The Retreat Site

The Marguerite Centre (http://www.margueritecentre.com) is located in Pembroke, Ontario, approximately two hours northwest of Ottawa and four hours northeast of Toronto. The accommodations are furnished single rooms. Beds, bedding, and towels are provided. Nutritious, home-cooked meals are served.

Registration Information

Registration now CLOSED. Many thanks for all your help. See you all at the retreat.

WHEN: Friday June 6, 2008

ARRIVAL TIME: 5pm to 6:30 pm a light supper will be served on is day only.

WHERE: Marguerite Centre (700 Mackay Street, Pembroke, Ontario)
- Directions from Ottawa: Take Hwy 417/17 North. Exit into Pembroke at Hwy 41 (not the first exit). Stay on Hwy 41 as it becomes Paul Martin Drive. Turn right on Bell St. You will see the Marguerite Centre on top of the hill. Turn right on Mackay and then right into the parking lot.
- Directions from Toronto: Take Hwy 401 West. Take Hwy 37 North to Hwy 7. Take Hwy 7 to Kaladar. Once in Kaladar, turn onto Hwy 41 North and follow directions as listed above.
Marguerite Centre Telephone: (613) 732-9926 (emergencies only)

COST: $300.00 (CDN) for the full retreat. Please note that the retreat fee pays for rental of the retreat site, single room, and two meals per day. This does not include donations to the teacher.

Registration: Priority is given to OBS and TBC members to register until April 15th. Seat placement is then given to all others after this date. The maximum enrollment is set at 30 people. If registration for the full 9 days is less than 30 people, we will then accept weekend registration for Friday June 6^th until Sunday June 8^th . The cost for the weekend will be $135.00 Please make cheques payable to the Ottawa Buddhist Society and write at the top of your cheque: “Ajahn Ayya Medhanandi June 2008 Retreat”. 

CONFIRMATION OF REGISTRATION: All registered retreatants will receive e-mail / phone confirmation of their registration along with more detailed retreat information (including rides coordination) by May 15^th, 2008.

May 15^th is also the deadline for registration to the retreat. Registration is now closed.

CANCELLATION: Full refund if you cancel prior to May 20^th, 2008.

DONATIONS TO THE MONASTICS: In keeping with ancient Buddhist tradition, the teaching and meditation instructions given by monastics are free of charge. The monastics and their monasteries are supported by donations. You may make a donation to the monk/nun through the OBS and receive a tax receipt at the end of the year. A donation box for this purpose will be set up at the retreat centre. The OBS does not keep a portion of your donation; all funds are sent to the monastery where the monk/nun resides or to their personal steward. In the spirit of dana, the OBS does not suggest an appropriate amount for donations. Any offering is appreciated.

WHAT TO BRING: Alarm clock, water bottle, toiletries, and enough clothes for the duration of the retreat, walking shoes/boots for outside, slippers, meditation cushion and mat to put your cushion on. Please ensure you keep any valuables in a secure place.

VOLUNTEERING: Retreat organization is done on a voluntary basis. You are invited to sign up to help with various light tasks (e.g. bell-ringing) during the retreat.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Retreatants are asked to undertake the basic training rules embodied in the Eight Precepts and to observe noble silence and Retreat Guidelines. The Eight Precepts are:

• Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of any creature.

• Trustworthiness: not taking anything that is not given.

• Chastity: refraining from any sexual activity.

• Right Speech: avoiding false or malicious speech.

• Sobriety: not taking any intoxicating drinks or drugs.

• Renunciation: not eating after mid-day**.

• Restraint: refraining from entertainments and self-adornment.

• Alertness: refraining 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. Tea and juice will be available in the evening.

IMPORTANT: Registrants who have never previously practiced in this tradition are encouraged to attend at least one of the Ottawa Buddhist Society’s monthly Days of Mindfulness for retreat orientation.

MORE INFO: OBS Retreat Coordinator – Tina Prudhomme tina.prudhomme@gmail.com

TO REGISTER: Please complete the attached registration form and mail it with your payment to:
Tina Prudhomme OBS Retreat Coordinator, #3 - 9 McLean Blvd, Perth Ontario K7H 2Z2
Please make cheques payable to the Ottawa Buddhist Society and write at the top of your cheque:
“Ajahn Ayya Medhanandi June 2008 Retreat”.

& the Theravada Buddhist Community of Toronto 9-DAY RETREAT WITH AJAHN AYYA MEDHANANDI June 6th to 15th, 2008 Marguerite Center 700 MacKay Street, Pembroke Ontario RETREAT REGISTRATION FORM First Name: _________________________ Last Name: ___________________________ Date: _______________________________ Male: ______ Female: ______ Address: ____________________________ City: _____________ Province: ______ Postal Code: ____________ E-mail:___________________________________________ Home Telephone: _________________ Work Telephone: __________________ - Do you have special dietary needs, health problems or disabilities? _________________________________________________________________________ - Do you need a ride to the retreat? Y / N Can you offer a ride to the retreat? Y / N …from Ottawa? (Specify area of town) _____________________________________ …or from out of town? (Specify town) _____________________________________ - Have you previously practiced meditation? If so, how long have you practiced, and with which teacher(s) / tradition(s):   - How much retreat experience do you have? None _________________ Short Retreats (1-6 day periods) _______________________________ (specify how many) Long Retreats (7-14 day periods) _______________________________(specify how many) Extended Retreats (15 day +) __________________________________(specify how many) Please list the name and telephone number of someone to contact, in case of an emergency: Name:__________________________Telephone:_____________________________________ Please mail this form with your payment to: Tina Prudhomme, #3 - 9 McLean Blvd, Perth Ontario K7H 2Z2 please make cheques payable to the Ottawa Buddhist Society

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