Retreats

A Path of Practice: Integrating concentration, mindfulness, insight and loving kindness

Register soon because space is limited: Tickets available HERE.

Dates and times:

Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The retreat begins with an introductory talk which is also open to the public.

Friday and Saturday: May 24th and 25th, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday: May 26th, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Venue: Providence Renewal Centre, 3005-119 Street, Edmonton, AB. View Map

Description: Join us for our spring retreat to immerse yourself in a retreat setting to develop your meditation practice, under the skilled guidance of Richard Shankman. Rooted in the Buddha’s teachings, Richard will guide you in a path of practice that integrates concentration, mindfulness, insight and loving kindness. By practicing in this way, the mind becomes progressively more collected and centred, leading to deepening states of concentration, peace, clarity, and calm abiding. Developing ones’ concentration, calm, and mindfulness builds a strong foundation for the arising of insight. As one observes experiences from this place of stillness during meditation, awareness into mindfulness of the body and states of the heart and the mind opens, revealing the four foundations of mindfulness.

This retreat is suitable for all, from beginner meditators new to retreats to experienced practitioners wanting to deepen their practice. There are options for this retreat to be residential, non-residential (commuter) or virtual.

What to expect: During this silent retreat, there will be periods of still meditation and walking/movement meditation alternating with dharma talks and practice guidance. Retreatants will have opportunities to ask questions in small and large group discussion and individual interviews with the teacher. Otherwise, we will observe noble silence.

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 will open on February 15, 2024. Registration for in-person attendees and add on meals will close on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (one week before the retreat begins). Registration for virtual attendees will close on May 21st @ 9:00 p.m.

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, by giving to their teacher from the heart what they feel is generous and yet affordable. Your financial support enables teachers such as Richard Shankman to continue sharing the teachings and providing guidance to many. There will be an opportunity to donate to Richard during and after the retreat. As well, there will be mindful movement sessions during the retreat that will be offered by an instructor on a dana basis.

Food options: There will be tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day for retreatants. There is an add on ticket available to order lunch (@ $48 for three lunches for the extended weekend retreat). Alternatively, you can bring your own lunch which can be stored in a fridge on one of the main floor kitchenettes; and eat your lunch in designated eating areas. As noted above, please be sure to purchase your lunch tickets by May 15, 2024 so we can place the order with the facility. Regular, vegetarian, and gluten free options will be available.

Accommodation for Residential Retreatants: For those who wish to attend this as a residential retreat, please register and then email edmontoninsight@gmail.com to reserve/pay for your room and all meals separately. The fixed costs by the facility include:

• Accommodation: single suite with own bathroom ($225/3 nights); single suite with own bathroom for double ($255/3 nights); single room with shared bathroom (@ $165/3 nights).

• Meals: breakfast ($12/each) lunch ($18/each); dinner ($18/each). Total for all meals = $144; all meals without dinner on Thursday = $126.00.

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 May 2, 2024, 100% refund minus administrative cost (eventbrite service and processing fees per ticket). Cancellation on or before May 15, 2024: 50% refund. Cancellation after May 15, 2024: 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.