New Year’s Insight Meditation Retreat

 


Teacher
Jill Davey

When
December 29, 2026 - January 2, 2027

Where
Ecology Retreat Centre
Mono, ON

Registration starts in January.

 

So often we can be flooded by our emotions and overwhelmed by our own personal circumstances as well as to the world around us. This retreat will focus on the Buddha’s teachings on Wisdom and Compassion in service of deepening our capacity to meet our lives with a wise, loving and embodied presence.

Held in noble silence this retreat will consist of meditation instruction, alternating sitting and walking meditation, guided compassion and equanimity practices, talks on the Buddha’s teachings, group inquiry and small group discussions with the teacher. Open to beginning and experienced practitioners.

 

Teacher


 

Jill Davey (she/they) Since their first meditation retreat in 2008, Jill has been devoted to the study and practice of Vipassana (Insight Meditation) and sharing this understanding with others. Having been mentored and invited to teach by Molly Swan and Norman Feldman, Jill is a teacher with True North Insight. Jill is particularly interested in connecting the relevance of these ancient teachings of awareness, wisdom and kindness to daily life experience. They are also an End-of-Life Doula and bring this sensitivity to their teachings. Jill brings years of previous experience as a community worker to their teaching and is actively committed to the ongoing dismantling of internalized and systemic privilege.

 

Registration


 

ecology retreat centre

 

LOCATION: Ecology Retreat Centre, 308046 Hockley Road, Mono, ON L9W 6N2, Canada.

All of the rooms are double rooms, with shared washrooms.

 

ARRIVAL TIME: 3:30-5:00 pm, Monday, December 29. The retreat will conclude by lunch on Friday, January 2. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch. The teacher requests that you plan to attend the entire retreat – please arrive on time and stay through the closing talk.

 

COST: TNI is dedicated to offering affordable rates to all. TNI retreat fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. Fees do not include compensation for the teachings, and teachers rely on the generosity of retreatants for a sustainable income. There is an opportunity to offer dana (donations) to the teachers at the end of each retreat. 

A deposit of 50% of the base rate is required to register to the retreat. The deposit is included in all of our fees. 

 

Sliding Scale:
  • Benefactor: $2 300
  • Sustaining: $1 560
  • Base: $1 100
  • Reduced: $800
  • Scholarship: upon request (limited number of scholarships are granted)

◆ Deposit : $550

 

Benefactor
The Benefactor rate provides the opportunity to offer more substantial support for TNI.

Sustaining
The Sustaining rate represents the actual cost to TNI to operate our programs. If you can afford this level or higher, you assist our efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies.

Base
The Base rate covers 69 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Reduced
Payment at the Reduced rate covers only 55 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Scholarship 
TNI offers scholarships providing a reduction of up to 50% on the base rate on our sliding scale to those who request them. Scholarships are available for a limited number of places.

The Resilience of a Wise Heart

 


Teacher
Jean Esther

When
September 1-6, 2026

Where
L'arc-en-ciel
Sutton, QC

Registration starts in January.

 

As we reckon with the changing conditions in our lives personally and globally,  how can our dharma practice inform our relationships with ourselves, with others and with the world around us?  What did the Buddha offer us 2600 years ago in his teachings that we can practically apply to our lives today?

During this 5 day silent retreat,  we will explore these questions through our direct daily practice of formal meditation periods and in all our daily activities. There will be periods of guided meditation along with daily Dharma Talks reflecting the Buddha’s teachings along with small group discussions with Jean.

 

Teacher


 

Beginning her formal training in meditation in 1975,  Jean Esther has trained in the Buddhist Theravadan tradition with renowned senior lay teachers as well as Burmese and Western Monastics since 1982. Over a number of years, Jean has engaged in intensive teacher training in both Vipassana practice and non-dual awareness. Her teaching is also informed by over 43 years of practice as a psychotherapist, focusing on the healing of trauma through an embodied somatic approach. She trained for over 20 years in Jungian psychology with Jungian analyst Marion Woodman. Respecting all of life through a social justice understanding informs her life and her teaching. Jean teaches at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, USA, Insight Meditation Community of Western MA, USA as well as various other locations across the US and Canada. Jean has served on the Guiding Teachers Council of True North Insight since 2015.

 

Registration Information


 Kio-o Retreat Centre

 

LOCATION: L'arc-en-ciel Retreat Centre, 567 chemin McCullough, Sutton (Québec), J0E 2K0, Canada

All of the rooms are double rooms, with shared washrooms. 

 

ARRIVAL TIME: 3:30-5:00 pm, Tuesday, September 1. The retreat will conclude by lunch on Sunday, September 6. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch. The teacher requests that you plan to attend the entire retreat – please arrive on time and stay through the closing talk.

