Retreats
An opportunity to return to oneself through the energy of collective practice.
Edmonton Buddhist Research Institute and Westlock Meditation Centre
offers 5 major types retreats conducted throughout the year:
Truc Lam Monastery conducts a Monthly Retreat (Mindfulness Day) in English. Practice starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 5PM on a pre-determined Saturday of each month.
The day includes sitting and walking meditation, mindful eating, total relaxation, and Dharma talks and discussion.
Registration is required to attend this practice.
When autumn falls gracefully on the grounds of Westlock Meditation Centre, surrounded in the beauty of change, nature offers vibrant painted leaves and charming peachy skies that nourish our seeds of peace and tranquility. This time of year welcomes us with a cozy hug and is what you might expect, a very fond experience for many of our friends in the community.
We invite you to come attend these retreats with us in the autumn season and practice together in harmony contemplating impermanence and transformation.
Snow is a soft and plush blanket that nature lovingly uses to tuck us in for much needed rest. The winter season reminds us that we are so akin to the trees that stand bare in the cold winter storms. Sometimes life seems so difficult and overwhelming, but don't make the mistake of thinking winter is a permanent season. It's a much needed preparation for the abundance of life that awaits in the spring!
Winter retreats are like bright reflections of the cloud and sky on the white blanket of snow that covers the ground. They're a time for us to practice with inner stillness and touch reality as it is around us. We invite you to return home to yourself and practice with the support of the community that practices together.
Spring arrives slowly, awakening the joy in the earth and restoring life force in the plants and trees. (earth and skies)
We invite you to come join us in opening up the heart of the practice, allowing the sweet rain of the dharma to nurture and refresh the soil of the mind. Grow together in the practice, offer to each other the budding flowers of understanding and love.
“Know, Kashyapa! IT IS LIKE UNTO A GREAT CLOUD RISING ABOVE THE WORLD, Covering all things everywhere, A gracious cloud full of moisture; Lightning-flames flash and dazzle, Voice of thunder vibrates afar, Bringing joy and ease to all.
The sun’s rays are veiled, And the earth is cooled; The cloud lowers and spreads As if it might be caught and gathered; Its rain everywhere equally Descends on all sides, Streaming and pouring unstinted, Permeating the land.
On mountains, by rivers, in valleys, In hidden recesses, there grow The plants, trees, and herbs; Trees, both great and small, The shoots of the ripening grain, Grape vine and sugar cane. Fertilized are these by the rain And abundantly enriched; The dry ground is soaked, Herbs and trees flourish together."
Vassa (An Cư) is a historic and traditional retreat known as the 'rains-retreat' in English. Vassa marks the beginning of the summer/monsoon season, a time that also coincides with Summer, where life amongst the world of plants, bugs, and animals is abundant. During the time of The Buddha, the Sangha would settle in one place and practice for 3 lunar months.
Trúc Lâm Monastery and Westlock Meditation Centre hosts our most remarkable retreat during this season: The Short-Term Monastic Retreat (Khóa Tu Xuất Gia Gieo Duyên). During this time, members of the lay community may receive the monastic precepts for the during of the retreat and practice as monastics for 10 days.
This retreat is exceedingly busy--registrations typically open 4 months in advance and spots run out in as quickly as 4 weeks.
In order to generate a positive retreat experience for yourself and the whole community, we invite all participants to review all retreat information thoroughly.
Click the numbers to begin
Please note that registrants will not be permitted to participate in the retreats without prior completion of step 2.
Important Resources
Waking Up
Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment
and to look at being with eyes of compassion.
Steping out of Bed
If today I inadvertently step on a small insect,
may it not suffer too much.
May it be liberated.
Homage ot the Bodhisattva of the Land of Great Happiness.
Taking the First Steps of the Day
Walking on the Earth
is a miracle!
Each mindful step
reveals the wondrous Dharmakaya.
Opening the Window
Opening the window, I look out onto the
Dharmakaya.
How wondrous is life!
Attentive to each moment,
my mind is clear like a clam river.
Turning on the Water
Water comes from high mountain sources.
Water runs deep in the Earth
Miraculously, water comes to us and sustains all life.
My gratitude is filled to the brim.
Brushing your Teeth
Brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth,
I vow to speak purely and lovingly.
When my mouth is fragrant with right speech,
a flower blooms in the garden of my heart.
Using the Toilet
Defiled or immaculate,
increasing or decreasing—
these concepts exist only in our mind.
The reality of interbeing is unsurpassed.
Washing your Hands
Water flows over these hands.
