Presenters include David Michie, author of Hurry up and Meditate, Pauline McKinnon, Laurence Mills and Australian Buddhist monk, Clarke Scott, who has trained under His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

The Conference brings together some of Australia’s leading meditation teachers, meditation researchers and performing artists in the field of contemplative/intuitive music.

The event provides practitioner-oriented education for wellness professionals. Our commitment is to bring together leaders in the field of meditation, presenting the latest information and approaches.

Storey Hall is in the heart of the city and offers a fully integrated venue, combining a great auditorium, exhibition space and an area for networking, refreshments and a vegetarian lunch.

This event promises to be a wonderful opportunity for anyone with a personal or professional interest in meditation to explore this marvellous practice in its many diverse forms.

Meditation leads to peace of mind, harmonious relationships and a meaningful life. This popular half-day course is the perfect introduction to meditation, providing the basic techniques that will enable you to experience these benefits for yourself. The course includes guided meditations and practical advice on how meditation helps us to be happy and free from problems in daily life.

Date & time
Sat 20 Feb
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Understanding life and death – Sat 6 Mar
How to attain everlasting happiness
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

All life’s sufferings arise because we don’t realise we will die. Due to ignorance of death we are strongly attached to all the attractive things of this life alone which causes endless worries, disappointment, frustration and fear. Understanding death according to Buddha’s supremely skilful teachings frees us naturally from suffering and leads us to spiritual paths, the source of all good qualities and happiness in this life and beyond.

Date & time
Sat 6 Mar, 10am – 4pm

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Southern Dharma Celebration – 19 to 21 Mar
The empowerment of Buddha Maitreya

The Southern Dharma Celebration 2010 is a special opportunity to receive the empowerment of Buddha Maitreya. Kadam Bridget Heyes will grant the empowerment and will also give teachings on loving kindness through which we can maintain a happy and peaceful mind all the time and enjoy an increasingly meaningful and fulfilling life.

Dates
Fri 19 – Sun 21 Mar

Kadam Bridget Heyes

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 27 Mar
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Meditation leads to peace of mind, harmonious relationships and a meaningful life. This popular half-day course is the perfect introduction to meditation, providing the basic techniques that will enable you to experience these benefits for yourself. The course includes guided meditations and practical advice on how meditation helps us to be happy and free from problems in daily life.

Date & time
Sat 27 Mar
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Relaxing break in Holland – 23 to 25 Apr
An enjoyable weekend of meditation and relaxation
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

Retreat is a special time to leave our ordinary activities behind, relax, unwind and focus on meditation. Located in the beautiful Dutch countryside of South Limburg, close to the lovely city of Maastricht, Hotel Kadampa Holland is the perfect place for an enjoyable and meaningful weekend within easy reach of London.

Retreat dates
The retreat begins at 8pm on Friday 23 April with an introductory talk and finishes at 1pm on Sunday 25 April with lunch at 1pm.

Retreat venue
Hotel Kadampa Holland
Graafstraat 39
6305 BD Schin op Geul
The Netherlands
See online map

Retreat fees
* Single room £150
* Twin room £125
* Shared room £95

Fees are per person and include accommodation, teachings and all meals (vegetarian) but do not include travel to or from the venue.
KMC Holland – weekend meditation retreat venue
KMC Holland, Maastricht

Medicine Buddha empowerment – Sat 8 May
Health and happiness for ourselves and others
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

The source of all mental and physical pain is the negativity within our own minds. At this empowerment we will make a special connection with Medicine Buddha, a wise and compassionate Buddha doctor, who works to free us from this negativity. By relying upon him we can be released from our suffering permanently and experience the lasting peace and happiness of enlightenment. Everyone is welcome.

Date & time
Sat 8 May, 10.30am – 4.30pm

Venue
Unitarian Church,
311/2 Hoop Lane, Golders Green, London NW11 8BS
(on the corner of Elmcroft Avenue and Hoop Lane)
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Medicine Buddha

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 22 May
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Meditation leads to peace of mind, harmonious relationships and a meaningful life. This popular half-day course is the perfect introduction to meditation, providing the basic techniques that will enable you to experience these benefits for yourself. The course includes guided meditations and practical advice on how meditation helps us to be happy and free from problems in daily life.

Date & time
Sat 22 May
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Weekend retreat in Spain – 11 to 13 Jun
A meaningful holiday at Hotel Kadampa, Málaga
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

A great opportunity to get away from it all and focus on meditation in the beautiful Hotel Kadampa Spain in Málaga. Guided by John McBretney, the Resident Teacher of Heruka Centre, the retreat is a great way to gain some experience of meditation and learn about Kadampa Buddhism.

