What we’re about
🌿 Welcome to Mindfulness and Beyond 🌿
This is a group for those that want to explore and deepen their understanding and practice of mindfulness and meditation. The purpose of mindfulness meditation is not just to be calmer but to deeply explore the principles of compassion, clarity and insight.To allow ourselves to embody these principles and manifest them in ourselves and the world around us.
Mindfulness has its roots in teachings of the Buddha 2500 years ago. These teachings are still relevant today. Without them there is a danger that mindfulness becomes just another intellectual exercise.
🧘♀️ What to Expect 🧘♀️
In each class, there will be a talk and guided meditation exploring various principles of mindfulness, meditation and life.
🌟 Who is Welcome 🌟
Anyone with a sincere desire to explore meditation and its practical implications in their lives.
🧑🏫 A little background about our facilitator Jack Connelly 🧑🏫
Many years ago Jack Connelly traveled to India with the purpose of exploring this wide world . One day while sitting on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi a Buddhist monk appeared and from his robe pulled out an orange which he offered to Jack. Over the next few days they met for tea and discussions and a new world of possibilities opened up.
The next 5 years were spent in Asia traveling, studying and practicing with different teachers in various retreat centers and monasteries in India, Burma, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Jack was fortunate enough to meet many of the great Thervadian Masters of the day including Ajahn Tate, Ajahn Chah , Ajahn Buddhadasa and Mahasi Sayadaw. As well as Advaita Vedanta masters Sri Nisgarda a Maharaji and H.W.L. Poonjaji.
Since that time his study and exploration continued both in Canada and back in Asia. His principal teacher became the Venerable Nymgal Rinpoche. He was also fortunate enough to receive empowerment and teachings from Dilgo Khyentse , as well as direct one on one teachings from Urgyen Tulku Rinpoche.
Jack offers his students the advantage of his rich life experience . He combines teachings from the various traditions in an accessible and modern-day context.