 

COST: TNI is dedicated to offering affordable rates to all. TNI retreat fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. Fees do not include compensation for the teachings, and teachers rely on the generosity of retreatants for a sustainable income. There is an opportunity to offer dana (donations) to the teachers at the end of each retreat. 

A deposit of 50% of the base rate is required to register to the retreat. The deposit is included in all of our fees. 

 

Sliding Scale:
  • Benefactor: $2 050
  • Sustaining: $1 600
  • Base: $1 075
  • Reduced: $900
  • Scholarship: upon request (limited number of scholarships are granted)

◆ Deposit : $537.50 

Benefactor
The Benefactor rate provides the opportunity to offer more substantial support for TNI.

Sustaining
The Sustaining rate represents the actual cost to TNI to operate our programs. If you can afford this level or higher, you assist our efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies.

Base
The Base rate covers 69 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Reduced
Payment at the Reduced rate covers only 55 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Scholarship 
TNI offers scholarships providing a reduction of up to 50% on the base rate on our sliding scale to those who request them. Scholarships are available for a limited number of places.

Presence in the heart of summer

 


Teacher
Roxanne Dault

When
August 7-11, 2026

Where
Kio-o
Ste-Lucie des Laurentides, QC

In the heart of summer, let's take a moment together to slow down, to approach what is alive, present in us and around us with wisdom and kindness.

This meditation retreat offers an opportunity to immerse ourselves deeply in the practice of mindfulness meditation. We'll explore the fundamental teachings of this ancient practice, cultivating a caring and balanced heart. Participants will be offered guidance on how to practice in daily life, the importance of living gently in this world and the spirit of the Dhamma that permeates everything we do.

Guided meditations, instructions and the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your practice with the teacher in group meetings, and individually on request, will make this retreat accessible to beginners and experienced meditators alike.

This retreat is taught in French.

 

Teacher


Roxanne Dault

 

Roxanne Dault teaches meditation in Canada, USA and in France. She has been dedicated to this path for almost two decades, spending a few years in silence, sitting on long retreats both in Asia and in the West. A Guiding Teacher at True North Insight and an Associate Guiding Teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in the USA, Roxanne teaches in a variety of environments including in a graduate program at Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), in corporate settings and in diverse organizations. Her teachings take root mainly from the lineage of Mahasi Sayadaw. She is trained in Somatic Experiencing®, a body-mind approach aimed at relieving the symptoms of trauma and stress. Learn more at: roxannedault.ca.

 

Registration Information


 Kio-o Retreat Centre

 

LOCATION: Kio-o, 1905 Chemin 6e Rang, Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, QC J0T 2J0

Most of the rooms are double rooms, with shared washrooms. There are a small number of single rooms.

 

ARRIVAL TIME: 3:30-5:00 pm, Friday, August 7. The retreat will conclude by lunch on Tuesday, August 11. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch. The teacher requests that you plan to attend the entire retreat – please arrive on time and stay through the closing talk.

 

COST: TNI is dedicated to offering affordable rates to all. TNI retreat fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. Fees do not include compensation for the teachings, and teachers rely on the generosity of retreatants for a sustainable income. There is an opportunity to offer dana (donations) to the teachers at the end of each retreat. 

A deposit of 50% of the base rate is required to register to the retreat. The deposit is included in all of our fees. 

 

Sliding Scale:
  • Benefactor: $1 640
  • Sustaining: $1 280
  • Base: $860
  • Reduced: $720
  • Scholarship: upon request (limited number of scholarships are granted)

◆ Deposit : $430

 

Benefactor
The Benefactor rate provides the opportunity to offer more substantial support for TNI.

Sustaining
The Sustaining rate represents the actual cost to TNI to operate our programs. If you can afford this level or higher, you assist our efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies.

Base
The Base rate covers 69 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Reduced
Payment at the Reduced rate covers only 55 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Scholarship 
TNI offers scholarships providing a reduction of up to 50% on the base rate on our sliding scale to those who request them. Scholarships are available for a limited number of places.

Rooting in Our True Home: A Retreat for the LGBTQIA+ Community

 


Teacher
Jean Esther

When
March 5-8, 2026

Where
Ecology Retreat Centre,
Mono, ON

 

How do we meet our worldly conditions from a place of inner strength, wisdom and compassion no matter what the circumstance? In this 3 day silent retreat, we will explore these questions through the practice of insight meditation together through movement and stillness throughout the day. In addition to daily dharma talks, there will also be an opportunity to dialogue together in small groups. We look forward to practicing together in community.

