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Rest & Reflect ~ Thanksgiving Weekend Meditation Retreat


~ Rest & Reflect ~

Thanksgiving Weekend
Meditation Retreat

Friday 11th - Monday 14th October
~ Everyone Welcome ~
(individual days can be attended)

Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
631 Crawford St. Toronto (Google Maps)

Do you ever struggle to achieve deep rest and relaxation, or wish to find more mental peace and a positive mindset? If so, this meditation retreat is designed for you.

With the constant demands of daily life - family, work, and relationships - it can often feel impossible to truly relax and find peace within ourselves. We might try to relax by walking in nature, resting in an armchair, or going on a holiday, but if our mind remains stressed, anxious, or preoccupied, genuine relaxation is not possible.

In this meditation retreat, we will explore simple but powerful meditation techniques that enable you to deeply relax without the need to rely on external stimuli. This will help you discover profound inner peace, joy, and a fresh, positive perspective on your life.

You will also learn how to let go of negative states of mind and guide yourself to a place of profound stillness, helping restore both your mental and physical well-being while discovering a deeper sense of purpose.

The Retreat Sessions

The meditation retreat sessions include practical instructions, guided meditations, and Q&A time. Between sessions, there is time to relax, rest, and spend time with like-minded people in our cafe area. The peaceful surroundings of Kadampa Meditation Center Canada help individuals create a comfortable space within their own minds.

Whether you're a seasoned meditator or brand new to the practice, our meditation retreats welcome people from all walks of life. You don't need to be a Buddhist to join – we believe everyone can benefit from meditation and its tremendous positive effects.

The Teachers

All sessions are guided by experienced meditation teachers at KMC Canada. Our teachers draw upon many years of experience and practice, acquired through dedicated study within Kadampa Buddhism. The sessions will be engaging, practical, and designed to inspire participants to discover their own source of inner happiness. Regardless of your background or beliefs, our meditations are accessible and beneficial to everyone.

  • Note: Individual days can be attended!

    Friday

    7:00 - 8:30 PM: 🌟
    Introduction
    with Kelsang Rigma

    Saturday

    10:00 - 11:00 AM: 🧘‍♂️
    Guided Meditation & Talk
    with Pauline Chua

    11:00 - 11:45 AM: ☕
    Refreshment Break

    11:45 AM - 12:45 PM: 🧘‍♀️
    Guided Meditation & Talk
    with Rocio Jurado

    12:45 - 2:45 PM: 🍽️
    Lunch Break

    2:45 - 3:45 PM: 🧘‍♂️
    Guided Meditation & Talk
    with Judi Watson

    Sunday

    9:30 - 10:30 AM: 🧘‍♀️
    Guided Meditation & Talk
    with Jia Hui Yan

    10:30 - 11:00 AM: ☕
    Refreshment Break

    11:00 AM - 12:15 PM: 🧘
    Meditation Class
    with Gen Kelsang Chodor

    2:15 - 3:15 PM: 🧘‍♂️
    Guided Meditation & Talk
    with Maria Gonzalez-Castaneda

    3:15 - 4:00 PM: ☕
    Refreshment Break

    4:00 - 5:00 PM: 🧘‍♀️
    Guided Meditation & Talk
    with Kelsang Ganden

    Monday

    10:00 - 11:00 AM: 🧘‍♂️
    Guided Meditation & Talk
    with Sandra Lewis

    11:00 - 11:45 AM: ☕
    Refreshment Break

    11:45 AM - 12:45 PM: 🧘‍♀️
    Guided Meditation & Talk / Conclusion
    with Drew Anderson

  • This course is held in the serene, spacious, and comfortable meditation room at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada.  In between sessions, you can enjoy complimentary refreshments and the opportunity to ask questions. Our Temple shop also offers a variety of books and other meditation materials to support your journey toward greater understanding and tranquility.

    Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
    631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1

    Open Google Maps

  • Read more reviews on Google...

    Tiphaine (a recent retreat attendee)

    “Perfect for beginners who want to learn how to meditate. Absolutely stunning statues of Buddha, and very practical teachings we can easily integrate into our busy life.”

