Space, Time and Beyond:
Understanding Sacred Geometry
A Western Mysteries and Meditation Retreat with
Lama Sonam Gyatso Sept. 3 - 6
This Retreat Course of Sacred Geometry and Western Mysteries is open to men and women of all ages and faiths. However as the format will be a closed meditation retreat, and to ensure commitment, permission to attend must first be obtained from Lama Sonam (email: sonam@ca.inter.net), prior to registration with the Dharma Centre. Participants will be asked to bring drawing and painting materials, rulers, compasses, etc., together with musical instruments, telescopes and various other materials for the making of implements, regalia and for Temple setups. Recommended reading: "How the World is Made - Sacred Geometry" and other books by John Michell. Communal meditations, creative explorations and ceremonial will take place, based on the ancient Pythagorean teachings, especially Sacred Geometry, with floor-work, movement and music. Classes will take place in a formal temple setting, and supported by private meditation practice. Silence will be observed except for instruction from the Master, and forums in the Temple. In the Pythagorean scheme, religion and science not only co-existed, but were mutually dependent. For this reason, the doctrine of Pythagoras was immensely reassuring toRrenaissance men who felt the forces of change dividing this world from the other. [Heninger, "Touches of Sweet Harmony", p.22] More recently, discoveries in Modern Quantum Physics, together with the revival of ancient teachings of Awakening, promise a new Renaissance, much needed in these times.
Pythagoras was born on the Greek island of Samos around 500 BC, and formed his school in Crotona, Italy. A contemporary of the Buddha, he travelled extensively, receiving teachings in most of the Mystery Schools of the time, including Egypt and India, where he encountered the early Buddhist Sangha. His main teachings consist of the Quadrivium (or Four Foundations of Knowledge)-Numbers, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. They encompass full awakening to the mysteries of Space, Time and the Beyond. During the trial period of enforced silence, the novices were called Acousmatici, "listeners". If successful, they passed into a more active stage of their instruction and were called Mathematici, "students". [Heninger, p.23]. There were also some supporters and lay followers who lived apart from the main community of practitioners.
Lama Sonam Gyatso was the first attendant of Namgyal Rinpoche, his root Lama, with whom he studied for over 40 years. He also received teachings and ordinations from Ven. Saddhatissa Mahathera, H.H. the XVIth Karmapa and Kalu Rinpoche, and has been a teacher in the Namgyal lineage for many years.
Well-versed in Western initiatory traditions, he is a Past Master of his Masonic Lodge and a Past Supreme Magus of the Societas Rosicruciana of Canada. He holds M.A. and M.Sc. Degrees in Mathematics from Cambridge University and the University of Toronto. He also received the cycle of Tarot Initiations from Namgyal Rinpoche together with numerous teachings of the Western Mysteries. He maintains an ongoing interest in Sacred Music and Sacred Geometry.
TO REGISTER, after permission from Lama Sonam,
(Poster)
please contact: adminoffice@dharmacentre.org or (705) 488-2704.
Mindfulness of Breathing Meditation Retreat
with Jack Connelly Sept.10 - 12
Meditation that focuses on breath is a powerful tool that helps to stabilize concentration and presence. It was the practice that the Buddha used to begin meditation and his final emergence into full enlightenment under the bodhi tree.
Although there are many kinds of meditations to enjoy and choose from, without the ability to concentrate and stabilize the mind, often little progress is made. This practice is of benefit to anyone who wishes to establish focus and awareness as a part of their meditations and life.
Come and join Jack in an exploration of the breath. This weekend will include guided meditations, talks, question and answer periods, as well as periods of silent meditation.
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Jack Connelly has been involved in the study and practice of meditation for over 30 years, including several years in Asia with both Buddhist and Hindu teachers. He now lives in the Peterborough area where he has a practice of Acupuncture and Shiatsu Therapy. Jack draws on a wide range of experiences in his meditation classes, in a way that incorporates the essences of these ancient traditions in a non-religious and easily accessible form.
Meditation as a Garden:
Towards the Union of Mind and Ecology
with Terry & Mala and Trent Rhode Oct. 1 - 4
Meditation and Permaculture.
Topics for Exploration:
. Human culture and ecological transformation
. The interplay of mind and landscape
. How nature shapes awareness
. Permaculture and the mindful gardener
. Allowing nature to do the work
. Absorption in nature as a wisdom path
. Plant seeds and the mind sprouts
. Finding a place in nature
Members $225, non-members $270
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Nature of Mind, Mind of Nature
3 week meditation retreat
with Tarchin Hearn Oct.12 - Nov.2
- experimental insight meditation
- deep ecological experience
- personal empowerment
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Since the late 1960s Tarchin Hearn has studied and practised various expressions of Buddha Dharma, predominantly through the guidance and inspiration of the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche. He was ordained as a monk by H.H. the XVI Karmapa and lived under this discipline for 12 years. He began to teach full time in 1977. He travels extensively, teaching regularly in Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as many other parts of the world. Tarchin has written a number of books, and is closely associated with the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre near Nelson in the South island of New Zealand: www.wangapeka.org
Quebec/Ontario Schedule:
Sep.13-20 Morin Heights, Quebec (see http://www.lionsroar.ca)
Sep.19-23 Whale Watching / Saguenay
call Jane (Morin Hts 450 226-6453) or Samaya (Ottawa 613 829-8536)
Sep.25-Oct.03 Ottawa (see http://www.crystalstaff.org/Activities.html
or contact Samaya: bgordon@magma.ca)
Oct.6-8 Peterborough - "Sensible Dharma: an exploration
of seeing, sensing and knowing" (contact ptbodg@gmail.com)
Oct.12-Nov.2 Kinmount / Dharma Centre
The 7th Kundrol Rinpoche: -
Tibetan Bon Ngondro Retreat Nov.12 - 16
Kundröl Rinpoche will be offering his first official retreat in North America November 12-16th at the Dharma Centre of Canada. Rinpoche has been coming to North America and generously sharing his wisdom and teachings since 2004.
Ngöndro is the authentic starting place as well as being a complete practice within itself. It is also the doorway through which every practitioner must enter in order to explore more deeply the extraordinary teachings of Bön and the blessings of its lineage holders.
Ngöndro presents an integrated series of nine preliminary or foundation practices which tame the mind, preparing the student to turn their mind inward towards the path, purify illnesses, obstacles, and mental obscurations encountered along the way in order to reveal the primordially perfected nature of the practitioner's mind.
We welcome you to join us for what will prove to be an enriching personal experience for students wishing to settle deeper into their practice and learn from the wisdom of this authentic Bön teacher.
Please email zamongyal@rogers.com for more information.
Friday November 12, 2 pm to Tuesday November 15, 12 pm
Contact: Deborah Bell, zamongyal@rogers.com or 705.445.0169 or 416.704.3836
PLEASE VOLUNTEER ! - We have openings for folks of all talents - to become a Board member or a committee person (fund raising; web maintenance) or cook or kitchen help. Can you be a Steward on-site? We have specific current needs for Course Coordinators. Give our Admin staff a call so you can hook up with a Board member to discuss what's involved and how you can help.
=- PLEASE NOTE
It is compulsory to Pre- register to attend all courses. Whether you are coming for the day, week or server-meditating we require your Prior registration and bookings beforehand.
For those in need, our Practitioners Support Fund offers limited bursaries for those who qualify. Please apply to the Dharma Centre.
All fees for courses ("Operations Fees") go towards the maintenance and operation of the Dharma Centre. All teachers receive no proceeds from fees and are supported only by your donations