Retreat dates
The retreat begins at 8pm on Friday 11 June with an introductory talk and finishes at 1pm on Sunday 13 June with lunch at 1pm.

Retreat venue
Hotel Kadampa Spain
Fuente del Perro s/n
29120 Alhaurín el Grande
Málaga, Spain
See online map

Retreat fees
* Single room £150
* Twin room £125
* Shared room £95

Fees are per person and include accommodation, teachings and all meals (vegetarian) but do not include travel to or from the venue.
KMC Spain – weekend meditation retreat venue
KMC Spain, Málaga

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 19 Jun
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Meditation leads to peace of mind, harmonious relationships and a meaningful life. This popular half-day course is the perfect introduction to meditation, providing the basic techniques that will enable you to experience these benefits for yourself. The course includes guided meditations and practical advice on how meditation helps us to be happy and free from problems in daily life.

Date & time
Sat 19 Jun
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

The basics of Buddhism – Sat 17 Jul
An introduction to inner peace and meditation
Although our understanding and control of the external world is unprecedented, our understanding and control of the internal world of our own minds is very weak. As a result of this imbalance our lives are unsatisfactory and full of problems and worries. By learning essential truths originally taught by Buddha, we can develop an essential spiritual dimension to our lives through which we will gradually free our minds from all suffering and attain the pure and lasting happiness that material success alone cannot provide.

Date & time
Sat 17 Jul, 10am – 4pm

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

How to Meditate
by Jyotish Novak

Meditation Classes
How to Meditate

4 Week Series

In just a few weeks, you can learn how to meditate.

“ I very much enjoyed the class. Thank you for making such a spiritual meditation so easily available to people newly interested as well as absolutely enjoyable.”
—Laura

For: Beginners, meditators never having had live instruction, and those wanting a review
Time: 7:30-9:30pm, Tuesdays.
On the first evening come early to register (7:15pm) or pre-register online for discount.
Location: Location to be announced
Instructor: Sean

How to Meditate
by Jyotish Novak

Saturday How to Meditate Workshop

In just one day, you can learn how to meditate:

For: Beginners, meditators never having had live instruction, and those wanting a review

Time: 10am – 1pm, Saturdays.
Come early to register (9:45am) or pre-register online for discount.

Location: Heaven on Earth Holistic Center
7122 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90036.

Note: One block West of La Brea, second floor, above Starbuck’s and Susina Bakery. Entrance is on Detroit.

Parking: Plenty of free parking. There is a free, two-story parking garage diagonally behind the building. Map, directions, and free parking garage.

Instructor: Sean Meshorer

Cost: $60;
For a limited time, you can pre-register on-line for the Learn to Meditate Workshop for only $50.00.

Unable to take scheduled classes? Private meditation classes are available.

Testimonials

“Great class last night. Had another fantastic meditation this morning. I wanted to commend your ability to answer questions. Fantastic stuff. I really enjoy it very much.”
—Matthew Payne, Los Angeles, CA

“ Krishna Das’ s meditation class was outstanding! I loved that he taught from such depth of experience. Besides learning some powerful techniques, it was great to share in discussion and group meditation with both people brand new to meditation, as well as people with long term meditative practices. ”
—Lisa

“ I have searched for a method of meditation for a long time and am happy to say that I finally found one. The Learn to Meditate class not only taught me a proven and practical technique for how to meditate regularly, but it also explained, in a most clear and concise way, why it works so effectively. This is due to the unparalleled wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda, and to Ananda LA’s wonderful teacher, Krishnadas, who imparted these practices in a most insightful, intellectual, and inspiring way. ”
—Heidi

“I wanted to just thank you for your class last night. My meditation this morning was much simpler and much deeper and I am very excited to continue to learn from you.”
—Matt

“ I wanted to thank you for teaching the meditation class and sharing your knowledge and experience. I truly enjoyed the classes and it all has been very helpful in my search for inner peace and happiness. I will continue my daily morning meditations and my spiritual growth. Thanks again. ”
—Susanne

Meditation Classes – Level II

Deepening Your Meditation:
Energy & Magnetism

On the first evening come early to register (7:15pm) or pre-register online for discount.
Location: Location to be announced
Instructor: Sean

A technique using directed movements of the breath to release tension and facilitate deep healing and revitalization of body and mind. Please register in advance.

