This weekend retreat offers a grounded introduction to Buddhist meditation. Whether you are completely new to the practice or returning to the basics, this is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and begin again — right where you are.
With breath as our anchor and body as our home, we settle into the immediacy of the present moment. The bowl reminds us to empty ourselves of distraction, to receive whatever the moment offers, and to meet experience with humility and care.
The retreat will include guided sitting and walking meditation, open discussions on the principles of the Buddhist philosophy, and time for quiet reflection. Together, we will explore how awareness, kindness, and clarity naturally arise through steady, embodied practice — supported by the stillness of the BRC and the power of shared silence.
All are welcome, regardless of background or belief. No prior experience with meditation is needed.
As autumn approaches, we invite you to take a break and join us for an unstructured personal retreat. During your stay, you can enjoy gentle yoga, qigong, massage therapy, and meditation - to promote relaxation. Alternatively, you may choose to simply enjoy the tranquillity of the space, embracing the art of doing nothing. Imagine cozying up by a warm fire, savouring delicious vegetarian meals, and immersing yourself in silence. This time out offers a slower rhythm, allowing you to step back from the busyness of life and find peace within.
William (Shogan) has been practising meditation for nearly 20 years, cultivating stillness and inquiry. He took precepts with Dae Chong, Osho at Poplar Grove and now leads morning and evening zazen at the BRC, weaving verses from the Dhammapada into meditation for reflection and insight. With a keen interest in how the Dharma might evolve in an AI-driven, multiplanetary future, William embraces both tradition and possibility. He also guides qigong in the mornings and offers tai chi in the afternoons, integrating movement into mindfulness. His practice is an invitation - to sit, to move, and to explore the ever-expanding nature of awareness.