Dharma Retreats

 

Retreat Theme​

       With silence as a support, an inner space is created, inviting wisdom to take root within us and our hearts to gently open up.

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      During these few days together, carried along by the Falls, we will cultivate kindness and inner peace and deepen our attentive and lively presence. This is a gift we give to ourselves, but also to others in a world that greatly needs wisdom, deep listening, and peace.

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     This silent retreat will include mindfulness and lovingkindness practices. We will have the opportunity to meditate together during sitting and walking meditations, and receive Dharma instructions and teachings. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss your practice with the teacher in small group meetings, and individually, upon request. Open to all.

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About the Retreat​​​​

     This retreat will be held in Noble Silence, except for teacher talks, practice meetings with attendees, and Question and Response periods. Instruction will be offered on Vipassana (Insight Meditation), and Loving-Kindness (Metta) meditation. All teachings are rooted in early Buddhism, with skilful adaptations making them accessible to modern minds.

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About the Location

Mount Carmel Spiritual Retreat Centre is situated on the escarpment just above Niagara Falls. The centre, which was build at the turn of the 20th century, offers comfortable and fully accessible accommodations with private (single) rooms, each with its own en suite bathroom.

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What is Insight Meditation​

     Insight (or vipassana) meditation is the simple, direct observation of the mind/body process with relaxed, open and careful attention. As we connect with our experience from a place of spacious stillness and steadiness, we learn to meet the changing conditions we encounter with greater ease and balance of mind. As our understanding deepens, equanimity in the face of change grows, and we discover a refuge that is to a great extent independent of life’s changing conditions.

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