BIMPOC daylong retreat: The Fire Inside

Based on the book The Fire Inside: The Dharma of James Baldwin and Audre Lorde by Rima Vesely-Flad, this daylong meditation retreat will celebrate where Buddhism meets Black brilliance for the liberation of all beings. This is a dedicated space for Black, Indigenous, Mixed Race and People of Colour to rest and listen to the wisdom of the body. This retreat will be held in noble silence. This daylong retreat will include guided and silent meditations based in the Buddhist tradition, including walking and eating meditations. The retreat is open to all BIMPOC practitioners regardless of experience. Guidance will be given for new practitioners. When: Saturday, October 17, 10-4 pm (registration begins at 9:30am) Where: 60 Lowther Ave, Toronto Quaker House Facilitators: Michelle Nicholls, arti mehta, Rose Mina Munjee Schedule - subject to change 9:30 am - Registration Opens 10:00 am - Welcome and Introductions 10:30 am - Guided practices and Dharma Talk 12:30 pm - Silent Lunch (please bring your meal) 1:30 pm - Outdoor Walking Meditation (with indoor options) 2:00 pm - Guided practices and Dharma Talk 3:30 pm - Group Reflections, Announcements, Closing 4:00 pm - End -- FAQ: What do I need to bring? chairs will be provided, but if you would like to lie down or sit on the ground, please bring a yoga mat and/or sitting gear altar items (photo, names of loved ones, sacred objects) - optional water bottle/thermos (mugs are provided for tea) lunch a mask - optional a watch - optional (to help not look at your phone) cushions if you would like to sit on the floor (padded folding chairs and several cushions are provided) cozy blanket or thick socks/ slippers to stay warm blanket, cushion or a yoga block to put under your feet if you’re on a chair comfortable and “quiet” clothes (no nylon pants or indoor jackets) Accessibility: What is the space like? This is the main hall of the Toronto Friends/Quaker House Padded folding chairs We expect 20-30 people in a large room There are gender neutral washrooms and there is mobility device access throughout the building This is not a mask mandatory space, but please wear a mask if you can to support our covid cautious kin Please do not attend if you’re experiencing cold or flu symptoms While we may use the language of “sitting practice” or “a sit”, if you prefer lying down there will be space to do so. Please bring a yoga mat or blanket to lie down on. The space is scent free (including natural scents like essential oils) The venue is 3 blocks from St George Station with free parking at what would be 70 Bedford Road, around the corner from the venue. What is noble silence? This day-long retreat will be in noble silence, except when asking questions or when there is group discussion time. Noble silence is an invitation to let the energy that normally goes into speaking be turned inward into our practice. If you have a logistical question or need to speak to the teachers, that is absolutely okay. Please do not speak to other participants to respect each other’s deepening concentration. Please refrain from using your phone as much as possible. Ideally, you would turn it off for the day (if you can’t, that’s okay too, but please have it on silent and use it away from common spaces, like outside). Can I get a refund if I can't come? We are not able to offer refunds for this event. What is dana? Why are you charging a registration fee? Does the registration fee include dana? Dana translates to generosity in Pali, the language of the Buddha. The teachings have been freely offered for 2600 years. However, we do live in capitalism and need to pay for our time to make sure that our teachings are sustainable. The sliding scale registration fee covers the space rental and administrative fees. We ask for dana on top of the registration fee to cover to support us as we dedicate our time and resources to sharing the Dharma. There will be an opportunity at the end of the retreat to offer dana by cheque, etransfer, cash or credit card. NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS (NOTAFLOF) - The registration fee can be waived if it's beyond your means - contact [email protected] Do I have to be Buddhist to attend? You do not have to be Buddhist to attend, or have any particular level of meditation experience. The teachings are meant for all and there is no required belief system or option to convert. An important tenet in Buddhist teachings is ehipasiko, to see for yourself, if the practices are a fit for you. Note: we will be teaching Buddhism as opposed to secular mindfulness. Food and Drink Please bring your own meal and snacks. There are fast food options including a Tim Horton's on Bloor Street if needed. There is one microwave to heat up your lunch, a fridge and a hot water dispenser with herbal teas available. Altar space If you would like to bring altar items to add to our collective altar, please do so. They can be sacred objects, photos, notes, etc