DDMBA Ontario Mindfulness Meditation Workshop

Date:Feb 7, 2010 – 10:00am – 4:00pm

Presented by:Dharma Drum Mountain (Ontario) Buddhist Association

Cost:Free

Type:Workshop

Style:Mindfulness

Location:North York Civic Centre Members Lounge

5100 Yonge Street

Toronto, ON, M2N 5V7

Canada

Have you ever wanted to know how sitting meditation can be applied to all aspects of daily life?

This workshop is designed to introduce people to the basics of meditation as applied to everyday living. Whether we are sitting, eating, working or involved in any movement, the principles of mindfulness can be evenly applied across all of these activities. This workshop will show you how to do this, under the guidance of an ordained teacher, Venerable Chan Teacher Guo Xing from Dharma Drum Retreat Centre in New York.

Topics for this event include:

-Living Meditation: Levels and Functions
-The Basics: Observing the Body and Mind
-Eight Form Moving Meditation
-Mindfulness and Eating
-Walking Meditation
-Methods of Identifying and Transforming mind and environment

We hope you can all join us for this in depth opportunity to learn and practice under a qualified and experienced Chan teacher.

This event is Free (donations welcome). Due to limited space, registration is required. To register, send an email to meditation@ddmba-ontario.ca.

Thank you, and Blessings to All,

DDMBA Ontario
http://www.ddmba-ontario.ca

Mindfulness for Stress Reduction: Intro to Six Part Workshop

Date:Feb 10, 2010 – 7:30am – 9:00am

Presented by:Snow Lion: The Meditation Shop

Cost:Dana (According to your means)

Type:Lecture

Style:Mindfulness

416-461-1611

contact@snowlioncanada.com

http://www.snowlioncanada.com

Location: Snow Lion: The Meditation Shop

708A Pape Ave

Toronto, ON, M4K 3S7

Canada

In this introductory talk, Theodore will discuss the nature of stress and its causes and demonstrate basic mindfulness techniques. This workshop is based primarily on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn who has worked with those in chronic pain and depression. Theodore also will share from the standpoint of 30 years of meditation practice and his own human condition. The Workshop is intended for those who have had no prior meditation experience or wish to deepen their beginning practice. The 6 part workshop will be lead by Theodore and assisted by Adele Brown. The dates for the workshop are Feb. 24 and Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.

Reservation for the talk is not necessary but pre-registration for the workshop is required. Register early as space is limited.

Theodore Tsaousidis has been practicing meditation and psycho-spiritual healing for the past thirty years. Born in a rural community in Greece and immersed in a tradition of village healers, he was always innately connected with nature and the spirit world. Consequently, he has been conscious of his spiritual journey from an early age. Over the years, Theodore has deepened this ancient connection. He has studied healing and shamanic teachings with various teachers and in diverse traditions including the Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist tradition. Since 1983, he has been a formal student of Zen Buddhism. He sees meditation and shamanism together as a great alchemy for the healing of self and others. Theodore is blessed to be guided by three teachers, Sensei Sunyana Graef, his foundational and meditation teacher, Zasep Tulku Rinpoche, who guides in Tibetan healing teachings and Gitta Bechsgaard, his classical yoga teacher. Theodore is also the steward of Snow Lion: The Meditation Shop.

www.sittingatthegate.ca theodore@sittingatthegate.ca

Adele Brown MSW is a Registered Social Worker in private practice. Her focus, along side her general practice, is Bereavement Counselling and Stress Reduction Using Mindfulness Training. Adele takes a holistic approach and understands that a “spiritual” component is not separate from life’s crisis, difficulties or goals. Adele is sensitive to different faith systems including Buddhist philosophy and psychology, Christianity, and Earth-centered spirituality. She believes that every individual is innately connected to their source of healing but through life’s conditioning and experiences that connection is veiled. Her practice reflects and honours the conviction that through support and guidance we can move toward the realization of that healing source. Adele uses a variety of modalities to facilitate growth.

Geshe Sherab Free Burlington Public Talk: Why Buddhism?

Geshe Sherab will share what he values personally about the Buddha’s teachings and how these teachings may benefit curious Westerners.

GESHE SHERAB FREE PUBLIC TALK KITCHENER/WATERLOO: STEPS FOR A HAPPY LIFE

Date:Feb 14, 2010 – 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Presented by:Lama Yeshe Ling Tibetan Buddhist Group – Burlington

Cost:BY DONATION

Type:Lecture

Style:Tibetan

905-296-3728

peace@lamayesheling.org

http://www.lamayesheling.org

GESHE SHERAB is a humourous and fluently articulate teacher and speaker. His Kitchener/Waterloo talk will focus on the Preliminary Practices. These practices purify obstacles and accumulate positive energies, leading to a direct experience of truth and greater sense of peace and happiness.

