Maitri Bhavana Practice Day

February 3rd (2015)

Date details +

    In this practice we share health with other people-in fact, all sentient beings. It involves developing a sense of immense generosity and being willing to suffer for others. One's own personal gain and achievement could be shared-in fact, given up.

    Several sangha members in Ottawa are experiencing health challenges and other sangha members have ailing family members in other places. We traditionally do a practice for the seriously ill called “Maitri Bhavana” periodically (see explanation below), and because of the intensification of these illnesses have been inspired to have a day for practice, which will include instruction in the compassion practice of “tonglen.” Practitioners are welcome to come and go as they feel comfortable or have time; we have tried to schedule the day so that working people can receive tonglen instruction on their lunch break.

    Schedule:
    10am: Meditation instruction for new practioners
    10:30: Shamatha meditation practice and walking meditation
    11:00-11:10: Tonglen practice for those who have had instruction
    11:30: Early lunch break (you are welcome to bring a bag lunch to eat together
    12:30 -1:15: Tonglen instruction and practice
    1:15- 2:00: Shamatha meditation practice and walking meditation
    2:00-2:10: Tonglen practice for those who have had instruction
    2:30-3:00: Tea break
    3:00-3:45: Shamatha meditation practice and walking meditation
    3:45 – 4:00: Tonglen practice for those who have had instruction
    4:00 – 4:30: Shamatha meditation practice and walking meditation
    4:30 – 4:40: Tonglen practice for those who have had instruction
    4:45 – 5:00: Shamatha practice and closing

    Maitri Bhavana is a group practice that we do for the seriously ill. What is meant by "seriously ill"? Any seriously debilitating condition; physical, mental, psychological or spiritual can be included. Temporary illnesses such as the common head cold, rash, fever, etc. are not usually included. Conditions such as cancer, stroke, alcoholism, diabetes, chronic depression, etc. would be included.


    The practice includes the sending and taking practice called Tonglen. Using the medium of the breath we breath in the suffering and pain of those who are ill, and we breathe out to them relief from that suffering. This relief can take many different forms.


    Sangha members and the public are encouraged to submit the names of people who are afflicted with an illness and the name of that illness. If you are unable to attend the practice, but would like to submit your name or someone else's name for healing practice, please email [email protected].


    All welcome

    Programs without a price are free. For those programs with a price listed, please do not let price be an obstacle. Visit our generosity policy page.

    When available as an option, your generosity in offering the patron price helps cover the costs for others who are not able to pay the full price. Any amount offered above the Program Price is considered a charitable donation to the centre, and will be included in a tax receipt issued by email in February of the following year.

    For programs that have a register button, it is helpful for us if you can indicate your intention to attend by registering ahead of time. In order to prevent duplicate entries in the Shambhala Database, all registrations are reviewed before you will receive a confirmation email.

    Our Refund Policy:  For convenience you can pay online using a credit card via PayPal. If we cancel the program for any reason, we will give you a full refund. We understand that sometimes after you have pre-paid, you might be unable to attend.  We will be happy to refund your payment if you request it at least 24 hours before the program starts.  Due to the difference in PayPal charges for purchases and refunds, we charge a nominal amount of $5 for a refund.