Buddha Meditation Centre of Greater Toronto - Mahamevnawa
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Activities

** Important Notice **
For updated status of upcoming events / programs,
always refer to the Monastery calendar
​.

​​List of Activities​
  • ​​Buddhism for Happiness
  • Meditate with a Monk
  • Day-long Buddhist Retreat​ 
  • ​Children's Dhamma Program​​
  • Friday Sermon and Devotional Service​​
  • ​Children's Dhamma Retreat
​​
  • Youth Meeting
  • Free Buddhist Chanting Class in the Theravada Tradition
  • Monastery Volunteer Cleaning Day
  • සදහම් සූත්‍ර අඩ්‍යයනය
  • උපෝසථ සීල භාවනා වැඩසටහන 
Buddhism for Happiness (Temporary cancelled)


When:   
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: Free
Language: English
Where: ​Buddha Meditation Center GTA -
              11175 Kennedy Rd. Markham L6C 1P2
               (1 km north of Elgin mills road)

​No need to Register
​
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​There are three parts of this class. The first part is learning Sacred Chanting, the second part is Meditation for Happiness and the third part is studying the Buddhist concepts. Overall the  class is designed for everyone to understand the concepts of Buddhism. Understanding of these Buddhist concepts will help you to face today's challenges effectively. You will develop your mindfulness and stay focused even in the difficult moments of life. As this class is on Sunday, you will be more prepared for the following week to work more effectively in your working places, schools and universities. You will be able to resolve problems with the mind of Loving Kindness, develop critical thinking in your life, and resolve problems with superior advice from the Buddha. Deep concepts of Buddhism such as Four Foundations of Mindfulness, Five Hindrances, Five aggregates of clinging, and Dependent Origination will be taught in the class. You will develop your knowledge to understand Suttas by yourself.

In the half an hour Sacred chanting session, you will learn how to chant Pali and apply them in day today life. In the meditation for happiness session, there is half an hour meditation before learning the Buddha's teaching. All the types of meditation techniques that were taught by the Buddha, will be practiced day by day during this time. If you are new to meditation and do not have any experience with meditation this is a great opportunity for you. You will learn how you can effectively use the meditation to live happily. The documents for each mediation are published on our web page and you can download them.

This chanting session, meditation program and dhamma talks are excellent for high school and university students. Also, the program will be helpful for students to reduce and eradicate their stress, depression, and anxiety. Students can learn these techniques to improve efficiency of mind by developing mindfulness. Hence you will learn how to do many things in a small period of time.

Because this class is more interactive, you will get the opportunity to ask questions. You can learn how to resolve day to day difficulties with the group according to the Buddha's wisdom.

​The class will be taught by a monk trained in the Theravada Buddhist tradition.​

​                  Approximate schedule:
​
                  Meditation for Happiness
                  6.00 pm – 6.30 pm – Sacred Chanting
                  6.30 pm – 6.40 pm – Introduction
                  6.40 pm - 6.50 pm  - Guided Meditation
                  6.50 pm -  7.00 pm - Silent meditation

​                  Buddhist Concepts & Sutta study
                  7.00 pm – 7.45 pm – Dhamma talk and Sutta study
                  7.45 pm – 8.00 pm – Q & A, solving real life scenarios and End of the program
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Meditate with a Monk (In person Only)


​When: Every Thursday
Time: 8.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Cost: free
Language: English
Where: Buddha Meditation Center GTA -
               11175 Kennedy Rd. Markham L6C 1P2

               (1 km north of Elgin mills road)
​               
​  No need to register

​This is a great opportunity to have a peaceful mind after being tired of work throughout the week! Meditation will help you overcome depression and anxiety. Through the Buddha's teachings, you will learn how to be peaceful and calm even in difficult situations in your life. 

We will cover:
  • Meditation posture
  • Why we meditate
  • The problems that happen in our meditation and how to overcome them
  • Breathing meditation
  • Loving-kindness meditation
  • Meditation on the parts of the body and the elements
  • Walking meditation and more...

You will get the chance to meditate and chant with a monk trained in the Theravada tradition. Instructions will be given. You will get the guidance for every meditation that is practiced in the class. Later on, you can download the meditation guidance from the website. This guidance will help you to practice the meditation independently. This program is suitable for all levels of experience. All are welcome. No need to register.