May I use them skillfully
to preserve our precious plant.
Rinsing Your Mouth
Rinsing my mouth, my heart is cleansed.
The universe is perfumed by flowers.
Actions of body, speech, and mind are calmed.
Hand in hand with the Buddha, I walk in the
Pure Land.
Washing Vegetables
In these vegetables
I see a green sun.
All dharmas join together
to make life possible.
Cleaning the Meditation Hall
As I clean
this fresh, calm room,
boundless joy
and energy arise!
Bathing
Unborn and indestructible,
beyond time and space—
both transmission and inheritance
lie in the wonderful nature of Dharmadhatu.
Throwing Out the Garbage
In the garbage, I see a rose.
IN the rose, I see compost.
Everything is in transformation.
Impermanence is life.
Washing the Dishes
Washing the dishes is like bathing a baby Buddha.
The profane is the sacred.
Everyday mind is a Buddha's mind.
Sweeping
As I carefully sweep
the ground of enlightenment,
a tree of understanding
springs up from the Earth.
Cleaning the Bathroom
How wonderful
to scrub and clean.
Day by day,
my heart and mind grow clearer.
Washing Your Feet
The peace and joy
of one toe
is peace and joy
for my whole body.
Putting on my Robe
Putting on this monk's/nun's robe,
my heart is at ease.
I live a life of freedom,
bringing joy to the world.
Looking in the Mirror
Awareness is a mirror
reflecting the four elements.
Beauty is a heart that generates love
and a mind that is open.
Putting on the Sanghati Robe
How wonderful is the robe of a monk/nun,
a filed of precious seeds.
I vow to receive it,
and wear it lifetime after lifetime.
Greeting Someone
A lotus for you
a Buddha to be.
Sitting Down
Sitting here
is like sitting under a Bodhi tree.
My body is mindfulness itself,
free from all distraction.
Calming the Breath
Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment!
Morning Meditation
The Dharmakaya is bringing morning light.
Sitting still, my heart at peace, I smile.
This is a new day. I vow to go through it with awareness.
The sun of wisdom will soon be shining everywhere.
Entering the Meditation Hall
Entering the meditation hall,
I see my true self.
As I sit down,
I vow to cut off all disturbances.
Finding a Stable Posture
In the lotus posture,
the human flower blooms.
The udumbara flower is here,
offering its true fragrance.
Adjusting Posture
Feelings come and go
like clouds in a windy sky.
Conscious breathing
is my anchor.
Evening Meditation
At the foot of the Bodhi tree, I keep my back straight
and my posture stable. Body, speech, and mind are calmed.
There is no longer any thought of right and wrong.
Mindfulness is shining on the five skandhas. The original face will be found, and the shore of illusion will be left behind.
Inviting the Bell (version 1)
Body, speech, and mind, held in perfect oneness,
I send my heart along with the sound of the bell.
May the hearers awaken from forgetfulness
and transcend the path of anxiety and sorrow.
Inviting the Bell (version 3)
May the sound of this bell penetrate deeply into the cosmos,
so that beings, even those in dark places,
may hear it and be free from birth and death.
May al beings realize awakening and find their way home.
Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya
Listening to the Bell (version 2)
Listening to the bell, I feel my afflictions begin to dissolve.
My mind is calm, my body relaxed, a smile is born on my lips.
Following the sound of the bell, my breath brings me back
to the safe island of mindfulness. In the garden of my heart,
the flower of peace blooms beautifully.
Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya
Inviting the Bell (version 2)
May the sound of this bell penetrate deeply into the cosmos.
In even the darkest spots, may living beings hear it clearly,
so that all suffering in them cease,
understanding comes into their hearts,
and they can transcend the path of anxiety and sorrow.
Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya
Listening to the Bell (version 1)
Listen, listen,
this wonderful sound
brings me back
to my true home.
Listening to the Bell (version 3)
Hearing the bell, I am able to let go of all my afflictions.
My heart is calm, my sorrows ended.
I am no longer bound to anything.
I learn to listen to my suffering,
and the suffering of the other person.
When understanding is born in me, compassion is also born.
Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya
Holding the Alms' Bowl
The bowl of the Tathagata
is in my two hands.
Giver, receiver, and gift
held in perfect oneness.
Before Eating
Beings all over the Earth
are struggling to live.
I aspire to practice deeply
so all my have enough to eat.
Holding the Empty Bowl
Looking at this bowl,
I see how fortunate I am
to have enough to eat to continue the practice.
Serving Food
In this food,
I see clearly
the entire universe
supporting my existence.
