Ottawa mindfulness meditation group

This hybrid (in-person & online) course presents the Third Noble Truth, Nirvana or Freedom from Suffering, and begins with an exploration of the Third Foundation of Mindfulness: Mindfulness of Effort.

Friday mornings, May 2-30
$185

Chôgyam Trungpa Rinpoche, in his explanation of the Buddha’s meaning, emphasizes the experience of cessation as it arises in meditation and actual life, rather than as an imagined goal to be achieved in the future. We will explore the experience of cessation as “the gap” that arises naturally in shamatha (“peacefully abiding”) meditation practice, especially with regards to Mindfulness of Effort.

We will look at how we can recognize the contrast between samsara (our cycle of suffering and dissatisfaction) and nirvana; and how vipashyana or meditative awareness allows us to cultivate, extend and rest in “the gap”. Finally, we will look at the ways the Truth of Cessation manifests at different levels of practice and the path.

The recommended readings for the course are drawn from The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma: The Path of Individual Liberation (Vol I) by Chögyam Trungpa, with selected optional readings from Mindfulness in Action by Chögyam Trungpa.

This course introduces the traditional Buddhist teachings on the paramitas. The Sanskrit word paramita means to cross over to the other shore.

The paramitas are: Generosity, Discipline, Patience, Exertion, Meditation and Wisdom. They offer a clear and insightful way of understanding ourselves and our world, and a practice that can lead to wise and compassionate living.

For many of us, these awake qualities of the heart are obscured by delusion, selfishness, and other habitual tendencies. In this course, we will learn how to re-awaken these qualities and use them to uplift our own lives and the lives of others.

This program will combine meditation, contemplation, experiential exercises, discussion, and talks by the teacher so that students may discover a personal connection to these profound heart practices.

Our Heart of Recovery group meets online, every other Tuesday night.
We bring together contemplative practice and a commitment to sobriety, while allowing participants to find support in one another.

Newcomers will learn basic meditation techniques to enhance, not replace, their own recovery program in a familiar and comfortable environment. Experienced meditators will discover new ways to deepen their current practice and recovery program while supporting the group.

Heart of Recovery is not meant as a replacement for 12-step or other recovery work, but rather as an adjunct which focuses on the 11th step of “Prayer and Meditation”.

Meeting format includes: Sitting practice, a topic offering in the form of brief comments or a reading by the facilitator, discussion and exploration by group members, sharing our personal experience, strength, and hope, and the dedication of merit.
Open to all who are:

Buddhist practitioners from any tradition, 12 Step practitioners from any program, and individuals interested in exploring the relationship of meditation to recovery from addiction and addictive behaviors
This meeting is anonymous and attendance is confidential.
“Sobriety is finding a new way of living that involves engagement where there was withdrawal; generosity where there was self-centeredness; community where there was isolation; joy where there was bitterness; trust where there was cynicism.”

Most of us would appreciate more peace and harmony in our lives. Mindfulness meditation is an excellent way to begin. The simple yet profound practice of meditation is easy to learn.

Taught in English by our qualified instructors, this basic meditation class is for beginners, as well as anyone who would like to refresh their understanding of the meditation technique.