​Approximate schedule:
​

8.00 pm – 8.15 pm – Introduction of Meditation
8.15 pm – 8.35 pm – Guided Meditation
8.35 pm – 8.40 pm – Discussion
8.40 pm – 8.55 pm – Silent Meditation
8.55 pm – 9.00 pm – Q and A and End of Program
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Free Day-long Buddhist Retreat (In person Only)

​​​
When: Fourth Sunday of every month
Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: ​11175 Kennedy R
oad,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)
​No need to register



Join us for a day of learning and practicing the Buddha's teachings. This event includes Dhamma talks, meditation and observing Eight Precepts. No need to register. We are happy to provide participants with the lunch time-meal (11 am to 12:30 pm).It will be mostly vegetarian. If you are a strict vegetarian or have other dietary limitations, we suggest that you bring food that you are comfortable eating.

​If you are new to Buddhist retreats, that is not a problem. There are many volunteers to help you.
You can wear anything that is comfortable. Some people like to wear white, but this is totally optional. Feel free to come as you are.
​

We will have cushions and chairs to sit on, but if you have a cushion and a mat, please bring them along. Most of the floor is carpeted, but some areas are uncarpeted.

Never been to one of our retreats before? Find out what to expect. Nervous about being in a big group? Read some tips we have for folks with social anxiety.
 
​Approximate schedule:

​8:00 am - 8:15 am      - Taking the Eight Precepts
                                       (taking the Eight Precepts is optional but recommended)

8:15 am - 9.15 am       - Dhamma Talk (Buddhist teachings)
9:15 am - 9:45 am      - Tea break

9:45 am - 10:45 am   - Guided and silent meditation
10:45 am - 11:00 am   - Chanting and meal dedication
11:00 am - 12:00 pm   -  Lunch meal
​12:00 am - 12:30 pm  -  Free time

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm     -  Chanting
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm       -  Dhamma Talk
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm       -  Guided and silent meditation
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm       -  Tea break
2:45 pm - 2:55 pm       -  Q&A and Dhamma discussion
2:55 pm - 3.00 pm       -  Merit sharing and End
​The Buddha encouraged his disciples to follow extra training rules known as the Eight Precepts as often as they could. Also, Supreme Buddha taught to follow the five precepts every day to collect good khamma (karma).

Children's Dhamma Program (In person Only)

​​​
When: Every Saturday
Time: 9.30 am to 11 am
Cost: free
Language: English

Where: ​11175 Kennedy R
oad,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)
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​Children from age nine to fourteen are welcome to join us to learn the teachings of the Buddha found in the Theravada tradition. They will also learn simple meditations that you can do with them at home. No registration is necessary. Snacks will be provided.


Friday Sermon and Devotional Service (Temporary cancelled)

​​​
When:  
Time: 8.30 - 10.00 pm
Cost: Free
Language: English
Where: ​11175 Kennedy R
oad,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)
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​This event has two parts. From 8.30 to 9.00 pm, there is a traditional devotional service. From 9 to 10 pm, there is a sermon on various teachings of the Buddha. You are welcome to come to part of or all of the activities. No registration required.
​
We begin by making offerings to the Buddha and taking the Five Precepts. Then we do some chanting and meditation. You can download a copy of the text we chant here. We also select a chant from the Pali-English Chanting Book. (We've got plenty of copies of both for you to use while you are here.) This is a great way to make your mind peaceful, remember the Dhamma (Buddha’s teachings) and collect good khamma (Kharma) to your life. 

At about 9:00 p.m. the Dhamma Sermon begins. This event is a wonderful way to learn Buddha's teaching and become a part of the Buddhist community. You will have time to ask questions about Buddhism and to meet a monk individually after the program. All of the sermons are based on the original teachings of the Buddha, faithfully preserved by the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Families are welcome.

When you come to the monastery you can check out a book from our lending library or speak to one of the monks.

Children's Dhamma Retreat (In person Only)

​​​
When: Third Sunday of every month, 8.00 am to 3.00 pm (During the Sinhala Sil program)
For Whom: Children ages 8-20
Language: English
Where: ​11175 Kennedy R
oad,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)
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​Children will have the chance to learn Theravadha Buddhism and Paritta chanting. 

