Retreats
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Kalayanamitta: Good Friends - The Whole of Spiritual Life
Daylong Retreat with Ayya Ahimsa
NOTE: This retreat is full. Email edmontoninsight@gmail.com to be added to the waiting list.
Date and time: Saturday, July 12, 2025 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Venue: Riverdale Community League Rink House, 9231-100 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB. View Map
Description: Please join us for a daylong retreat with Ayya Ahimsa, from the Canmore Theravada Buddhist Community and Monastery, on the theme of Kalayanamitta: Good Friends - The whole of spiritual life.
Kalayanamitta is seen as a key element in achieving personal and societal well-being. The Buddha himself emphasized the importance of good friends and the positive influence they can have on one's path.
While good friendships are valuable, Kalayanamitta extends beyond simple social relationships. It involves finding individuals who are virtuous, knowledgeable, and supportive of one's personal growth. In Buddhist contexts, this can manifest in various ways, such as finding a meditation buddy, a spiritual guide, or even a community of practitioners who share a common goal. In essence, kalayanamitta is a reminder that we don't have to navigate the path to spiritual well-being alone. By surrounding ourselves with good and supportive friends, we can foster a more positive and fruitful journey for ourselves and for society as a whole.
What to expect: Please bring your own sitting gear and lunch. We will have tea and mugs.
About the teacher: Ayya Ahimsa, Resident Monastic, Canmore Theravada Buddhist Community
Ayya Ahimsa took Anagarika Precepts in January 2012 and then Samaneri Precepts in 2013 with Ayya Medhanandi at Sati Saraniya Hermitage. In 2016 she joined the nuns’ community at Aloka Vihara and was given Bhikkhuni Ordination in 2017 with Ayya Gunasari Theri as her preceptor.
Dana for teachers: According to tradition, teachings are offered freely. Students are invited to practice dana, or generosity, by giving to their teacher what they feel is appropriate and affordable. Your financial support enables teachers such as Ayya Ahimsa to continue sharing their insights and providing guidance to many.
More details: By early July, we will contact those who have signed up and provide further details about the schedule for the day. Those on the waiting list will be contacted if a spot becomes available.
Save the Date
Keeping an Open Heart and Mind in Polarizing Times
Insight Meditation Retreat with Howard Cohn
We will be holding our annual fall non-residential weekend retreat with Howie Cohn to explore “Keeping an open heart and mind in polarizing times”.
Date and time: September 5, 2025 (evening) to September 7, 2025 (afternoon)
Venue: Cloverdale Community League 9411 97 Avenue Northwest Edmonton
Registration details coming soon via our newsletter, website, and social media.