879 Somerset Street West, Ottawa

At this meditation retreat with Gen Thekchen, we will explore the three principal meditations and practises for daily life (known as the three principal aspects of the path), that Buddha taught for everyone, to discover our true inner potential and to accomplish the deepest peace of mind and happiness.

Learn how to cultivate a deeply healing, empowering self-compassion, a supreme good heart of love and compassion and a profound wisdom that leads to the freedom and creative energy to become the person we wish to be. Find the deepest inner peace, happiness and freedom from suffering that we would all love to have. Discover how this retreat can ultimately lead us to realizing our highest potential for enlightenment and our ability to be of real benefit to others.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Each session will include a talk, brief Buddhist prayers to prepare our minds for meditation, & a guided meditation. There will also  be opportunities for questions and answers over the weekend.

Retreat Schedule

Friday November 7,  7:30-9pm

Introduction to the retreat

Saturday November 8

9-10:15am - Meditation and Talk - The Self-Compassionate mind of Renunciation

11:15am-12:30pm - Meditation and Talk - The Self-Compassionate mind of Renunciation

4-5:30pm - Meditation and Talk - The Compassionate mind of Bodhichitta

7:30-8:45pm - Meditation and Talk - The Compassionate mind of Bodhichitta

Sunday November 9

9-10:15am - The wisdom realizing ultimate truth emptiness

11:15-12:30pm - the wisdom realizing ultimate truth emptiness

This retreat will be led by our 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 30 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.  Free parking onsite.

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.