Join Derek Rasmussen, a respected contemporary teacher of the Four Immeasurables, for a contemplative retreat rooted in the heart of Buddhist practice. Known for his clear, grounded, and inclusive approach, Derek makes these profound teachings accessible and alive for practitioners from all backgrounds.
Together, we will explore the Four Immeasurables—Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity—through meditation, reflective teachings, and quiet contemplation. These practices gently support the cultivation of an open heart and a steady, balanced mind.
Grounded in the wisdom of the Buddha, this retreat offers a nourishing space to deepen presence, soften habitual patterns, and embody these boundless qualities in daily life. Whether you are new to these teachings or returning to renew your practice, you are warmly invited into a retreat that supports peace, clarity, and compassionate engagement with the world.
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Teacher: Derek Rasmussen graduated from the three year Buddhist minister's training program at the Kinmount Academy and Seminary, whose faculty included David Bohm, David Peat, Tarchin Hearn, Sonam Senge, Karma Chime Wongmo, Cecilie Kwiat, Sayadaw U Thila Wanta and Namgyal Rinpoche.
Derek co-founded the first Canada-wide East Timor group (with Julia Milton), and helped organize a Toronto-NYC peace walk. He was a member of the Cruise Missile Conversion Project, which used labour organizing and blockades to try to convert Litton's missile factory in Mississauga to peaceful production. As a civil disobedience trainer, he helped found the Alliance for NonViolent Action (ANVA).
He lived in Iqaluit, Nunavut, for twelve years, working for Inuit organizations, with whom he attended the COP 11 UN Climate Change Conference (2005). He has also helped research lawsuits against Canada's violation of Inuit rights--particularly Inuit language and education rights.
Derek has authored or co-authored chapters in 7 books, as well as written for the Globe and Mail, Le Devoir, Yes Magazine, Briarpatch Magazine, InterCulture, Science for the People, Cultural Survival Quarterly, Our Schools Our Selves, and Turning Wheel (Magazine of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship).
His writings are archived at: https://sfu.academia.edu/DerekRasmussen
Important Details
When: Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.
Rate: $414 (non-members) / $375 - (members)
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. The teacher is sharing his/her experience within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations are subject to a $100 fee, which will support other low-income practitioners through our Practitioner Support Fund.
If cancellation occurs within 14 days of the retreat start date, 50% of the deposit (equivalent to 25% of the total retreat cost) will be forfeited. These funds will be directed to the Uplifted Property Fund to support the Renewal Project.