Programs
Mini-Retreats
Sundays Sept 8, Oct 27, Nov 17, Dec 22, 2024
Online Mini-Retreats with Rachel Lewis
Online
Rachel is offering a series of online mini-retreats this Fall. Join us if you've got an established practice and want some structure around an extended practice period; if you're new to practice and want some introductory meditation instruction; or if you're thinking about going on a silent mindfulness meditation retreat and want to get a sense of what it would be like.
Rachel Lewis
Short Retreat
Saturdays Oct 26, Nov 30, Dec 28, 2024
Day of Mindfulness with Rachel Lewis
Church of St Mary Magdalene, 2950 Laurel Street Vancouver, BC
Rachel is offering a series of in-person days of mindfulness. Each day of practice will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, dharma discussions, and opportunities for one-on-one discussions with the teacher. If you're used to meditating with an app and are interested in meditating in person with other people, or if you're considering signing up for a meditation retreat, this is a good place to start! We also welcome people who have an established meditation practice: instructions will be geared to the interests of the people attending.
Rachel Lewis
Long Retreat
Sun Dec 29, 2024 - Fri Jan 3, 2025
New Year's Retreat with James Baraz and Rachel Lewis (FULL - join waitlist)
Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo BC
Registration opens: Aug 29, 2024
Financial assistance deadline: Aug 15, 2024
New Year's Retreat - Letting Go and Opening to Possibility
Coming on retreat at the end of the year is a beautiful opportunity to release a little of some of the difficulties and burdens we’ve been carrying these past months. As we practice mindfully sitting, walking, and resting with what is, with kindness, there’s a natural unfolding and releasing so that we can see more clearly. As we let go a little, we can find there’s more space, ease, and a sense of possibility in our lives.
James Baraz
Rachel Lewis
Short Retreat
Sat Jan 4 - Sun Jan 5, 2025
January Online Retreat with Steve Armstrong, Kamala Masters, and Vance Pryor
Online
Registration opens: Oct 4 2024
Faith in Oneself in the Dharma
This non-residential weekend retreat will emphasize developing a deepening trust in oneself and the teachings of the Buddha. Through guided meditations, talks, along with question and response periods, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the role of faith as a motivating force which leads us to what is most virtuous in a human life. The quality of faith is the vehicle which carries an individual to deepening levels of well-being, and ultimately, liberation from the forces of mind that cause stress. We hope that you will join us for this event.
Steve Armstrong
Kamala Masters
Vance Pryor
Long Retreat
Sun Mar 2 - Sat Mar 8, 2025
Online City Retreat with Rachel Lewis and Christina Feldman
Online
Registration opens: Dec 2 2024
Financial assistance deadline: Nov 18 2024
This City Retreat has different participation expectations than a residential or online retreat. We invite you to simplify your schedule during the week so that you can participate in all of our live sessions. These sessions are scheduled so that people with day jobs can work as normal during the week, even while setting the intention to bring more mindfulness into their daily life.
Rachel Lewis
Christina Feldman
Short Retreat
Fri Mar 28 - Sun Mar 30, 2025
Pascal Auclair
UBC Asian Centre, Vancouver BC
Registration opens: Dec 28 2024
Messy Minds, Winding Path, Joyful Hearts
With an open attitude, both playful and compassionate, we will journey over the weekend into the heart of our turbulent, confused minds. Our own benevolent presence will silently guide us, pointing out dangers and pathways. Pascal, through instructions and teachings, will also help us skillfully navigate the terrain of our lives. The adventure will bring us to the very gate of wisdom, where liberating perspectives await us.
Pascal Auclair
Long Retreat
Sun May 18 - Sun June 1, 2025
Experienced Student Retreat with Tempel Smith, Kristina Baré, and Tara Mulay
Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo BC
Registration opens: Jan 17 2025
Financial assistance deadline: Jan 3 2025
Two Wings of Awakening: Mettā and Insight Retreat *See event page for experience prerequisites.
Tempel Smith
Kristina Baré
Tara Mulay
Short Retreat
Fri Jun 6 - Sun Jun 8, 2025
Anushka Fernandopulle
UBC Asian Centre, Vancouver BC
Registration opens: Mar 6 2025
Save the date!
Anushka Fernandopulle
Long Retreat
Thurs Jun 12 - Mon Jun 16, 2025
LGBTQIA2S+ Retreat with Anushka Fernandopulle and Shelly Graf
Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo BC
Registration opens: Feb 12 2025
Financial assistance deadline: Jan 29 2025
Save the date!
Anushka Fernandopulle
Shelly Graf
Sitting Group
Victoria Insight Meditation Society - Sunday
In-Person, 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Helga Beer Yoga Studio 202-1600 Bay Street, Victoria
Meeting Frequency: Weekly on Sundays
VIMS Sunday night sits are an opportunity to practice meditation and listen to dharma talks with our community sangha. The sits are led by dharma teachers and dedicated peer leaders. Everyone is welcome.