Beginning to Eat
With the first taste, I offer joy.
With the second, I help relieve the suffering of others.
With the third, I see others' joy as my own.
With the fourth, I learn the way of letting go.
After Eating
The meal is finished,
and I am satisfied.
The four gratitudes*
are deeply in my mind.
(gratitude to parents, teachers, friends and all beings)
Impermenance
The day is ending and our life is one day shorter.
Let us look carefully at what we have done.
Let us practice diligently, putting our whole heart
into the path of meditation.
Let us live deeply each moment and in freedom,
so the time doesn't slip away meaninglessly.
End of the Day
I vow to bring awareness into my sleep tonight
to dispel all fears
to see emptiness in all desires
to find my way with mindfulness
to know what is reality
and what is an illusion.
Smiling at Your Anger
Breathing in, I know that anger makes me not beautiful.
Breathing out, I smile.
I stay with my breathing
so I won't lose myself.
Turning on the Light
Forgetfulness is the darkness,
mindfulness is the light.
I bring awareness
to shine upon all life.
Walking Meditation
The mind can do in a thousand directions,
but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace.
With each step, a cool wind blows.
With each step, a flower blooms.
Driving the Car
Before starting the car
I know where I am going.
The car and I are one.
If the car goes fast, I go fast.
Turning on the Computer
Turning on the computer,
my mind gets in touch with the store-consciousness.
I vow to transform habit energies
to help love and understand grow.
Using the Telephone
Words can travel thousands of miles.
May my words create mutual understanding and love.
May they be as beautiful as gems,
as lovely as flowers.
Lighting a Candle
Lighting this candle,
Offering the light to countless Buddhas,
the peace and the joy I feel
brighten the face of the Earth.
Drinking Tea
This cup of tea in my two hands,
mindfulness held perfectly.
My mind and body dwell
in the very here and now.
Making Short Journeys Safe
Two-thirds of accidents
take place near home.
Knowing this, I am very careful
Even on a short trip.
Gardening
Earth brings us to life and nourishes us.
Earth takes us back again.
We are born and we die with every breath.
In respect for our spiritual ancestors, we observe the use of 'Mindfulness Manners' when interacting with our brothers, sisters, and senior teachers.
The teachings on Mindful Manners began with the Buddha. In the Mahayana tradition, these teachings went on to China, where they were gathered into a book by Master Yunqi during the Ming Dynasty. In China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, and Vietnam, Mindful Manners are still practiced by novices in the form assembled by Yunqi.
The Mindful Manners that follow are a modern adaptation of Yunqi's book. If some of these Mindful Manners seem old-fashioned to you, please look deeply to see if there are ways these practices can inform your life and your practice of mindfulness. And observe how these guidelines might be of benefit to a novice monk or nun. Buddhist practice is doing simple, everyday things beautifully and with joy.
Awareness
Being in the present moment and aware of your actions and their impact on others. This translates to thoughtful actions and avoiding distractions during interactions.
Respect
Showing respect for yourself, others, and the environment. This includes bowing as a greeting, maintaining a clean and tidy space, and speaking kindly.
Non-judgment
Approaching interactions without preconceived notions or judgments. This allows for genuine connection and understanding.
Mindful speech
Using words thoughtfully, avoiding gossip, negativity, or excessive talking. This promotes clear communication and a peaceful atmosphere.
Right action
Taking actions that are beneficial for yourself and others, avoiding causing harm or disruption. This includes being helpful, considerate, and mindful of noise levels.
Simple living
Practicing moderation and avoiding excess. This can be reflected in how you approach possessions and your interactions.
Gratitude
Expressing appreciation for the things you have and the people you encounter. This can be a simple thank you or a mindful offering of your time or assistance.
Silence
Many Zen practices emphasize silence and meditation. Respecting quiet spaces and times for contemplation is important.
Focus
During teachings or ceremonies, maintaining focus and avoiding distractions demonstrates respect for the practice and the teacher.
Community
The Sangha places importance on communal living and working together. Contributing to the well-being of the community reflects mindful manners.
Conduct Towards Monastics
By following these mindful manners, lay persons can demonstrate respect and appreciation for monastics and teachers within the Thiền Buddhist tradition. Remember, the core principle is to be present, respectful, and create a harmonious environment conducive to personal growth.
Greetings and Demeanor
Bowing
A respectful bow is the customary greeting for monastics and teachers. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the level of the monastic or teacher. A slight bow with your hands together at your chest is a good starting point.