 

Teacher


 

Beginning her formal training in meditation in 1975,  Jean Esther has trained in the Buddhist Theravadan tradition with renowned senior lay teachers as well as Burmese and Western Monastics since 1982. Over a number of years, Jean has engaged in intensive teacher training in both Vipassana practice and non-dual awareness. Her teaching is also informed by over 43 years of practice as a psychotherapist, focusing on the healing of trauma through an embodied somatic approach. She trained for over 20 years in Jungian psychology with Jungian analyst Marion Woodman. Respecting all of life through a social justice understanding informs her life and her teaching. Jean teaches at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, USA, Insight Meditation Community of Western MA, USA as well as various other locations across the US and Canada. Jean has served on the Guiding Teachers Council of True North Insight since 2015.

  

Registration


 

LOCATION: Ecology Retreat Centre, 308046 Hockley Road, Mono, ON L9W 6N2, Canada.

All of the rooms are double rooms, with shared washrooms.

 

ARRIVAL TIME: 3:30-5:00 pm, Thursday, March 5. The retreat will conclude by lunch on Sunday, March 8. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch. The teacher requests that you plan to attend the entire retreat – please arrive on time and stay through the closing talk.

 

COST: TNI is dedicated to offering affordable rates to all. TNI retreat fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. Fees do not include compensation for the teachings, and teachers rely on the generosity of retreatants for a sustainable income. There is an opportunity to offer dana (donations) to the teachers at the end of each retreat. 

A deposit of 50% of the base rate is required to register to the retreat. The deposit is included in all of our fees. 

 

Sliding Scale:
  • Benefactor: $1 725
  • Sustaining: $1 170
  • Base: $825
  • Reduced: $600
  • Scholarship: upon request (limited number of scholarships are granted)

◆ Deposit : $412.50 

 

Benefactor
The Benefactor rate provides the opportunity to offer more substantial support for TNI.

Sustaining
The Sustaining rate represents the actual cost to TNI to operate our programs. If you can afford this level or higher, you assist our efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies.

Base
The Base rate covers 69 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Reduced
Payment at the Reduced rate covers only 55 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Scholarship 
TNI offers scholarships providing a reduction of up to 50% on the base rate on our sliding scale to those who request them. Scholarships are available for a limited number of places.

  

Cœur vaste, esprit libre

 


Teachers
Pascal Auclair

When
November 23 - 29, 2026

Where
Kio-o
Ste-Lucie-des-Laurentides, QC

Registration starts in January.

 

To be free-spirited, to have a clear heart, to have the senses awake no matter what the circumstances - this is what the Buddhist path proposes. Is it possible? Let's find out. During this retreat, this friendly, silent gathering, this intensive meditation course, the search for happiness will involve pacifying the mind, developing clarity, receptivity and inner stability. 

This retreat is taught in French.

 

Teacher


 

Pascal Auclair has been immersed in Buddhist practice and study since 1997, sitting retreats in Asia and America with revered monastics and lay teachers. He has been mentored by Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Massachusetts and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California, where he is enjoying teaching retreats. Pascal also teaches internationally. His depth of insight, classical training, and creative expression all combine in a wise and compassionate presence. In addition, his warmth and humour make Pascal a much appreciated teacher.

 

 

 

Registration Information


 

villa st martin 2024 crop 

Lieu : Kio-o, 1905 Chemin 6e Rang, Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, QC J0T 2J0.

Most of the rooms are double rooms, with shared washrooms. There are a small number of single rooms.

 

ARRIVAL TIME: 3:30-5:00 pm on Monday, November 23. The retreat will conclude by lunch on Sunday, November 29. Everyone is welcome to stay for lunch. The teacher requests that you plan to attend the entire retreat – please arrive on time and stay through the closing talk.

 

COST: TNI is dedicated to offering affordable rates to all. TNI retreat fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. Fees do not include compensation for the teachings, and teachers rely on the generosity of retreatants for a sustainable income. There is an opportunity to offer dana (donations) to the teachers at the end of each retreat. 

A deposit of 50% of the base rate is required to register to the retreat. The deposit is included in all of our fees. 

 

Sliding Scale:
  • Benefactor: $2 460
  • Sustaining: $1 920
  • Base: $1 290
  • Reduced: $1 080
  • Scholarship: upon request

◆ Deposit : $645

 

Benefactor
The Benefactor rate provides the opportunity to offer more substantial support for TNI.

Sustaining
The Sustaining rate represents the actual cost to TNI to operate our programs. If you can afford this level or higher, you assist our efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies.

Base
The Base rate covers 69 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Reduced
Payment at the Reduced rate covers only 55 % of what is needed to run our organization. To balance our budget and to wisely steward our resources, donations must supplement our registration income.

Scholarship 
TNI offers scholarships providing a reduction of up to 50% on the base rate on our sliding scale to those who request them. Scholarships are available for a limited number of places.