OBS MEDITATION RETREATS The Ottawa Buddhist Society regularly offers weekend and longer retreats at beautiful retreat centers located close to Ottawa. Retreats in the past have been led by Ajahn Viradhammo, Bhante Rahula, and Ajahn Sona. Retreatants determine to observe the Eight Precepts, Noble Silence, and Monastic Etiquette. Such retreats allow participants to experience a quiet, meditative environment with guidance and encouragement both from the visiting monastic and fellow retreatants.

Vipassana (Insight) Meditation Retreat with Ajahn Viradhammo Charity No. BN 11907 1256 RR 001 c/o 29 Melanie Cres., Kanata, K2L 2E4 Email: obs_secretary@yahoo.ca WWW: http://www.geocities.com/obswebs/ Place: Galilee Centre, Arnprior, Ontario (30 mins west of Ottawa) Date: Friday November 2nd to Sunday November 4th, 2001 Vipassana (Insight) Meditation Vipassana meditation comes from the Buddhist tradition of South East Asia. The practice uses mindfulness of various objects, including the breath, body sensations, and mental and emotional events, to cultivate calmness and insight. The steadiness of mind allows us to observe and experience whatever is happening in the present moment in a balanced and peaceful way. The insight is the arising realizations into the subtle nature of existence. Such understandings naturally promote a mature and compassionate attitude towards oneself and all other living beings. Everyone is welcome. The retreat is designed for those with no previous experience as well as those who wish to deepen their practice. The retreat will include a full daily schedule of sitting and walking meditation, instruction, and talks. We will observe noble silence and the Eight Precepts for the duration of the retreat. About Venerable Ajahn Viradhammo Ajahn Viradhammo was born at Esslingen in Germany in 1947 to Latvian refugee parents. They moved to Toronto when he was five years old. He studied engineering at the University of Toronto but became disillusioned with academic life, and left in 1969 to go and work in Germany. Later, while living in India, he encountered Buddhism, meeting the late Samanera Bodhesako, who introduced him to the writings of Venerable Nanavira Thera. He eventually travelled to Thailandto become a samanera at Wat Mahathat and ordained in 1974 at Wat Pah Pong. He was one of the first residents at Wat Pah Nanachat, an international forest monastery of Ajahn Chah. Having spent four years in Thailand, he went back to visit his family in Canada and Germany in 1977. Instead of returning to Thailand, he was asked by Ajahn Chah to join Ajahn Sumedho at the Hampstead Vihara in London. In subsequent years, he was involved in the establishment of both Chithurst and Harnham monasteries.In 1985, on invitation by the Wellington Theravada Buddhist Association, he moved to New Zealand, accompanied by Venerable Thanavaro. Ajahn Viradhammo was the abbot of Bodhinyanarama Forest Monastery near Wellington from 1985 to 1994. He then rejoined his teacher Ajahn Sumedho in England and became the abbot of Amaravati. He returned to New Zealand in the summer of 1999 and is currently engaged in a variety of teaching activities. The Site The Galilee Centre is surrounded by 100 acres of large lawns and trees and features a scenic waterfront and walking trails. The accommodations are fully furnished single rooms with sinks. Beds, bedding, and towels are provided. The chef makes delicious vegetarian dishes using mainly natural ingredients. Registration Information WHEN: 7:00 PM Friday November 2nd - 3:00 PM Sunday November 4th, 2001. ARRIVAL TIME: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM WHERE: Hwy 417 West, 17 West to Arnprior. Take Madawaska Blvd exit (near a Ford dealer) to Arnprior. Right on John St. North which ends at the Galilee Centre, 398 John St. North, just after Arnprior Hospital. Tel: (613) 623-4242 COST: C$125 (received on or before October 1), C$140 (after October 1), single room, all inclusive. REFUND: Full refund if cancellation is received on or before October 14, 2001 MORE INFO: Nissanka at (613) 831-1972 (npusse@magma.ca); or Philip at (613) 739-9073 (philipjurgens@hotmail.com). PRIORITY: The limited number of spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register early. DONATION TO THE MONK: The registration fee covers the cost of accommodation and food. In keeping with the ancient Buddhist tradition, the teachings and meditation instructions are given by the monk free of charge. The monk and the monastery are supported by donations. You may make a donation to the monk through the Ottawa Buddhist Society and at the end of the year you will receive a tax receipt. WHAT TO BRING: water bottle, toiletries, enough clothes for the duration of the retreat, insect repellent, walking shoes, slippers, meditation cushion and a mat to put your cushion on. VOLUNTEERING: All retreat organization is done on a volunteer basis. You are invited to sign up to help with various light tasks during the retreat. CODE OF CONDUCT: Retreatants are asked to undertake the basic training rules embodied in the Eight Precepts and asked to observe Noble Silence and Retreat Guidelines. The Eight precepts are: (1) Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any living creature. (2) Trustworthiness: not taking anything which is not given. (3) Chastity: refraining from any sexual activity. (4) Right Speech: avoiding false or malicious speech (5) Sobriety: not taking any intoxicating drinks or drugs. (6) Renunciation: not eating after mid-day*. (7) Restraint: refraining from entertainment and self-adornment. (8) Alertness: to refrain from over-indulgence in sleep. * Participants with medical conditions requiring a dietary regime will not be expected to observe this precept. MEALS: Vegetarian breakfast and lunch are the two main meals; in the evening there will be tea, juice, and fruits. IMPORTANT: Registrants who have never previously practiced in this tradition are encouraged to attend at least one of the Society's Days of Mindfulness for retreat orientation. TO REGISTER: Fill in the form and mail with your full payment to: 29 Melanie Cres., Kanata, ON, K2L 2E4. Please make all cheques payable to the "Ottawa Buddhist Society" and write at the top: "Ajahn Viradhammo Retreat". Last Name:______________________ First Name _____________________________ Address:_______________________________________ Home Tel:___________________________Work Tel:___________________________ email:___________________________________ Is this your first retreat? ________ Do you have special dietary needs? YES___________(indicate which) No______ Name and telephone of someone to contact, in case of emergency _____________________________________