Guru Yoga Mandala Retreat

 Samudra Centre Hamilton (69 Hughson St N.)
 August 14, 2010
 10 am - 4:30 pm

 This day retreat is the practice of making mandala offerings. In this context mandala means that we  visualize the entire universe and all of the beings in it as being completely pure. We then offer this  perfect  universe to our Spiritual Guide. This mental action is very powerful and imprints upon our mind a  vast  accumulation of positive karma. Positive karma is the necessary basis for experiencing good  fortune,  happiness, and gaining spiritual realizations.
 SESSION TIMES
 10 - 11:15 am
 11:45 am - 1 pm
 2:30 - 3:45 pm
 4:15 - 5:30 pm
 COST: Free

 Vajrasattva Purification Retreat

 Saturday July 31, 2010
 10 am - 5 pm 

 Purification of accumulated negative karma is an essential spiritual practice. If we ignore the practice of     purification we shall never become a pure being, and our impurities of body and mind will remain for              our whole life, life after life. There will be no hope of our gaining permanent freedom from suffering                and obtaining lasting happiness. Therefore we should regard the opportunity to purify the causes of          our suffering as great good fortune.
 SESSION TIMES
 10 - 11 am
 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
 2 - 3 pm
 4 - 5 pm
 COST: Free [Bring your own lunch if you wish]

 Relying on a Spiritual Guide

 Samudra Centre Hamilton (69 Hughson St N.)
 Saturday September 11, 2010
 10 am - 1 pm 

 The root of the path is to rely upon a qualified spiritual guide. Such a person necessarily has achieved a
 personal experience of all the realizations of the path to enlightenment. They can clearly explain what we
 need to abandon and what we need to attain. Without their guidance it is impossible to enter, progress,
 and complete a spiritual path that leads to a permanent cessation of suffering because only those that
 have achieved such peace can guide others to the same state. In addition, there are many other special
 benefits that arise from pure reliance on such a spiritual guide.
 COST: $20    [cardholders $10]

 Relying Upon Joyful Effort

 September 18, 2010
 10 am - 4pm

 Gen Thekchen the National Spiritual Director of Canada will give teachings, guide meditations and lead  group  discussion on how to improve our delight in virtue. This will be a very special opportunity to learn
 how to develop the spiritual power of perseverance and remain undaunted by hindrances and
 obstacles that interfere with our spiritual path.
 SESSION TIMES
 10 - 11:30 am
 12 - 1 pm
 2:30 - 4 pm
 COST: $30   [cardholders $20]

 Dealing with Depression

 Saturday October 16, 2010
 10 am - 1 pm 

 Depression is the most frequent complaint that physicians hear from their patients. Why are we so   
 unhappy in what are essentially the best conditions our world has to offer? Why are we so unsatisfied ?  Where can we find contentment, hope, self-esteem, and peace? The answers to these questions lay
 within our mind. The quality of our mind determines the quality of our day to day feelings and    
 experiences. Therefore, the more we understand our mind the easier it will be to maintain happiness.
 COST: $20    [cardholders $10]

 Ontario Dharma Celebration 

 Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada Toronto  (631 Crawford St)
 October 1-3, 2010

 Gen Thekchen the National Spiritual Director of Canada will offer the Blessing Empowerment of   
 Medicine Buddha. He will also give teachings on how to transform adverse conditions into  the spiritual          path. This is a very special opportunity to learn how to heal ourself and others.
 Please visit: http://kadampafestivals.ca/en/ for more information and to register on-line.