What we’re about
Awaken in Toronto is a community of individuals dedicated to awakening in this lifetime. We practice Vajrayana Buddhism, which means that along with the study and practice of the Vajrayana path, we enjoy exploring a wide range of topics helping us to unfold spiritually.
We hold weekly online Zoom classes led by Lama Linda or one of our senior students to study, meditate and explore topics that can help lead to awakening.
We also offer weekend meditation retreats several times through the year at the Dharma Centre of Canada . This allows us to explore in greater depth some of life’s questions.
We also join together from time to time for discussion groups on topics such as Dying and Death, IFS and Integral Spirituality as well as explorations of art, music and recreational events.
Learn more on our website: awakenintoronto.org
To join our mailing list click here.
"在多倫多開悟"是一個致力於在今生之中開悟覺醒的體團。 我們修習金剛乘佛教,這意味著在學習和修行的道路上,我們會探索各種有助於我們精神發展的主題。
我們每週舉辦在線 Zoom 課程,由喇嘛 Linda 或我們其中一位資深學生主持,學習、冥想和探索有助於覺醒的主題。
我們還在加拿大佛法中心 (Dharma Centre of Canada) 全年多次提供週末冥想靜修。 這使我們能夠更深入地探索一些生活問題。
我們還時不時地會有小組討論,討論的話題包括死亡、IFS和整體靈性,以及藝術、音樂和娛樂活動的探索。
到我們的網站上可了解更多:www.awakenintoronto.org
要加入我們的電郵通信,請單擊此處。
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- The Self Illusion - Book ClubLink visible for attendees
Instructor: Lama Linda
Dates: April 17, 24 May 1, 8
New Link to Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87469872916?pwd=dW45sm68Mj6aOeNWT2TYvJk32Wo4OX.1
Meeting ID: 874 6987 2916 Password: 108108"The Self Illusion: How the Social Brain Creates Identity" is a book written by Bruce Hood, a British psychologist. In this book, Hood explores the concept of self and challenges the traditional notion of an independent and enduring self. Many of his ideas are explicitly Buddhist, and Hood delves into the neuroscience of self-perception and discusses how our brains construct a sense of identity. This study is expected to help bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience. Students are encouraged to read this entire book, or at least assigned chapters for each of the 4 sessions.
Classes are offered on the ancient basis of Dana, also known as "give from the heart" or "pay what you choose." This allows you to pay according to your heart, and to what you value. Dana can be sent by e-transfer to dana@awakenintoronto.org or by PayPal to https://paypal.me/awakeningintoronto
Lama Linda (Linda Hochstetler) has studied both mindfulness meditation and Vajrayana Buddhism for more than a quarter century. She trained in mindfulness meditation with Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 90s and studied under Namgyal Rinpoche (the first Canadian-born Rinpoche) from 1995 until his death in 2003. She has received permission to teach in the Namgyal lineage and currently studies Vajrayana Buddhism with Qapel Doug Duncan.
Silent meditation retreats are a central part to her study and practice and she has annually completed retreats of between one week and two months in length since 1995. Lama Linda is a registered social worker with a specialty in illness, dying and death. Along with a thriving private practice she has written and been interviewed on the subject of dying and death. In 2021 she authored her first book - 21 Days to Die: The Canadian Guide to End of Life. www.lindahochstetler.com.
She has one son and two stepsons all now adults and has strong involvement with her family and extended family. She travels, speaks three languages, quilts, gardens and brings these and other experiences to share with her students, relating to them the richness life has to offer.
- A Sparkling Journey through the Buddhist Feminine Power of Green TaraLink visible for attendees
Instructor: Guest Teacher - Sarah Thomsen
Dates: May 15
New Link to Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87469872916?pwd=dW45sm68Mj6aOeNWT2TYvJk32Wo4OX.1
Meeting ID: 874 6987 2916 Password: 108108Get ready to tap into the incredible wisdom and unstoppable compassion of the Buddhist Deity Green Tara. Join us for an adventure of self-discovery, while exploring how her qualities of discernment and self-compassion can show up in our everyday lives. Embark on a vibrant and illuminating journey deep into the heart of Green Tara and discover Green Tara’s presence with delight.
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Classes are offered on the ancient basis of Dana, also known as "give from the heart" or "pay what you choose." This allows you to pay according to your heart, and to what you value. Dana can be sent by e-transfer to dana@awakenintoronto.org or by PayPal to https://paypal.me/awakeningintoronto
Sarah's Buddhist Bio
My Buddhist journey began as a young girl (around five or six) while driving through the prairie with my parents. As the fence posts blurred past, I remember questioning the nature of my body and my identity as a SELF, as an ego. This fleeting moment sparked a curiosity that stayed with me, leading me on an extraordinary path of self-discovery.Raised in the United Church, I rebelled against traditional gender roles from a young age, refusing to accept limitations placed on me. As a teenager, I embraced rebellion wholeheartedly, experimenting with drugs and taking risks. Despite my wild years, I managed to gracefully escape serious consequences and found myself presented with extraordinary opportunities, such as working at a fire lookout. This employment afforded me the time and space alone in the solitude of nature to begin deeply reflecting, both on myself and the natural world around me. I delved into art, meditation, and yoga, unknowingly drawing inspiration from Buddhist principles. My thirst for knowledge led me to study yoga for over a decade and to travel and volunteer at retreat centres around the world.
