F.A.Q.

I’m interested in Meditation. How do I get started?

Most people start by attending an introductory meditation course that usually meets weekly for five or six sessions. Some start by attending a retreat that is described as “suitable for beginning meditators”

You’ll find a BCIMS class and retreat schedules on the website.

(If you live in a community outside of Vancouver, you might consider organizing an Introduction to Meditation weekend in your community. Contact a teacher or CDL for details.

Do I have to become a Buddhist?

No. Some meditators consider themselves Buddhist and some don’t.

What is a retreat?

Each retreat is different but all retreats are alike in these aspects:
A retreat can be residential or non-residential; a day; a weekend, a week, or a number of months long. It could be a vipassana or metta retreat.
Most retreats are held in silence. You might think this is difficult, but most find it a relief. The day will unfold according to a schedule of alternating periods of sitting and walking practice and There will will be some instruction and usually a talk by the teacher each day.
As well, there may be an opportunity for an individual or group interview with the teacher.

Why sit a retreat?

A retreat gives you an opportunity to step out of daily routine and distraction, to come back in touch with yourself: it is a time of physical and spiritual refuge. It provides an opportunity to extend and deepen your experience of practice and allows time for inner transformation.

For information on upcoming retreats...

What can I do between between classes and retreats?

Most meditators have a daily practice, when they sit usually 30-45 minutes. To help develop a quality of mindfulness in daily life it’s useful, as well, to choose one simple thing that you do every day, eg. brush your teeth, shave, wash dishes or load the dishwasher, and do it mindfully ie with full attention.
Some meditators also join a sitting group.

What happens in a sitting group?

A group of mediators come together, usually once a week and usually with a teacher or CDL….a small dharma community in open-hearted support of one another. There is a sitting, a short talk, or reading, then questions, discussion and suggestions about the dharma and daily life. It is a place to consciously practice active listening, wise speech, and open hearted acceptance.

Most groups are open to anyone who has had at least an introduction to practice.

For information about ongoing sitting groups...