Winter Retreat at the Centre, January 26-28,2018

A Contemplative Winter Retreat
January 26 – 28, 2018

This residential weekend retreat at the Krishnamurti Educational Center of Canada in Metchosin was attended by ten participants, mostly from the Victoria area. Unfortunately one of the two facilitators, Lynne, was unable to attend due to health issues, leaving David as the sole presenter. He organized a program consisting of talks by J. Krishnamurti, Rupert Spira, Mooji, Adyashanti, and Clare Blanchflower on video or audio, guided and silent meditations, group discussions, and contemplation of significant questions about our experience of life and self. There was time for rest, walks, and quiet integration of the material presented. Most of the retreat was in silence other than while in the group activities. The central topic tying everything together was awareness and its fundamental place in spiritual practice and self-inquiry. The various teachers, the guided meditations, and the discussions all emphasized that effortless awareness is our very nature and can fruitfully be explored as the doorway to and essence of peace and well-being. The participants expressed an appreciation of the silence in the retreat and some would have liked more of it. All activities were optional, so participants could to a significant degree create their own blend of verbal and non-verbal engagement. The feedback indicated that the great majority valued and enjoyed the weekend greatly. Delicious meals were provided by Glenrosa Restaurant.