Life is but a Dream
The Peace of Emptiness Guided Retreat
Life is but a Dream
The Peace of Emptiness Guided Retreat
with Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen
Friday June 20 - Sunday June 22
at the Manoir de la Forêt in Cantley, Québec
This retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from everyday activities and worries and embark on a meditative journey into emptiness – the true nature of reality.
Each session will include uplifting talks and guided meditations, allowing both new and experienced practitioners to relax and enjoy this step-by-step retreat, reaching deeper levels of inner peace and happiness. There will also be plenty of time for relaxing and connecting with like-minded people.
As Buddha advised, ‘Think that all phenomena are like dreams,’ and what better place to do so than in the serene beauty of the forest of Gatineau?
THE PEACE OF EMPTINESS
‘Emptiness is how things exist rather than how they appear’
“If we realize the emptiness of all phenomena, we will no longer experience suffering or problems. Instead, we will experience lasting inner peace and joy.”
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Retreat Schedule
Friday June 20
Introduction to the retreat - 7:30-9pm
Saturday June 21
Breakfast - 8 am - 9 am (for those who are staying onsite)
Session one - 9 am -10:15 am, Teaching & Meditation
Session two - 11:15 am - 12:30 pm, Teaching & Meditation
Lunch - 12:30 pm -1:30 pm
Session three - 4 pm - 5:30 pm, Teaching & Meditation plus Q&A
Dinner - 6 pm - 7pm
Session four - 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm, Teaching & Meditation
Sunday June 22
Breakfast - 8 am - 9 am (for those who are staying onsite)
Session one - 9 am - 10:15 am, Teaching & Meditation
Session two - 11:15 am - 12:30 pm, Teaching & Meditation
Lunch - 12:45 pm -1:30 pm
This retreat will be led by Resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Thekchen, who is a senior Teacher in the New Kadampa Tradition. He has been a Kadampa Buddhist monk and Teacher under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for more than 25 years. He is well known for his ability to present Buddha's teachings in a simple, profound, practical and often humorous way, making them easy to put into practice in everyday life.
The venue: Le Manoir de la Forêt Retreat Centre is located at 32 Chemin River in Cantley Québec - an idyllic, private centre in the heart of a 29 acre maple forest. It is a short 20 minute drive from central Gatineau and Ottawa. Delicious & healthy vegetarian meals will be provided. Vegan, Gluten-free and other special needs can be accommodated- simply contact Kelsang Khandro to discuss: admin@meditateinottawa.org.
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy guided meditations, teachings, reflective reading in the cozy library, quiet time in the forest, strolls along farm-lined country roads, stunning views from the deck, snuggling up by the indoor fireplace & comfortable sleeping accommodations in either a private or a shared room.
The on-site retreat accommodations are fully booked but you can attend in different ways still!! You may either:
- Attend the retreat as a commuter, for one or for multiple days. Choose to enjoy the delicious meals or choose to forego the meals.
- Stay offsite at a nearby rental then attend for one or multiple days, choosing to opt-in or opt-out of the meals.
- Cantley Camping for as low as $56/night
- VRBO
- AirBnB
- Booking.com
To indicate your wish to join a waitlist, ($520 private room; $445 double room which includes all meals), please email Kelsang Khandro at admin@meditateinottawa.org
Free parking onsite.
Away Retreat Le Manoir Live is but a Dream
Cancellations/ refunds subject to a 5% admin fee.
No refunds with notifications that are fewer than 7 days to the start of the retreat
-Cross the river to Quebec using the Chaudiere bridge from Albert and Booth Street, Ottawa, which turns into Eddie Street, Quebec.
-Turn left onto Boulevard Alexandre-Taché. Continue for 250 m.
-Turn right onto Rue Montcalm and continue for 750 m.
-Turn right onto AutoRoute 50 with signs for AutoRoute 5 E/ QC-148E/Ottawa/Manawa/
-Exit highway at exit 141 Boulevard de la Verendrye
-Turn left onto 141 Boulevard de la Verendrye. Continue 2.7 km
-Turn right onto Rue Saint-Louis AutoRoute 307 N and continue for 8.2 km
-Turn left onto the Chemin River.
-The destination is on the right Manoir De La Forest at 32 Chemin River, Cantley, Quebec
In the beginning of our practice the most essential thing is to tame our mind, for only this will enable us to benefit all sentient beings.