TRUE AWAKENING – an enlightenment intensive

Date:Feb 18, 2010 – 6:00pm – Feb 22, 2010 – 2:00pm

Presented by:True Source

Cost:$570.00 plus donation

Type:Retreat

519-942-8339

info@TrueSourceSeminars.com

http://www.truesourceseminars.com

Location:

Ecology Retreat Centre

RR#1 308046 Hockley Road

Orangeville, ON, L9W`2Y8

Canada

Have…Do… Be

We walk, we talk, we drive, we work, we buy, we pay, we sleep, we dream… in an endless cycle of having and doing where we “have-do-be” a particular person while we’re doing what we do, to get what we want. Often the way we have to be is not the way we are, but the way the world requires us to be. So we act out the parts, play the roles and wear the masks…over and over again.

Over time, “one develops a false sense of self in order to survive… After years of acting, performing and pretending, one’s loses sense of who one really is … One’s True Self is numbed out!” (John Bradshaw)

We wonder what the having, doing and being are all about.
We ask: “Is there more to life than this? Is this all there is to us?

Who am I ?
What is life?

We search through the books, videos, philosophies, religions and seminars only to find that, just like the roles we took on, the explanations we have believed have come externally from a source other than ourselves.
We question the answers.

Perhaps you are at this stage in your life…searching, questioning, exploring, wanting to know the truth through your own experience…wanting to live more fully…more from the depth of your true self? Perhaps you are ready for one of the biggest leaps in your spiritual growth:

TRUE AWAKENING is a remarkable process that brings you to the “direct consciousness” of your true self and the true nature of life. The retreat is a 4 evening/5 day process that combines the eastern practice of contemplation on an age-old question such as “who am I?” with a communication structure based on modern methods of western insight psychology. Periods of sitting, walking, meals, rest and silent meditation are spaced optimally within a monastic-like rural environment so that you can take full advantage of the opportunity to focus on realizing the Truth without the usual distractions of everyday life. The process is followed by a half day of integration to bring the experience of the weekend into your life.

No religious or philosophic belief system is taught.
The workshop leader only gives instruction on the technique and guides you through any difficulties that occur as you do it. Remarkably, the process produces spiritual realization that is similar in depth to that which is recorded in writings from many diverse spiritual traditions but without years of meditation and spiritual practice.

Self-Realization

When Self-Realization occurs you become aware of the fact of your true self, life or another. The illumination is simple, obvious and indisputable. You are enveloped in a sense of unity and completeness. A profound feeling of peace, contentment and lightness permeates your body. You feel totally embodied as if you have finally “come home” to your Self.

Benefits

Self-Realization is completely satisfying because it is fulfilling in and of itself. It gives you the ability to be more open and authentic in relationships, the persistence to accomplish personal goals, the centeredness to face life’s difficulties and a greater capacity for joy.

What participants have said about TRUE AWAKENING:

“I can’t property express how blessed I feel. All I know is that it (self-realization) is more real than anything…this sense of deep meaning and connection helps me trust that the human spirit has limitless possibility. Brenda McMorrow – Singer/songwriter, London

“All of my worries about the future…and past hurts seemed in that moment of awakening, very small when compared to the vastness of which I was apart. In that moment I knew real joy…” – Oriah Mountain Dreamer – Author from “The Invitation”, Toronto

“Within one year of the workshop I left my business and took a chance on a new career…money is not important, nor is status. What is important is that I am now doing what I was originally meant to do with my life” – Mel Steiner – Artist, Toronto

“It’s like I did 5 years of meditation in one weekend!” Beth Clark – Yoga Teacher, Kingston

“I now have a strength that comes from a different source, an inner strength. It just is. Coming from that source life is easier and when things get difficult, I have the power and deep knowledge to deal with it” – Suzy Wasitis – Homemaker- Mississauga
Retreat Leader

Russell Scott has coordinated healing programs and worked as a counselor in treatment centres in Northern Ontario. As well as having been the director of the Ecology Retreat Centre near Orangeville, Ontario for over 10 years he now owns “True Source Seminars” through which he has lead personal growth workshops across Ontario for the last 20 years. As a seasoned workshop leader, he has been involved in over 50 TRUE AWAKENING retreats.

