Why a meditation retreat on the Bardos?

Bardos relate to both living and dying, creating and dissolving.  Bardos can appear at any time, and may make us feel we have lost all of our stability and reference points. However, they also offer us an opportunity to explore what is dying and prepare for a new birth.

Bardo study is relevant to people of all ages, regardless how old they are or how close to dying they are.

Who is this retreat ideal for? 

This retreat is ideal for relatively new students who are interested in exploring Buddhist principles that include both Eastern and Western views of death and impermanence. It will appeal to students of the Positive Death movement. Is is also ideal for AIT students who cannot travel to BC as often as they like to, given the pandemic situation.

What’s expected of me? 

• An open mind and heart, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!
• It’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new, meeting new people, or going to a new place. Particularly when all three happen together. We try to make this as supportive as possible.
• When exploring our growth edges, it’s natural to feel uncertain and awkward. And it’s very fruitful to transform that emotional tension into creative energy by drawing on your own inner resources – such as inquiry, going with the flow, and self-reflection, just a few of the many kinds of constructive engagement.
• To maximize your retreat experience, we ask that you refrain from reading, using the internet, phone or listening to music during the course.
• Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat, and participate in all classes, group meditations, activities, and discussions.