Retreats

The Joy in Meditation Practice

Weekend insight meditation retreat with Howard Cohn

Register soon because space is limited: Tickets available HERE.

Dates and times:

Friday, September 22nd, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Please arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to register and settle into a spot)

Saturday, September 23rd, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 24th, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Venue: Cloverdale Community League, 9411 97th Ave, Edmonton, AB: View Map

Description: Join us for a retreat to discover "Joy in Meditation Practice." Rooted in the Buddha's teachings, this retreat invites you to experience the transformative power of meditation as a source of peace, resilience, and joy. Unburdened by the past and untethered from the future, we find joy in the present moment, a key factor among the Seven Factors of Enlightenment. This retreat is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of how joy manifests through meditation practice, promoting inner tranquility and strength. Come, explore with us the many pathways that meditation provides to arouse joy in our hearts and lives.

Immerse yourself in the simple yet profound practice of Vipassana Meditation, also known as Insight or Mindfulness practice, under the skilled guidance of Howard Cohn. Rooted in the Theravada tradition of the Buddha's teachings, Vipassana invites us to explore our mind and body processes with calm, focused awareness in each moment. Learning to observe experience from a place of stillness enables one to relate to life with less fear and more joy.

This non-residential retreat is suitable for all, from beginners curious about meditation to experienced practitioners looking to deepen their practice. The retreat will alternate between sitting and walking meditation sessions, offering variety and space to apply mindfulness in different contexts.

Vipassana (Mindfulness or Insight) meditation Is a simple and direct practice - the moment-to-moment investigation of the mind / body process through calm and focused awareness. The practice originates in the Theravada tradition of the teachings of the Buddha. Learning to observe experience from a place of stillness enables one to relate to life with less fear and greater emotional resiliency and curiosity. As we open our dharma heart, we create a refuge for both inner and outer harmony and greet each moment with friendliness.

The program will include dharma talks and practice guidance, periods of still and movement meditation, as well as small and large group discussions. Suitable for all levels of meditators, from beginners to experienced.

What to expect: During this silent weekend retreat, periods of still sitting and walking/mindful movement meditation will alternate with meditation instruction and dharma talks. Retreatants will have opportunities to ask questions and participate in small group discussions. Otherwise, we will observe noble silence during the retreat.

Registration: We are offering the retreat by donation (Dana) for registration to ensure the retreat is accessible to all regardless of one's financial means. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can joyfully offer. Your generosity helps to support Edmonton Insight Meditation Society to bring the dharma teachings and opportunities for meditation practice to the community.

Registration is open on July 15, 2023. Registration for in-person will close on September 20th, 2023 and virtual registration on September 21st, 2023.

Dana for teachers: Both in person or online registration fees cover the cost of the retreat, but not Dana for the teachers. According to Buddhist tradition, dhamma teachings are offered freely. Students are invited to practise dana, or generosity, by giving to their teacher what they feel is appropriate and affordable. Your financial support enables teachers such as Howie Cohn to continue their sharing of the teachings and provide guidance to many.

Food options: There will be tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day for retreatants. There will be an add on ticket available if you choose to order a catered vegan lunch from Padmanadi which will cost $18/lunch or $36 for the weekend. Alternatively, you can bring your own lunch which can be stored in a fridge on one of the main floor kitchenettes and have your meal in designated eating areas. Please purchase your lunch tickets by September 20, 2023 as we need to give Padmanadi the number of lunches required a few days before the retreat. If you prefer to have only one lunch provided, please contact edmontoninsight@gmail.com to request the day you would like to have lunch pre-ordered.

Accommodation: This is non residential retreat, you may find suitable Airbnb or hotel stay's near the Cloverdale Community League should you be arriving from out of town.

Cancellation policy: Retreats involve a number of fixed, upfront costs that are based on the number of retreatants. Costs include facility fees, equipment rental, supplies and teacher expenses (travel costs, meals, accommodation). These costs are not reduced when a registrant cancels. Our cancellation policy intends to be as fair as possible.

Cancellation on or before September 1st 100% refund minus administrative cost (eventbrite service & processing fees per ticket). Cancellation on or before September 15: 50% refund. Cancellation after September 15th: no refund.

Cancellations due to personal, family or medical emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If you contract covid or an illness, please stay home and join us virtually if you can. Please contact the retreat manager at edmontoninsight@gmail.com.

Transportation: If you are driving to the retreat, please consider car-pooling for the sake of this planet. Parking on-site is free but limited.

More details: Registration packages with more details, including what to bring, will be sent out closer to the retreat. Please check the frequently asked questions. If you would like more information about anything, you are also welcome to contact the retreat manager at edmontoninsight@gmail.com.