NEXT RETREAT
February 18 (6pm) to 22 (2pm) 2010

For more information:
519-942-8339 or
info@TrueSourceSeminars.com
www.TrueSourceSeminars.com

3-Day Mindfulness (Vipassana) Meditation Retreat

3-DAY MINDFULNESS (VIPASSANA) MEDITATION RETREAT

WHEN: Feb. 18th and 19th, 2010, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Feb. 20th, 2010, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that this is a non-residential retreat. Participants will be returning to their homes at the end of each day of meditation.

This 3-day Mindfulness (Vipassana) meditation retreat introduces Buddhist practices that help us achieve deeper levels of insight into who and what we are, while promoting peace in our daily lives. By focusing moment-to-moment awareness on body sensations, feelings, and thoughts, we begin to clearly see life as a constantly changing process.

A sustained practice in Mindfulness meditation helps us to experience for ourselves the impermanence of all conditioned phenomena. This penetrating insight helps us to cultivate equanimity in regard to pain and pleasure, loss and gain, and other aspects of life’s ever-changing circumstances. Mindfulness meditation, and the greater wisdom and peace it brings, allows us to relate to life with less fear and clinging.

People of all faiths are welcome to attend this event, which is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.

Please register in advance at www.SpringRainSangha.com. Application and orientation forms can be found in the “Retreats” section of the website.

***************************************

The retreat will be led by Philip Starkman, Jim Bedard, and Randy Baker of Spring Rain Sangha.

A psychotherapist and Lifestyle Counselor/Coach in private practice, Philip has more than 40 years of experience in many forms of meditation. His eclectic background includes years of intensive practice in the monasteries, temples, and ashrams of Asia.

In 1980, Jim began practicing Zen meditation and soon after became a student of Roshi Philip Kapleau of the Rochester Zen Centre. He practiced with Roshi Kapleau and his dharma heirs for the next 20 years. After completing his formal training in Zen, Jim spent several years practicing with senior Vipassana teachers in the Theravada tradition. Today, he offers a balanced, direct approach to practices that point directly to the heart of the teachings.

Randy began Dharma practice in 1977 and practiced Zen for 20 years, including 10 years on the staff of the Rochester Zen Centre. He took up insight (Vipassana) and metta (loving-kindness) meditation in 1997.

Awaken your mind, body and spirit on this spiritual journey. Designed as both a workshop and a vacation, Ms. Muran takes participants on a spiritual journey through meditation, ceremonies and well deserved rest and relaxation at one of the 7th wonders of the world. Travelers reflect at the beautiful Lake Titicaca, enjoy the power of the Sacred Valley and participate in group ceremonies conducted by Wisdom Keeper, Jorge Delgado, at Machu Picchu. Spiritual voyagers also have personal time to explore the splendor of Peru, immerse themselves in Peruvian culture, and enjoy some retail therapy. 

Ms. Muran’s upcoming trip to Peru marks her 10th, and her third spiritual journey to Peru. One of Ms. Muran’s purposes is to re-pattern the old paradigms of fear and unworthiness imbedded in the consciousness and the planetary grid-a complex structure of energy leylines that encircle the globe and connect each person to a higher consciousness throughout the universe. 

Join Ms. Muran and experience the enchanting energy of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, September 12-26, 2009. The cost of this spiritual, Peruvian adventure is only $3,390.00 + airfare. 

For more details on this news, please visit  www.pressreleasepoint.com

Dr. Feng is an acclaimed Taoist Master who is the lineage holder of the Zhi Dao Taoist Tradition. Taught and mentored by his father, Dr. Wei Ren Feng, Master Feng grew up immersed in an environment of Taoist culture. Dr. Feng has taught Taoism and been a leading force in bringing Taoism to the West since the early 1970s.

For information please visit http://www.thetaoistcenter.com/Home%20Page.html

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST HERE to receive EMAIL UPDATES on events, gatherings, weekly arts groups, activism and responsible consumption events, podcast, daily blog and SENTIENT CITY online magazine news.

Located in New York City’s East Village, The Interdependence Project is a grassroots project for folks interested in working with their minds on the meditation cushion, and stepping out into the local community. The ID Project offers weekly meditation and Buddhism gatherings (Mon/Wed/Sat/Sun), as well as day-long retreats. But it doesn’t stop there: come on by for an art show, join our Integral Activism program or learn what it means to be a “responsible consumer.” We also have monthly Writing, Theater, Visual Arts ,and Needlecrafts/Knitting Groups on Sundays to explore those creative pursuits as artists also interested in meditation. Also check out the great articles on the One City Daily Blog.

