Colours of the Mind
What Moves you?
Greed is strong
Hatred is strong
Delusion is strong
Wisdom is stronger*
Despite the wildly colourful play of your thoughts, feelings and emotions, do you find yourself blindly following repetitive patterns without even considering where this might lead? Do you ever surprise yourself with a choice that, when you look back, was initially rejected, or not even truly considered? What are the hidden currents that drive us?
Seven point mind training is said, by many, to be the key to awakening the heart and mind, and the way to transform adversity into pristine awareness.... revealing what is truly moving us, in our decisions and actions, moment by moment.
Join us on this practice-based retreat, building confidence both on the cushion and in your life, through the true joy of meditative interest and experience. This course will focus on deepening the sense of calm through gentle body work and calm-abiding (Samatha) meditations leading to clear seeing (Vipassana). Sitting meditations will be interspersed with brief periods of resting momentarily: integral to dissipating conflicting emotions and allowing direct insight and wisdom to arise through experience—the Union of Samatha and Vipassana.
There will be time to reflect to contemplate and walk outdoors. The retreat will be in silence except for classes and led discussions.
There will be:
• Regular group meditations
• Daily teachings and Dharma talks with time for questions
• Individual meditation guidance
• Daily gentle body work - awareness sessions
• Postural Integration to support ease and attentiveness through explorations- for sitting and all aspects of being
*Paula Arai ~ Painting enlightenment, Healing visions of the Heart Sutra
Limited Zoom options for those outside of Canada.
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. Please contact the Retreat Admin at [retreats@dharmacentre.org] for details and to reserve your spot.
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 an intensive three year retreat in India under the guidance of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche.
Both Terry and Mala enjoyed their roles as resident teachers of the Dharma Centre of Canada for over a decade, while also being spiritual advisors to the board. They have shared their work here for over twenty years . 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: May 2 - 11, 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: $1,242- non-members $1,125- 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 Buildings Renewal Fund to support the Renewal Project.