On Sunday January 10, we completed our annual winter meditation intensive at the Shambhala Meditation Centre of Toronto.

Starting on Saturday January 2nd, thirty-five people attended an Introduction to Meditation program led by Joe Lukezich.

For the next eight days, we had meditation sessions every night and on some weekday mornings. Weekends were nyinthun-style, beginning at 10am and ending at 5pm.

Over all 280 people, including members, friends and newcomers, participated in the sitting and walking meditation sessions. Some participants were long-time practitioners; for others it was their first time on the cushion. At every session, there was a meditation instructor available for anyone who wanted meditation instruction. Overall, more then fifty members volunteered their time, filling the required positions of time-keeper (umdze), host (padma), and gatekeeper.

We received many words of appreciation from participants. It was pointed out that there are really few if any other places in Toronto where people can come and meditate on a regular basis with no strings attached.

Many thanks to all who participated! And, a special thanks to Helmfried Muller, our Co-Director of Practice and Study, who organized the event!