Program Details

Meditation / Open Sitting & Dharma Talk on Protection and Compassion

Shamatha (Peaceful Abiding) Meditation
One hour of sitting and walking meditation is followed by a short dharma talk and contemplation. All are invited to stay for tea and conversation. Sitting begins promptly at 7PM.

Free Meditation Instruction is Available
Please arrive no later than 6:45pm for the Thursday evening group if you wish to receive instructions or contact Steve (716-882-1194) to schedule a time.

About the Talk
The teachings of Shambhala are presented within a container of wakefulness. Maintaining this container is often referred to as protector principle. Within the Shambhala community (mandala), the practice of protector principle is shared by all, but is particularly associated with the Dorje Kasung.

The Dorje Kasung is modelled on the ancient tradition of dharma protectors. Its members are trained in protecting the space in which practitioners are able to hear and practice the teachings. The protection extends to the teacher who presents the teachings, the teachings themselves, and the community who practice the teachings. The motto of the Dorje Kasung is "Victory over War". War represents the struggle with the three poisons identified by the Buddha: passion, aggression and ignorance. Victory is being willing to face these poisons and meet them head on with insight and loving kindness.

The path of Compassionate Protection extends this sense of offering protection to our homes, families and communities. This discussion will exploring how can we can all help protect our society with the practice of Loving Kindness and Compassion.

About Rusung Ryan Kinghorn
Ryan has been a meditation practitioner and student of Shambhala for nearly ten years. He is one of the Meditation Guides serving the Shambhala centres in the GTA and surrounding communities (Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Oshawa, Richmond Hill) and is responsible for overseeing the practice of Compassionate Protection within these communities. Ryan also leads discussion groups that support Mindful Communication and working with Addictive Behaviours. 

Outside of meditation, Ryan has walked a non-linear life-path, having served in the Armed Forces to pay his way through his degree in Theatre & Performance Studies, to go onto working in the financial sector, where he is presently employed as a NA Sales Director for one of Canada’s major banks. Ryan believes that life may not progress in a straight line, but it is all connected, and it is all Basically Good.