The second annual Nalandabodhi Canada Open Retreat took place over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend this year, at the Kempenfelt Conference Centre just outside of Toronto. Attendees came from across the country, as well as from the United States and as far away as Germany. Nestled in the forest, with beautiful lakeside sunsets and quiet surroundings, it was an idyllic setting.
This year, like last, we were fortunate to receive teachings from our beloved teacher, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. In addition this year, we were joined by Dilyak Drupon Rinpoche (Ponlop Rinpoche’s brother), Lekshey La (Ponlop Rinpoche’s mother), Lama Rabten, and Lama Tashi, and Lama Tenam, Mitra Lee, and Mitra Mark. Chris Stagg acted as translator.
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche taught with his endearing mix of humour and wisdom. This year, he provided an in depth teaching on the Vajrayana practice of the Guru Rinpoche Prayer. Teachings this year were supplemented by two to three meditation sessions each day. Mitra Lee also led a meditation session in which she instructed us in the art of the walking meditation. Big takeaway: don’t walk like you are in a funeral procession!
You know what they say about all work and no play. Well, so does the organizing committee, who turned a night of karaoke into an amazing fundraiser and a ton of fun. Inidividuals and groups were challenged to sing, the challengers grouping together to raise bids large enough to encourage everyone and anyone to take part. A challenge by a mischievous member of the Toronto Sangha saw the Toronto Sangha perform the Rolling Stone’s “Sympathy for the Devil” – it was no coincidence that with Rinpoche in the audience that there were a number of tributes to the Rolling Stones. Highlights from the evening included Mitra Mark singing Joe Cocker’s version of “A Little Help from my Friends”, Mitra Lee singing the Beatle’s “Let it Be”, and a ditty Chris Stagg. Even the lamas got into the action, challenging each other and we were treated to an amazing Tibetan chants sung by Lama Rabten, Lama Tashi and Lama Tenam.
The retreat also offered a number of opportunities to practice gratitude:
A big thanks to all those on the Canada Retreat Organizing Committee who dedicated time throughout 2013 leading up to retreat, and time during retreat itself, to ensure that the rest of us had minimal distractions from the profound teachings of Ponlop Rinpoche.
Another thank you to the staff at the Kempenfelt Conference Centre, who were polite and helpful, and provided delicious meals throughout. Seriously, the food was ridiculously good: there were a range of options, and water, tea, and coffee were always available. For those of us committed tea-grannies, this was much appreciated.
Next year we look forward to another great Canadian retreat in Montreal!
