CLEAR SKY MIND
ABIDING IN AN OCEAN OF TRANQUILITY
Away Retreat – Nanaimo | Oct 18-22
DATES: Oct 18 – 22. You can book 4 nights (Wed-Sun) or just the weekend (Fri-Sun).
TEACHER: Gen Kelsang Zopa
WHERE: Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo BC
COST OPTIONS:
(1) $900/person, includes accommodation for 4 nights, 12 meals and all sessions. Wednesday evening through Sunday afternoon.
(2) $465/person, includes accommodation for 2 nights, 6 meals and all sessions within the timeframe of Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
(3) For Locals – a commuter price of $500 for Weds to Sun or $265 for the weekend only. All meals and sessions within the timeframe included.
Clear Sky Mind
We often feel stuck in painful habits of thought, such as anxiety, feelings of hurt or depression. Because we perceive our mind to be fixed and unchanging, we feel trapped inside these painful emotions. But this seemingly inflexible mind does not correspond to the true nature of our mind. In this retreat, we will be guided on a voyage of exploration of our own mind through which we will discover our potential for inner peace.
“When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and the mind becomes still, a deep happiness and sense of contentment naturally arise from within.” – Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
By meditating on the clarity of our mind, we will come to understand that our potential for change is limitless, and that both the freedom from unhappiness and the attainment of enlightenment are definitely possible. We can then initiate a joyful process of profound transformation.
This retreat includes instruction, guided meditations, and group prayers. There will also be time to enjoy a stroll around Westwood Lake where you’ll find bluffs with a spectacular view of the lake and Mt. Benson or just to contemplate and read.
Gen Kelsang Zopa
A Canadian Buddhist monk, Gen Zopa has been presenting the profound and practical teachings of the Buddhist path for over 25 years. Renowned for the clarity and depth of his teachings, his warmth and practicality bring to life the ancient art of meditation.
Q. Do I need to be a Buddhist to attend?
Q. Do I need to have any experience?
Q. How should I dress? Is there physical exercise involved?
Seating will be in chairs or you can bring your own cushion if you wish. There is no physical exercise during sessions.
During breaks you may want to avail yourself of the hiking trails, but it is not required.
Q. What is the schedule for the retreat?
You can arrive anytime after 3:30pm on either Wednesday or Friday and check into your room. Dinner will be at 5:30pm. The Introductory Session will be at 7:00pm on Wednesday for those attending the full 5 day retreat and at 7:00 pm on Friday for those attending for the weekend only.
There will be 3 meals and 5 sessions* on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 4 sessions on Sunday. The retreat will end at 2 pm on Sunday.
You may download a copy of the detailed schedule here.
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*Morning Meditation plus 3 to 4 longer session that include both teaching and meditation
Q. What are the accommodations like?
For the most part, each person will have their own room – very simple accomodations with a full or twin bed. Towels and sheets will be provided.
We can have access to limited number of rooms with 2 twin beds if there is a demand. You can book these as a single or if you want to share with a partner or close friend, you can each book that type of room and identify your roommate. (We still need one registration per person.)
Restrooms are shared in all cases.
If you need to avoid stairs or have other physical requirements for your accomodations, please indicate on your registration.
Q. What dietary restrictions can be accomodated?
Gluten-free, non-dairy and vegan dietary requirements can be accomodated easily and you can identify this on your registration. If you have food allergies or other dietary needs, please let us know and we will see what can be done.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, you must book in advance. Registration opens on August 16th at 8am and will remain open until there is no space or Oct 13 at 9 pm, whichever comes first. If you have questions, please email us at ad@meditateinvictoria.org
Q. What is the cost?
There are 4 options depending on your situation and your schedule availability. We highly recommend Option 1 for the most immersive retreat experience if you are able:
1) $840/person, includes accommodation for 4 nights, 12 meals and all sessions. Wednesday evening through Sunday afternoon.
(2) $455/person, includes accommodation for 2 nights, 6 meals and all sessions within the timeframe of Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
(3 and 4) For Locals – a commuter price of $345 for Weds to Sun or $190 for the weekend only. All meals and sessions within the timeframe included.
Q. What is the cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy reflects the deposit and cancellation policies of Bethlehem Centre.
Full Payment is due at the time of registration. Refunds, less a $50 per person booking fee, will be available until Sept 17. For cancelations from Sept 18 – Oct 9 we will be able to refund you 50% of the fees less the $50 booking fee. After that time, there will be no refund available unless a substitute is located.
Q: What are the applicable Covid-19 precautions/restrictions?
All sleeping accomodations are individual, but the bathrooms are shared. Sanitizing materials will be provided to clean surfaces between uses.
We will eat communally. You can elect in your registration if you prefer a table where there is silence during the meal or not.
Masks will be encouraged in the class room.