Open Class & Meditation Gathering
Mondays @ Lila Dharma & Yoga Center
7 – 9 pm
302 Bowery @ Houston, Buzzer #2
6 train to Bleecker, F/V, B/D to Broadway/Lafayette. R/W to Prince
$10/ students & unemployed pay what you can

http://www.theIDproject.com for much more info, including more classes in NYC, art and activism events, downloadable podcasts, ONLINE MAGAZINE, and discussion board
Visit ITunes to subscribe to free podcast: “INTERDEPENDENCE PROJECT”
Email: info@theidproject.com with any questions about classes, gatherings, or other events.

Antidotes to the inner poison that keeps us dissatisfied
with Resident Teacher Carol Lutker
Sunday, May 3rd, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

How to recognize and transform craving or attachment into a mind of love and contentment. Taming the wild consumer within, and finding the true source of satisfaction. Everyone welcome!

Cost
$35 ($25 students/limited income) $25 discount for monthly sponsors. includes lunch.

Maitreya Kadampa Buddhist Center, 85 Sailfish Dr, Atlantic Beach FL 32233

To register, please call 904.222.8531 or email info@MeditationInJacksonville.org.

Awakening the Buddha Within in Fort Lauderdale

Discovering Happiness Through Compassion
with Kadam Nick Gillespie
Sunday, May 3rd, 9:30am – 2:00pm

In this course, Kadam Nick Gillespie will teach special meditations on universal compassion, the supremely positive mind that can help us transform our habitual self-cherishing mind into one that genuinely cherishes others.  Eventually we reach the point where we can transform any situation, however unpleasant, into a positive experience and an opportunity to make progress in our spiritual development.  In this way we discover our Buddha nature, our limitless potential for positivity and happiness.

Cost
$35 ($20 students/limited income) and includes a delicious vegetarian lunch! Center Sponsors receive a $25 discount off the regular course price.

Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 140 W Prospect Rod, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.  Please visit our website to pre-register: http://www.meditationinfortlauderdale.org/day-courses

Happiness From a Different Source Day Course in Orlando

Inspired Solutions for Difficult Times
with Resident Teacher Ricc Bishop
Sunday, May 3rd, 9:30am to 2:00pm

Finally, Something we can rely on.

When times get tough and anxious we need something that we can really rely upon. In Buddha’s teachings on the nature of suffering, the impermanence of all phenomema, and the mind’s ability to experience complete freedom and bliss, we find perfect instructions on transforming adversity into strength and happiness. These teachings have beeen used for thousands of years by people of different countries and different faiths to find true mental freedom and inner peace. All are welcome.

Cost
Requested donation is $35 ($20 students and limited income) and includes a delicious vegetarian lunch. Center Sponsors receive a $25 discount off the regular course price. Note: No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Vajrapani Buddhist Center 55 W Colonial Drive, Orlando (407) 245-7574

You don’t have to pay until the day of the event but please RSVP now so that we can plan the delicious Lunch! RSVP at this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wHKiWuXHEIH9tvBCC_2fiVaw_3d_3d

Transforming Attachment Day Course in Atlantic Beach (Jacksonville)

How to recognize and transform that painful “sticky”feeling
with Resident Teacher Carol Lutker
Sunday, May 3rd, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

We are all faced with many cravings or attachments: to things, people, situations, our views, reputation, body – all telling us we need something in order to be happy. In this course we will examine Buddha’s teachings on the origins of these uncomfortable feelings and explore how to find the lasting happiness we all seek.

Everyone is welcome – no previous experience necessary.

Cost
$35 ($25 students/limited income) includes lunch.

Maitreya Kadampa Buddhist Center, 85 Sailfish Dr, Atlantic Beach FL 32233

To Register, please call 904.222.8531 or email info@MeditationInJacksonville.org

Seeing Kindness Day Course with Gen-la Dekyong in Sarasota

A Day Course at KMC Florida in Sarasota
with National Spiritual Director Gen-la Dekyong
Sunday, May 10th, 10:00am – 4:30pm

“Wherever we look we find only the kindness of others.” – Ven. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

We all want to be kind and loving people, but find it hard to see others in positive ways, especially our close family and friends. We often struggle with discouragement and dissatisfaction, seeing our self and our life as a representation of others inattentiveness and neglect.

In order to conquer these feelings we need to unlock our heart. Seeing the kindness of others is the best way to do this and begin to develop our loving nature. In Buddha’s teachings on love he explains profound and practical methods to change our view. By using our wisdom eyes to see our mother as kind, we lay the foundation for a deep, genuine and lasting love for everyone we meet.

