AWAKE AWARE FREE
Introduction to Meditation
A Retreat with Mala Sikka & Terry Hagan
“I found such nectar-like truth, profoundly peaceful, luminous, uncontrived, a brilliant natural simplicity free from elaboration . . .” Buddha Sakyamuni
This retreat offers a gentle yet profound introduction to the path of awakening. Rooted in traditional core teachings and drawing inspiration from the three great schools of Buddhism, this retreat provides a foundation in meditation, mindfulness, and compassionate awareness as a way to live with greater clarity and freedom.
Over the course of this retreat, we will explore:
Foundational practices – meditation in all four postures siting walking, standing, or lying down, meditation with or without an object, awareness of breath, and reflections on compassion and impermanence
Essential teachings – the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Guided meditations and Dharma talks – making the teachings accessible for both beginners and experienced practitioners
One-on-one interviews – time to ask questions and receive personal guidance.
This retreat will offer conditions helpful to deepen awareness and inner stillness
This is a practice-based retreat, balancing meditation with teaching and guidance. Participants will learn how to begin or strengthen a meditation practice and how to integrate this into daily life.
Whether you are new to Buddhism or wish to reconnect with its foundational teachings, this retreat is an invitation to experience for yourself what it means to be awake, aware, and free.
Limited Space Available for Weekend Options
Priority will be given to those attending the full retreat. A limited number of weekend-only spots are available for those unable to attend the entire retreat. We encourage full participation for the best experience.
LIMITED Camping options available at a lower cost.
Mala Sikka and Terry Hagan have committed most of their lives to Dharma and have been practicing meditation for over 40 years. Together they completed a three year retreat in India under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Both Terry and Mala enjoyed their role as resident teachers of the Dharma Centre of Canada for over a decade and during this time served as spiritual advisors to the board. Terry also served a three year term as a spiritual director for the Dharma Centre. At present, they serve as the resident teachers of the Namgyal Dharma House and continue to support the Dharma Centre as Core Teachers.
Important Details
When: September 5 - 7, 2025
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 at 5pm on the last day.
Rates: $276 - non-members $250 - 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. Mala and Terry are sharing their 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.