Let the Forest Speak

 

This retreat is more rustic than those True North Insight normally offers, and is highly recommended for those who love a get-away in nature. It will be held in the silence of the magnificent Ouareau Forest Regional Park in the Lanaudière region of Quebec. We will sleep in our sleeping bags in cabins perched in the trees, and practice walking meditation in the forest and in the welcoming common room, which opens to this enchanting site and which will serve as our dining room and meditation hall. For a few days we will live close to the elements, letting ourselves be touched by the beauty of nature and living in harmony with the living forest, as well as with our sometimes noisy mind. The simplicity of this way of living, almost like camping, the silent community life, the teachings of the Buddha, and the practice of mindfulness will encourage a gradual awakening of the heart and mind.

This retreat will be held in French, with the possibility of having an individual meeting with the teacher in English if needed.

 

About Pascal Auclair

 

Pascal Auclair has been immersed in Buddhist practice and study since 1997, sitting retreats in Asia and America with revered monastics and lay teachers. He has been mentored by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California, where he is now enjoying teaching retreats. Pascal teaches in North America and Europe. His depth of insight, classical training, and creative expression all combine in a wise and compassionate presence. In addition, his warmth and humour make Pascal a much appreciated teacher.

 

Registration Information

 

LOCATION: Centre Kabania, 2244 chemin du Grand Duc, Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, Québec http://kabania.ca/

 

This retreat is held at Kabania, a rustic, eco-friendly centre on the banks of the Dufresne River in the Lanaudière region of Quebec. Accomodations are in 2-person cabins and 1-person “cabanitas,” both accessible only by stairs. Cabanitas have low ceilings, so it is not possible to completely stand up in them.  There are lights in the cabins, and each cabanita has a lantern, but no electricity for electric fans, etc.

Sinks, toilets and showers are within a short walking distance from the cabins and cabanitas. There is electricity in the washroom area.

The common room will be used for both the meditation hall and dining room, and has low tables, with floor cushions to sit on. If you need to sit on a chair to eat or for meditation, you will need to bring your own.

 

ARRIVAL TIME: 3:30-5:30 pm, Thursday, July 14. The retreat will conclude by lunch on Sunday, July 17. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch.

 

COST: TNI is dedicated to offering affordable rates to all. TNI retreat fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. Fees do not include compensation for the teachings, and teachers rely on the generosity of retreatants for a sustainable income. There is an opportunity to offer dana (donations) to the teachers at the end of each retreat. The deposit is included in all of our fees.

 

 

What to bring:

• Sheets or sleeping bag (available at Kabania for $10)
• Pillow and pillowcase, blanket
• Towel
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Flip flops
• Mosquito repellent
• Chair, if needed
• Meditation cushion or bench, zabuton or yoga mat

 

Driving Directions

From Montréal:

• 25 North (Terrebonne direction)
• 125 North (St-Donat direction)
• Turn right on 347 (St-Côme direction), drive 2 km
• Turn right on chemin des Merles
• Turn left on chemin du Gran-Duc

 

For GPS :

2233 chemin des Merles

Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci

Québec, Canada

J0T 2A0