For those who wish there will be a Ceremony to take or renew the Bodhisattva Vows with Gen-la Dekyong after the day course.

For more information visit www.MeditationInSarasota.org

KMC Florida, 2016 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234. Please call (941) 373-1600 to pre-register, or email info@MeditationInSarasota.org

International Spring Festival 2009 in Ulverston, UK

The Empowerment and Commentary to the Practice of Buddha Maitreya
with Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Friday, May 22nd to Monday, May 25th

Maitreya is the manifestation of the realization of the loving-kindness of all the Buddhas.
His function is to guide us along the stages of the path to enlightenment, Lamrim.
By relying upon Buddha Maitreya with faith we will receive his special care, and he will bestow upon us the realizations of Kadam Lamrim through which we can solve our own and others’ problems and fulfil our own and others’ wishes.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang will grant the empowerment of Buddha Maitreya on Saturday May 23. Receiving this empowerment directly connects us with Buddha Maitreya, giving us the inspiration and confidence to progress successfully on the path to enlightenment.

On the following two days, Venerable Geshe Kelsang will give a commentary to the practice of Buddha Maitreya showing how we can continue to receive this special inspiration in our daily life.

Please see the Festival Website for more information.

Joyful Land Post Festival Retreat in Sarasota

The Practice of Buddha Maitreya
with guest teacher, Kadam Nick Gillespie
Friday, June 5th to Saturday, June 6th

In this retreat we will try to get personal experience of the practice of Buddha Maitreya, based on Geshe Kelsang’s UK Spring Festival teachings.

Everyone is welcome to join in this retreat!

Kadampa Meditation Center, 2016 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234. To pre-register please call (941) 373-1600 or email info@MeditationInSarasota.org

Shelter From the Storm in Orlando

Refuge Ceremony and Teachings on Inner Peace
with Resident Teacher Ricc Bishop
Sunday, June 7th, 9:30am to 2:00pm

When we find Refuge we discover a life that is free from fear. By going for refuge in Buddha as the Spiritual Guide, in his Dharma which has the power to free our mind from all distress, and in Sangha the spiritual community – we become an inner being and finally discover true mental freedom. For some, Refuge Day is an opportunity to receive profound blessings and a chance to begin exploring the richness of this very special spiritual tradition. For others, Refuge Day is a turning point in their lives where they embrace Buddha’s teachings and start traveling the spiritual path as a Buddhist. Also, for those who have attended this day before, it is a chance to receive these blessings once again, and to renew their commitment to the path they have chosen.

Cost
Requested Donation is $35 ($20 students/limited income) and includes a delicious vegetarian lunch! Center Sponsors receive a $25 discount off the requested donation. Note that no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center
55 W Colonial Drive Orlando 32801

Click here to RSVP

A Peaceful Passing: Blessing Empowerment of Avalokiteshvara in Safety Harbor

Empowerment and Teachings at Parbawatiya Buddhist Center
with Resident Teacher Kelsang Chokyan
Friday, June 12th to Saturday, June 13th

We understand that throughout this world millions of humans and billions of animals die every day from so many different causes. When we lose a loved one, it can be a difficult and confusing time. Buddha taught a very special practice, called Transference of Consciousness, which gives us the ability to guide the deceased into a higher state of happiness. One of the kindest actions we can perform is to help others in their time of death. When we benefit others out of compassion in this way, our own heart is healed and we experience a profound inner peace.

In the empowerment ceremony, we will receive the powerful blessings of the Buddha of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, which will awaken our compassionate heart and give us great ability to benefit others. In this way, we can make our life very meaningful. Everyone is welcome to join us in this special event, regardless of previous experience.

Schedule

Friday June 12th
7:00pm Teaching 1

Saturday June 13th
9:30am Registration
10:00am Empowerment Ceremony
12:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Teaching 2
3:30pm Refreshments
4:00pm Powa Ceremony

Visit www.MeditationInTampaBay.org for more information.

Held Tight by the Heart of Buddha: Fearless and Free in Fort Myers

A Buddhist Refuge Course
with Resident Teacher JoAnn Lawrence
Saturday, June 20th, 9:00am – 2:00pm

By going for refuge in Buddha as the Spiritual Guide, in his Dharma teachings, sole medicine for the mind, and in Sangha the spiritual community – we become an inner being and finally discover true mental freedom. For some, Refuge Day is an opportunity to receive profound blessings and a chance to begin exploring the richness of this very special spiritual tradition. For others, Refuge Day is a turning point in their lives where they embrace Buddha’s teachings and start traveling the spiritual path as a Buddhist. Also, for those who have attended this day before, it is a chance to receive these blessings once again, and to renew their Refuge vows.