    Ana (Course attendee)

    "I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada. As a beginner to meditation I wanted to feel good and confident in my first retreat. And it was absolutely perfect! Everyone is so welcoming and I also felt I have my space to do and learn on my own time. Highly recommended 🙏"

    Delfina (Course attendee)

    "Coming to Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada has really changed my life. Through the teachings I’ve been receiving since the first class, I’ve been able to make significant positive changes in my lifestyle. The quality of the classes is extraordinary! I’ve come out of every single one of them feeling more peaceful, loving and compassionate."

    Kodi (Course attendee)

    "I've attended a number of weekend retreats and events here. The atmosphere is breathtaking. The volunteers are always so friendly. The teachers are unparalleled. If you are looking for practical ways to bring buddhist philosophies into modern lives, the teachings found here are so powerful."

    Alejandro & Delfina (Retreat Attendees)

    "We started attending the classes at KMCC a little over a year ago. We were interested in complementing our meditation practices with the teachings, but we found more than that. The classes gave us powerful tools to deal with our day to day challenges at work and in our relationships. And we feel the breadth of the meditations have also enhanced our experience of inner peace we were looking for. The community is also super friendly and they work hard to bring many diverse programs running all year long. I can’t recommend higher if you are looking to go in and explore your mind. And… don’t miss the informal Q&A after class. Besides the nice complementary tea and cookies/cakes, it is a great opportunity to ask the teachers specific questions about the class and your practice 🙂."

    Read more reviews on Google...

  • Accommodations are available for those engaging in this event. The rooms are in limited quantity. For further information and to submit a request, please click here.

    An apartment is available as an Air B&B. Click here,

  • Do I need to have any previous experience of meditation to attend this meditation retreat

    No, our classes are open to everyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist. Everyone is welcome.

    What do I need to bring to the retreat?

    Nothing! But if you wish to take notes, please bring a pen and notepad.

    How should I dress for the retreat?

    No special clothing is required. Come as you are.

    Do I have to sit on a meditation cushion?

    We have chairs set out for you to sit on and also meditation cushions on the floor, so you can choose where you would like to sit.

    Do I have to be a Buddhist to benefit from meditation?

    No. Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits. Buddhism is a non-evangelical religion. Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith or to none.

  • Full retreat - $70.00

    Friday only - $15.00

    Saturday only - $15

    Sunday only - $30

    Monday only - $10

    Class pass holder - no cost
    Live-stream option available to Class pass holders (Please write to [email protected] to request live-stream instruction.)
    (click here for more information about the monthly class pass)

    How to book:
    Please book in advance using our booking form below. While we welcome last-minute drop-ins, pre-registration is encouraged to ensure a smoother check-in process and reduce your wait time at the door. Doors will open 30 minutes before the event begins. 

    To book in advance, click on the booking button below and fill out the booking form. At the end of the booking process, you will receive an email confirming your booking.

    Promo code: If you are a class pass holder, you may enter your promo code at the top of the booking form to get your discount.

    Your promo code has been given to you when you first signed up to become a class pass holder.

    Payment methods: For pre-registration via our website, we accept credit cards. For registration on site upon arrival, we accept cash, debit and credit cards.

  • Please familiarize yourself with our terms & conditions and refund policy before booking your ticket. For more information, please click here.

  • By public transport: We are located at an equal distance from either the Christie or the Ossington subway station.

    By car: We are located close to the intersection Bloor & Christie, on Crawford Street, which is a one way street from Harbord to Bloor.

    Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada
    
631 Crawford St. Toronto ON M6G 3K1

    Open Google Maps

  • Parking spaces are limited in the area. For this reason, it is easier to come by public transport if this is an option for you.

    It is possible to find parking in the nearby streets. However, it is generally not possible to park for more than 3 hours during the day. It is necessary to have a permit in order to park overnight in the area.

    Temporary day parking spots nearby: Some options are available for temporary day parking spots nearby, for example with the following companies: Green P Parking, Spot Hero.

    Temporary on-street permit parking in Toronto: Provided space is available, a temporary parking permit may be purchased by residents and their guests to park a motor vehicle on a street designated under the permit parking program of the city of Toronto. This program generally services those residential areas where driveways are not common. If you choose this option, please avoid parking on Crawford St. if possible. You may get a ticket as it is complaint driven and the residents have limited space for their own street parking on Crawford St.

  • If you have any questions or booking inquiries, please email: [email protected]

Gallery

Booking

 
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October 10

Drop-in Class @ KMCC~ Meditation Basics

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October 13

Sunday Drop-in Class ~ - Mastering Positive Habits of Mind