In my 30's I became pregnant within months of meeting my lover, Cory. Tragically, our first child passed away shortly after her birth, plunging us both into a darkness that is difficult to describe. Navigating my grief and trying to understand, I searched for guidance and found comfort in the traditions and teaching of the Dharma. The experience of exploring my daughter's death through the eyes of Buddhism is still an experience that is so profound, clear, loving and magical.
A few years later, our second daughter Veronica arrived, healthy and full of joy. Embracing motherhood with enthusiasm, I felt confident in my abilities and relished every moment. When Veronica turned two, I yearned for adventure, so I saved up and took us on a thrilling trip to Indonesia. Exploring temples, surfing, and immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture, we experienced unforgettable moments of joy and discovery. Returning home, I felt a strong urge to make a change and insisted we relocate. Trusting my intuition, about 18 months later we moved to Kimberley, BC, eager for new experiences and a fresh start.
Our move to Kimberley led to a new profound connection at the nearby Clear Sky retreat centre, and to meeting my teachers Doug Qapel Duncan, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei and AIT’s Lama Linda. These connections allowed me to dedicate myself to understanding the depth of Buddhist practice, and to and finding and giving support to the beloved Sangha. With the deepest gratitude and respect, I have taken the 8 buddhist precepts and have had the opportunity to experience numerous retreats and wongkurs. ❤️
And now here I am, with a buzzing anxiety and a big smile, humbly teaching my first dharma Class. - Total Mindfulness and Traumatic MemoriesLink visible for attendees
Instructor: Guest Teacher - Colin Mason
Date: May 22
New Link to Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87469872916?pwd=dW45sm68Mj6aOeNWT2TYvJk32Wo4OX.1
Meeting ID: 874 6987 2916 Password: 108108Total mindfulness is the final item on the 8 fold noble path, and for the most part, it speaks for itself. We sit and practice the way the Lama has instructed. However, what if we have…per say…a past? What if that past contains negative experiences, and what if those negative experiences are traumatic?
Lama Linda has defined trauma as a deeply upsetting event (as determined by the brain) that impacts the body, as well as thoughts and feelings, and many of us bring our trauma with us to the cushion. What happens when we are practicing diligently, following the Lama’s instructions, and trauma rears its ugly head? Does it need to derail our practice, or can we use our practice as an opportunity to look at it deeply?
In this class, we will explore the experience of trauma arising during meditation. We’ll look at common reactions, the double edged sword of attention, and at mitigation strategies. We will also discuss trauma-informed practice and its relation to mindfulness and the Vajrayana path.insert link to slides
Classes are offered on the ancient basis of Dana, also known as "give from the heart" or "pay what you choose." This allows you to pay according to your heart, and to what you value. Dana can be sent by e-transfer to dana@awakenintoronto.org or by PayPal to https://paypal.me/awakeningintoronto
Colin's Buddhist Bio:
Colin has been practicing meditation since 2018 when he was introduced to the practice as a means of healing from past trauma. Colin took to the cushion very quickly and his practice organically led him to Buddhism. He eventually took a leap and went on his first ever retreat at Clear Sky Meditation Centre in 2022. Following his introduction to the Awaken in Toronto Sangha later that year, Colin began attending retreats regularly in addition to his regular practice. He took the 5 precepts in November ‘22, and the 8 precepts in July ‘23. He currently studies under Lama Linda Hochstetler.
Colin lives and practices in beautiful Hockley Valley, Ontario, with his lovely wife and daughter on their hobby farm. He loves the outdoors, spending time with family, his animals, and constantly searching for more moments of peace and tranquility. He continues to shape his life into one consistent with a growing Buddhist practice, and remains active in his local community. Colin practices right livelihood through his employment in a program that helps injured military members, veterans, and their families. - Meditation Class - The 6 ParamisNeeds location
Instructor: Bat Fung
Dates: May 29The Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche once said: “No Parami, no Awakening”. Paramis is often translated as perfections. It can also be interpreted as realisations or qualities. Different Buddhist branches have lists of different numbers of Paramis. The common one is 6, including the following qualities:
- Generosity (dāna)
- Morality (sīla)
- Patience (khanti)
- Energy / Diligence (vīrya)
- Meditation / Concentration (dhyāna)
- Wisdom (prajñā)
This week we will explore these qualities and how they would be leading us to awakening.
Class will be online only:
- Zoom Link**: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87469872916?pwd=dW45sm68Mj6aOeNWT2TYvJk32Wo4OX.1**
- Zoom Meeting ID: 874 6987 2916 Password: 108108
The Teacher
Bat Fung has been studying with Qapel and Catherine Sensei since 2003. He brings his wry sense of humour and pragmatic sensibilities to teaching meditation and enjoys expounding on traditional Buddhists practices as well as interpreting meditation practices for everyday urban life. He brings to life meditation practices for new and old students alike.About
Classes are offered on the ancient basis of Dana, also known as "give from the heart" or "pay what you choose." This allows you to pay according to your heart, and to what you value. Dana can be sent by e-transfer to dana@awakenintoronto.org or by PayPal to https://paypal.me/awakeningintoronto