Cost
Requested Donation is $35 ($25 Center sponsors, students/limited income) and includes a delicious vegetarian lunch! Note that no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Email info@meditationinfortmyers.org for more information.

Shelter from the Storm in Sarasota

Refuge Course with Mahayana Refuge Ceremony
with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Demo
Sunday, June 21st, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Buddha taught that all living beings have the fundamental wish to be happy and avoid suffering. Yet, often the things we turn to have no power to fulfill these wishes.

In this workshop we’ll learn how to fulfill these wishes by taking refuge in the Three Jewels – Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

This course is followed by a Refuge Retreat:
June 22 – 27 for anyone who wishes to attend.

Cost
$30

Kadampa Meditation Center Florida, 2016 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234 Please call (941) 373-1600 to pre-register, or email info@MeditationInSarasota.org

International Summer Festival 2009 in Ulverston, UK

with Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Friday, July 24th to Saturday, August 8th

The Summer Festival is a special spiritual holiday when we receive extensive teachings from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

During the first six days of this, the eighteenth, Summer Festival, Venerable Geshe Kelsang will grant the blessing empowerment of the Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, and give teachings on Lamrim, the stages of the path to enlightenment.

Venerable Geshe Kelsang will grant the Dorje Shugden empowerment on Saturday July 25th and then give two days of Lamrim teachings. This will be followed by a two-day meditation retreat based on these teachings.

This empowerment and teachings are open to everyone. Thursday July 30th is a free day giving an opportunity to explore the local Lake District countryside, or simply relax. Coach trips are arranged for verseas visitors, which include a short walk, a picnic lunch and a boat trip.

Over the next three days, Venerable Geshe Kelsang will grant the Highest Yoga Tantra empowerments of Heruka Body Mandala and Vajrayogini. These will be followed by a two-day Tantric commentary and a three-day retreat.

To attend these teachings and retreat it is necessary to have first received the empowerments of Heruka and Vajrayogini.

Please see the Festival Website for more information.

Vajrapani Empowerment with Gen Kelsang Demo in Sarasota

Blessing Empowerment of Buddha Vajrapani
with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Demo
Saturday, September 26th to Sunday, September 27th

Vajrapani is a manifestation of the spiritual power of all the Buddhas. He is a powerful ally who can help us gain the power to train our mind both in and out of meditation.

In this special weekend event we’ll have the opportunity to receive the special blessing empowerment of this Buddha and then train in the practice of Buddha Vajrapani in a half day retreat.

Cost
Empowerment $65
Empowerment & Retreat $85

Kadampa Meditation Center, 2016 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234. To pre-register please call (941) 373-1600 or email info@MeditationInSarasota.org

A More Balanced Life in Sarasota

Freedom from the Eight Worldly Concerns
with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Demo
Sunday, October 25th, 9:30am-2:00pm

It’s easy to develop an exaggerated concern for the comforts of this life such as possessions, respect, pleasure, a good reputation and praise. This causes us to feel overexcited when we have them and dejected or discouraged when we lose them. In this course we will learn how we can develop a stable and balanced approach to these things.

Cost
$30

Kadampa Meditation Center Florida, 2016 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234 Please call (941) 373-1600 to pre-register, or email info@MeditationInSarasota.org

When: Saturday May 9, 2009

Time and cost: Meditation Event only: 9.30am – 5.30pm (includes lunch)
$65.00 non-members, $55.00 members
Music Celebration with Milarepa and Osho Center musicians: 8pm – 10pm
$10.00 non-members, $7.00 members
Full day including Music Celebration: $70.00 non-members, $60.00 members

Venue: Osho Boulder Meditation Center,
2955 Valmont, Suite 120, garden level entrance, Boulder, CO. 80301
Contact: Shanta Thomson, Cell: 720-252-2256
Email: shantathomson@aol.com

This workshop is for both seasoned meditators and those interested in exploring meditation for the first time. It is a unique opportunity to connect with spontaneous inner resources, unlocking potential for a joyous, abundant and creative life. Specially selected meditations to relax the mind and body, along with a live-music event to open the heart… all lighting the way to silence and inner clarity…

Milarepa will be sharing a variety of powerful, new meditation techniques from his “Stepping Stones Series” along with those created by Osho, with whom he studied for many years. Milarepa’s workshops always include lots of music, dance, and song. His presentation is heartful, fun, and effortlessly opens a space for love and meditative silence…