An Oasis for your Spiritual Journey

Our last spring retreat is quickly approaching! This May long weekend, we welcome back Dr. Hillary Rodrigues, a former teacher and administrator at the Krishnamurti school that once existed at the site of the Swanwick Centre.

The two-part experiential retreat, Approaches to Inquiry: Buddhism and Krishnamurti, will provide participants with an overview of the core message of Buddhism and its main branches, as well as similarities with the teaching of Krishnamurti regarding meditation, insight and the transformation of human consciousness.

Dr. Rodrigues is an internationally renowned religious studies scholar and a researcher and professor of Religious Studies, particularly Hindu and Buddhist philosophies and cultures, at the University of Lethbridge, and is recipient of that institution’s Distinguished Teaching Award. In addition to his academic career, he has given presentations on Krishnamurti’s teachings in New York, New Delhi, Victoria and Ojai, California, and has authored numerous books, articles and other publications, including Krishnamurti’s Insight: An Examination of his Teachings on the Nature of Mind and Religion.

The retreat also includes guest participants with deep understandings of the teachings of Buddhism and Krishnamurti. Prof. James Mullens (University of Saskatchewan) will give a talk and Q&A session on “Tibetan Buddhism and its Contemporary Relevance.” Dr. Mullens has spent over 12 years studying, teaching and travelling in India, Southeast Asia, China and Japan, and was recently awarded the 2011 Provost's Award for Excellence in International Teaching. Also participating will be Harshad Parekh, who has taught for nearly 30 years in Krishnamurti schools in India, Britain and the US.

Also shown will be a rare dialogue between eminent Buddhist scholars and Krishnamurti on inquiry, meditation and insight.

As a prelude to the retreat, Hillary Rodrigues will provide a public introductory talk and Q&A session Friday, May 18 at 7:30 pm at the Church of Truth in Victoria entitled “Meditation, Insight and Transformation.” Retreat participants will overnight at Swanwick Centre and reconvene there on Saturday morning for Part 2 of the retreat. Weekend day participants are also welcome.

The retreat officially ends on Sunday afternoon, but participants are welcome to extend their weekend with a personal retreat lasting up to Wednesday, May 23th. With the weather finally warm and sunny and with flowers and trees in full bloom, this is a great time of year to enjoy the Centre’s magnificent setting.