No registration is necessary. Parents are welcome to join in. If you have questions, contact us at info@meditationgta.org



Youth Meeting (In person Only)


When: Third Sunday of every month
Time:  4 pm - 5 pm
Language: English
Cost:
 Free
Age limit: between 15 to 35 years

Where: ​11175 Kennedy Road,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)



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Participants will have a chance to learn many different kinds of meditations taught by the Buddha and engage in positive group discussions with fellow participants and our venerable monks. Various important Topics will be included in these discussions. We will also teach about how to gain the benefits of the Buddha's teachings into your daily life. Further, we teach the ancient sacred protective chants that can be used every day for happiness, peace and success. 

You will have more time for personal interaction with the monks and get the answers for your personal issues according to the Buddha's wisdom. You will be surrounded by teenagers, youths, college and university students in your age at this program. This is also a great way to gain wholesome friends into your life.

This program is led by monks trained in the Theravada Buddhist Tradition. There is no charge for this activity and no need to register.

Free Buddhist Chanting Class in the Theravada Tradition
 
(In person Only)

​​​
When: Every Saturday
Time:  9.00 am - 9.30 am

Language: English and Pali
Cost:
 Free
Where: ​11175 Kennedy Road,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)
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​An excellent opportunity to learn the Buddha's ancient sacred chanting in English and Pali
You will learn:
  • Simple ways of chanting that can develop your meditation
  • Proper pronunciation and rhythm
  • Techniques to incorporate chanting into your spiritual practice
Experience the benefit of chanting such as:
  • Calming the mind can be used to prepare for meditation
  • Memorizing the Buddha's teaching
  • Connecting directly with this ancient tradition
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Monastery Volunteer Cleaning Day - මාසික ශ්‍රමදානය

When: First Sunday of the month from 9.00 am to 4.00pm (Please check calendar for changes)
Where: ​11175 Kennedy Road,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)
​
​

Come and meet new Dhamma friends while taking care of our meditation centre property and collecting merit. There's something for everyone to do. Kids are welcome to join. Lunch is provided. This is a great way to get to know your asapuwa family.
You can also find this event on our meetup page 
​​​

සදහම් සූත්‍ර අඩ්‍යයනය - Sutta Study Class (In person Only)

When: Every Tuesday, 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Language: Sinhala
Cost:
 Free
Where: ​11175 Kennedy Road,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)


We begin with the regular evening Buddha Puja. Around 8:00 pm the Dhamma Sermon begins. Texts are chosen from a Tripitaka Sutta translated from the Pali language into Sinhala by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera.

All teaching is done by monks trained in the Theravada Buddhist Tradition.

උපෝසථ සීල භාවනා වැඩසටහන 
​ 
(In person Only)

When: Third Sunday of every month, 6 am to 4 pm
Language: Sinhala
Cost: Free
Where: ​11175 Kennedy Road,
Markham ON L6C 1P2
 (1 km north of Elgin mills road)


"Uposatha" means to come near our spiritual friends to learn the Buddha's teachings. 
Eight-precept Sil/Uposatha program. The day is spent meditating and learning the teachings of the Buddha. Breakfast and lunch dana are offered to participants. You will have the opportunity to observe the Eight Precepts.

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Buddha Meditation Center of Greater Toronto

Location

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Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery Toronto  at the
​Buddha Meditation Center of Greater Toronto

11175 Kennedy Road
Markham, ON L6C 1P2
(1km north of Elgin Mills)

info@Mahamevnawa.ca
+1 905-927-7117
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  • Home
  • Programs & Events
    • Programs >
      • Dhamma School
    • Monastery Calendar
    • We Care for You Team
    • We Care For You Past Projects
  • Donations
  • What to Expect
  • Opportunities
    • Lending Library
    • Pastoral Care
    • School and University Visits
    • Learn >
      • Buddhism
      • Meditation
      • Downloads
    • Staff Retreats
    • Meal Offerings
  • BUDDHA MEDITATION HALL
  • Subscribe
  • To Listen | ශ්‍රවණයට
  • Audio Books
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Contact
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Photo Gallery
    • Video Gallery
  • Pilgrimage to the Buddha’s Land
  • Stupa
  • Loving Kindness Meditation In Different Languages