forth. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Meditation & Mandalas - Doorways to the Soul

2012-03-27T22:12:36.000Z

When: Fri Jun 1, 2012 to Tue Jun 5, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: This five day silent retreat will combine periods of meditation with the creation of simple mandalas. Mandalas are used in many traditions for healing and transformation. When an image from the psyche is created in a meditative space, integration and spiritual connection can result. Instruction in Vipassana meditation (Mahasi tradition) will be given and there will be time for individual work on mandalas and group question periods. Participants should bring art supplies - contact registrar for details. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Profound Calm-abiding Meditation

2012-03-27T22:11:46.000Z

When: Fri May 25, 2012 to Tue May 29, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Focus is on silence and deep meditation practice, with an emphasis on gaining a profound experience of concentration, mental development, inner wisdom and self-transformation during the time of the retreat. Emphasis is on direct sitting meditation, focused concentration, with the goal of attaining Samadhi, blissful integration and dynamic awakening to one's Inner Being. The intention is that students will leave at the end of the retreat with a clear understanding of how to continue to make progress amidst the turmoil and business of ordinary life. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Beginner-level Meditation and Yoga

2012-03-27T22:08:22.000Z

When: Fri May 11, 2012 to Tue May 15, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Combines physical yoga, sitting posture, breathing (pranayama) and clear meditation instruction guided by an experienced, knowledgeable and gentle meditation teacher. Ideal for both newcomers and long-term students, but especially adapted for the benefit of the complete beginner. In easy-to-follows steps, Alison will show you how to gain inner tranquillity, calm, personal insight, and a sense of renewed joy. She has personally studied under B.K.S. Iyengar and has decades of experience teaching yoga, on top of which she has added profound insight acquired through meditation. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation to Awaken the Heart

2012-03-27T22:10:48.000Z

When: Fri May 18, 2012 to Tue May 22, 2012

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: This retreat, in the sublime Sikh Tradition, will explore self-healing yogic techniques and meditation, to awaken the consciousness and the potential of the individual. Through the daily practice of powerful Kundalini Yoga Kriyas, Meditations, Mantras and Pranayama (breathwork), as taught by Yogi Bhajan, emphasis is on opening the heart and awakening the spirit within. With many practical teachings and tips for living a wholesome, healthy and happy lifestyle in this new Age of Aquarius, this retreat is great for both beginners and advanced students of meditation and yoga. Optional early-morning Sadhana practice will also be offered. FMI: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreat-schedule.htm

Natural Mind

2011-03-29T03:40:36.000Z

When: Wed Aug 10, 2011 to Sun Aug 14, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: A Calm-Abiding Retreat led by Lama Rodney Devenish. This will be a silent meditation practice retreat appropriate for all levels of experience. Note: Originally this was the slot for, Chöd: The Sweet Laughter of the Goddess, with Ngakpa Kalsang Dorje. This has been cancelled. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule

Maitri Bhavana: Meditation on Love

2011-03-29T03:45:49.000Z

When: Fri Sep 9, 2011 to Thu Sep 15, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: For the last meditation retreat of the year we focus on Opening the Lotus of the Heart, or in other words, Meditation on Love. Learn what the Buddha called the four Divine Abidings, the four stages of Prem or Love, and how to develop each stage in turn. Learn to open the heart. Learn to be genuinely transformed by love. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule

Yoga Nidra: Awakening in the Deep Sleep State

2011-03-29T03:44:42.000Z

When: Fri Sep 2, 2011 to Tue Sep 6, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Sleep your way to enlightenment? Yes, its true. Yoga Nidra is a skill that has been taught in India since ancient times. You will learn skills that can be applied in the midst of daily life, providing a sense of confidence when encountering difficult situations, and helpful in dealing with depression, anxiety/fear and the experience of chronic pain. Led by George McFaul. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation

2011-03-29T03:43:14.000Z

When: Fri Aug 26, 2011 to Tue Aug 30, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Kundalini Yoga and Meditation as taught by Yogi Bhajan in the sublime Sikh Tradition. We will explore self-healing yogic techniques to awaken the consciousness and follow through with daily practice of powerful Kundalini Yoga Kriyas, Meditations, Mantras and Pranayama (breathwork), to open the heart and awaken the spirit within. Led by the yogi Devmurti and the yogini Hari Amrit Khalsa, KRI-Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructors who have taught yoga and meditation for over 30 years. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule

Uniting Calm-Abiding and Transcendant Insight

2011-03-29T03:41:43.000Z

When: Wed Aug 17, 2011 to Tue Aug 23, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Shamatha and Vipasyana – Calm-abiding meditation and Insight practice – are two aspects of the Buddha’s path to awakening. Merging them both brings meditation practice to fruition and opens the door to self-knowing. This retreat focuses on using inquiry to investigate the nature of the mind and explore the nature of one’s personality and behavior. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule

Avalokitesvara: Way of Love and Compassion

2011-03-29T03:39:34.000Z

When: Sat Aug 6, 2011 to Sun Aug 7, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: Lama Shenpen’s retreat will focus on the practice of devotion, love and compassion, particularly embodied in the luminous ideal of Avalokitesvara. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule

Mahamudra Retreat

2011-03-29T03:38:30.000Z

When: Fri Jul 22, 2011 to Thu Aug 4, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: This highly disciplined meditation retreat involves daily instruction each morning, followed by private interviews with the teacher, carried out in a traditional manner based on the meditation lineage of Namgyal Rinpoche. Led by Lama Rodney Devenish. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule

Calm-Abiding in the Midst of Nature

2011-03-29T03:37:23.000Z

When: Sat Jul 16, 2011 to Wed Jul 20, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: This silent practice retreat will focus on the nine stages of what is called Shamatha or Calm-abiding Meditation. Primarily a practice aimed at attaining inner states of profound concentration, this retreat is led by Lama Rodney, with daily teaching, personal interviews, and with each practitioner encouraged to practice at their own pace, on their own in the midst of nature. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule

The Kasina Retreat

2011-03-29T03:36:37.000Z

When: Tue Jul 5, 2011 to Thu Jul 14, 2011

Where: The Hermitage, Denman Island, BC, Canada
Event Status: confirmed
Event Description: A long time student of Namgyal Rinpoche and currently residing at the Hermitage, former Buddhist monk Lama Lodroe Rinpoche (Sidney McQueen-Smith) is giving a special “Kasina Retreat” this year: a rare opportunity to learn the esoteric techniques of creating and using Earth, Air, Fire and Water “Kasinas” to enhance your meditation experience. You will receive instruction on how to make each kind of Kasina, and how to work with these devices to take your meditation to a whole new level. http://www.dharmafellowship.org/hermitage/retreats.htm#schedule