Respectful language
Use respectful language when addressing monastics and teachers. Common terms include "Thầy" (teacher) or “Brother” for male monastics and "Sư Cô" (teacher) or “Sister” for female monastics.
Maintain a Calm and Mindful Presence
Avoid being overly chatty or disruptive. Focus on being present in the moment and showing attentiveness.
During Teachings and Ceremonies
Punctuality
Arrive on time for teachings and ceremonies. Punctuality shows respect for the teacher's time and the practice itself.
Silence and attentiveness
Maintain silence during teachings and ceremonies. Avoid distractions like phones or fidgeting. Focus on listening attentively to the teacher's words.
Sitting posture
Sit in a respectful and mindful posture that allows you to be alert and present.
Additional Tips
Mind Your Belongings
Keep your personal belongings organized and out of the way during teachings or ceremonies.
Observe and Learn
Observe how experienced lay followers interact with monastics and teachers.
This can be a valuable learning experience.
All meals prepared at Trúc Lâm monastery and Westlock Meditation Centre are Vegetarian.
Our food is not guaranteed to be allergen free and may contain wheat, dairy, egg, nuts, legumes, or soy.
If you have food allergies, please be prepared to arrange bringing your own vegetarian meal, or please confirm with the kitchen team regarding whether any food allergens are present in the meal.
Topics emanate from our life and practice. It is best to avoid discussions which are theoretical rather than experiential. Our deepest aspiration is “to learn your (Avalokita’s) way of listening in order to help relieve the suffering in the world”. We can invoke the name of Avalokiteshvara before the Dharma sharing begins.
Even though we have the intention to listen deeply our mind will wander. Perhaps we are agreeing, disagreeing, feeling agitated, wanting to respond, drifting, etc. If we are mindful of our thoughts and inner dialogue, we can choose to come back to being present with the person speaking. Many in our Sangha use this as a training to become more attentive listeners for family and friends.
Our speech, like our listening, is the fruit of our practice, a response from within. It is good for the atmosphere of the Dharma Sharing when participants take three breaths before speaking, to allow time for the previous person’s speaking to be fully received. Speaking from the heart about topics that emanate from our life and practice includes, speaking with awareness in a way that could be of benefit to others as well as ourselves. For example, speaking with kindness, in a voice that is clear and loud enough for everyone to hear including those with some hearing loss and connecting with others by making eye contact and perhaps smiling from time to time. We all benefit from hearing each other’s insights and direct experience of the practice.
Like the Five Mindfulness Trainings, the Guidelines protect us and offer direction towards the “North Star” of clear and compassionate communication.
Before speaking we may wish to make a lotus bud with our hands and bow. When we bow, or put our hand on our heart or use a signal we are comfortable with, we are signaling that we would like to share. The Sangha bows back acknowledging that we are ready to listen deeply. When we are finished we let the Sangha know by bowing/signaling again. Knowing that we will not be interrupted creates a safe and harmonious environment.
In place of bowing we can use an object, often referred to as “talking stick”, to pass around the circle. The facilitator might introduce this method if the group is very large and/or if the facilitator senses that there are participants who wish to share but are too shy to do so. It may be suggested that folks introduce themselves by name and if a person is inspired to speak, she/he will do so, if not they will pass the object on to the next person. If time allows it is considerate to send the object around a second time so that those who were not ready to speak have another opportunity.
Confidentiality secures the safety of the group and helps avoid gossiping. Also, after the Dharma Sharing time, if we want to talk to with someone about what they said in the group, we first ask if it is OK. Sometimes a person does not want to talk more about what they said and this is a respectful way to honor his or her space.
Refrain from speaking a second time until it appears that everyone who wants to speak has spoken.
This ensures an opportunity for everyone to speak and provides a space where we can benefit from all of our Sangha wisdom. We are encouraged to speak mindfully, “not too much and not too little” for the number of participants. Near the end of the time the facilitator may offer an opportunity for those who have not spoken to do so if they wish and may address any unanswered questions.
Whatever we share is for the benefit of all those present. We avoid engaging in crosstalk with another participant . If we ask a question we ask the whole group and if we answer a question we speak to the whole group and not just the person who asked. If we ask a question we should not expect an answer straight away. Another topic may be addressed first and only when someone feels ready to address the question asked does it need to be addressed. However, if towards the end of the sharing, the question has not been addressed the facilitator can assure the group that the question has not been forgotten.
One of the most common practices in our community is dharma sharing or dharma discussion. This is an opportunity to explore our practice together in a group. There are many models for facilitating dharma sharing and here are some guidelines.