Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

1. Q. Do I need to register or sign up in advance for classes? 

   A.  We do not require a registration or sign up for new students, for any classes. Just come about 10 to 15 minutes before the start time of the class and the instructor will help orient you , sign you in and answer any questions you might have. 

2. Q. Can I come to one class, just to "try it out", or do I have to commit to the whole session?

    A. You can choose to come to only one class, on a try-out basis, no problem. It is suggested that you try to select a class which matches your experience level, but if you are not sure, the instructors will be happy to help you determine which classes might best suit your experience. As usual, a donation is appreciated.

Deepening Mindfulness with David Liang

Wednesday | 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

10 weeks: Non-Members $125

Six Perfections: Jan 8 – Mar 26

The Skandas: Apr 9 – Jun 18

In our Wednesday class, we start to move more deeply into the practice of mindfulness and meditation.

During the first 10-week session, we will be focusing on The Six Perfections and the "doing" aspect of our mindfulness practice.

In the second 10-week session, we will be working through meditations that will help us experience the arising and passing of the Skandhas: Form, Feeling, Perception, Mental Contents and Sense Consciousness.  With this foundation, we will begin to explore the practice of Tonglen (Giving and Receiving).

In 2014, we will be focusing on the practices and meditations associated with the Mahayana stream of Buddhism.

This class is suitable for those who have taken our Mindfulness Basics courses and who have an established home practice. 

Retreats 

Retreats are precious periods of time devoted to deepening your practice. Away from the distractions of daily life, retreats provide the time and space for insight and understanding to arise. If you are interested in participating in any of these retreats, please email us to register.

Mindful Yoga with Marlene Puffer

Thursday I 7:30 pm to 9 pm

Drop-ins welcome by donation (Suggested: $15–20)

(Mar 6 – Jun 12, 2014)

Please join us for our yoga class with an emphasis on carrying mindfulness into each posture/asana.  

The class will help loosen your body for sitting practice as well as help you learn to carry the meditative mind into all your daily activities.  

Suitable for beginners as well as experienced yogis.  Please bring your own mat.  

If you are interested in attending classes regularly, please speak with Marlene about signing up for a 10-week session.

Vajrayana with Maureen Byrne

Sunday | 10:30 am to 12:00 noon

(Classes cancelled)

Practices using sound and visualization followed by the development of compassion through the guided practice on Chenrezig or White Tara. All practices are conducted in English.

Suggested Texts for Study:

  • Clear Heart, Open Mind by Catherine Jetsun-Yeshe
  • The World of Tibetan Buddhism by The Dalai Lama
  • The Essence of Buddhism by Traleg Kyabgon
  • Indestructible Truth by Reginald A. Ray
  • Secrets of the Vajra World by Reginald A. Ray

Sharing the Merit

Should you wish to honour the memory of Catherine with a donation, kindly consider any of the following:

The FOH fund that will support the publishing of Catherine's planned books. A cheque can be made out to Friends of the Heart. Please put Book Fund in the memo section. 
FOH is at Suite 324, 2510 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4P 2H7. 
Include your name and full address if you wish to receive a charitable receipt.

And/or the following charities:
www.gadenrelief.org 
http://www.msf.ca/ (doctors without borders)

If you would like to know more about Catherine and understand a little bit more about how she touched so many people,  take a few minutes to watch these videos made by Greg Mount and Toronto Mind Body: http://www.torontomindbody.org/lama-catherine-rathbun-jestsun-yeshe-passes/

May all beings be happy.

Metta,
Friends of the Heart

It is with love that we share the news that our beloved founder of Friends of the Heart, Lama Catherine Jetsun-Yeshe, took her last breath around 5pm on Sunday February 22, 2015. She was peaceful and surrounded by love from her family and other meditators. We did our best to help her transition, which we believe is underway as she hoped. Her meditation practice was strong throughout this lifetime which will take her through to carry out her vow to help all beings. Please be happy and continue to meditate on compassion and help other beings on her behalf. May her Dharma activity flourish.