Buddha of Compassion Retreat at Sarana Springs
RETREAT DETAILS:
A Retreat is an opportunity to recalibrate our body and mind, a time to touch a deeper source within, and a space to connect with inspiring teachings, practices, community and nature. Welcome!
Sarana Springs is nestled near to the dramatic vistas of the Niagara Escarpment and we are close to many water falls, caves and great natural beauty. Our 171 acre retreat is at the source of the BigHead River which flows into into Georgian Bay at Meaford. We are 2.5 hours north of Toronto, 20 minutes SE of Owen Sound and the small village of Chatsworth is north of us and Holland Centre is south. The name sarana is a Pali word which means, "refuge and sanctuary," and throughout the land are numverous fresh water springs.
Facilities & Accomodations: Our facilities are very humble and beautiful, and you will have two options if you are coming from out of town: camping or staying in a limited number of B & B's in the area. If you live locally, you can of course commute. If you are able to billet someone, please let us know.
Living simply, we will provide a covered outdoor kitchen space with dining tables, water for washing and drinking, teaching barn/temple, outdoor washrooms, and there is a beautiful spring fed pond for swimming. Unplugging and living in nature is also a rare and precious opportunity, however some of us will need more "comforts." (See listing for B & B's and hotels in the area.)
Food: At this time of publishing the event page, food will be your own responsibility, however we are working on towards having lunches catered. Details will be available shortly.
Fees: Full Retreat: $225 before Aug 15, and $250 after Aug 15
Dana offerings to Lama Karma will be offered traditionally at the end of the program.
Sarana Institute is also grateful for donations made to help us in sustaining this retreat facility and/or any of our programs; we can offer you a tax receipt.
At the event we will provide information on the "etiquette" for meeting the "Lama" and instructions on how to recieve the teachings, as well guidance, interviews and support in navigating the program. (Rev) Andrew will be guiding the retreat under Lama Karma's direction and will be availabe to guide and support you during your retreat, as well as other senior students in the community.
If you wish, you can also arrange for a personal interview with Lama Karma. By suggested donations, Lama Karma will also be available for Buddhist astrology & divinations, special prayer and blessing ceremonies for those ill or who have recently died, blessings for statues, malas, babies, etc.
Contact KIm Scarrow directly to book an appointment:
scarrowkim@gmail.com or 226-923-2224, or find her at the retreat
For any details missed, please contact us at:
info@saranainstitute.org or call Andrew at 416-726-4219
We are happy to you are planning to join us.
Two Hands in Prayer,
(Rev.) Andrew Blake, Kim Scarrow, Event Coordinators & the Sarana Team
Local Listings for B & B
We have provided you with the most local to the most distant in terms of B & B's in our area. Not many as you can see. Owen Sound is only 15 minutes from the retreat, so you are welcome to search on the internet for acccommodation in town such as the Travel Lodge. Here are some B & B options. Let us know if you need any assistance.
RETREAT SCHEDULE: SEPT 16-18 (Full details available at retreat)
Friday, Sept 16: Arrival 3-4:00pm
Welcoming Tea Ceremony & Water Blessing Ceremony: 4pm
Dinner Break: 6-7:30
Buddha of Compassion Blessing (Empowerment): 7:30pm
Saturday Sept 17:
7:30-9am Breakfast
9:00-10am Intro Mindfulness & Vajrayana Practice--Rev Andrew
10am-12:30 Buddha of Compassion Teachings & Practice--Lama Karma
12:30-2pm Lunch Break
2-3:30pm Chenerizig Practice: Chanting, Sitting & Walking
3:30-4:30 Break
4:30-5:30 Chanting on the Yellow Trail
5:30-7pm Dinner Break
7-9pm Teachings w/Lama Karma
Sunday Sept 18: Similar to Saturday except
2pm Buddha of Compassion Fire Ceremony
4:30 Closing Prayers and Dana Offerings to Lama
DIRECTIONS TO SARANA SPRINGS FROM TORONTO: