Sanctuaries of the Heart With Tempel Smith
A Two-Day, Non-Residential, In-Person Only Retreat
Description:
Join us for a weekend of silent practice dedicated to the cultivation of the Sanctuaries of the Heart (Brahma Vihāras): loving-kindness (mettā), equanimity (upekkhā), compassion (karunā), and resonant joy (muditā). This non-residential retreat offers a rare opportunity to step back from the busyness of life, creating space for deeper reflections and re-grounding ourselves within our bodies.
Through periods of guided instruction and silent meditation we will explore the profound practices of these heart centered sanctuaries, learning to nurture these qualities within ourselves and extend them outward to all beings. The silence will serve as a container for deepening our awareness, allowing us to connect more intimately with our own bodies and hearts.
The retreat will take place over two days, with a structured schedule balancing sitting and walking meditation. The non-residential format allows us to return home each evening, providing a gentle transition between the retreat environment and our everyday lives.
By dedicating this weekend to silent practice, you will create a foundation for greater mindfulness, balance, and value-centered living. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers a sacred space to deepen your understanding of the Brahma Vihāras and carry their transformative power into the world.
When:
Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 9:00 AM PDT to 4:00 PM PDT
- AND -
Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 9:00 AM PDT to 4:00 PM PDT
Where:
Goward House
2495 Arbutus Road
Victoria, BC V8N 1V9
Please use the rear entrance to the building (around to the left and down the sidewalk or stairs).
The #11 bus stops nearby.
About the Teacher
Tempel Smith teaches Mindfulness, Insight and Metta meditation with an emphasis on Buddhist psychology and mind-body awareness.
He spent a year as a monk in Burma with Sayadaw U Pandita and Pa Auk Sayadaw.
Tempel serves on the Spirit Rock Teachers Council, organizes the Dedicated Practitioners Program (DPP) and Concentration retreats for Spirit Rock, and teaches three-month study/practice programs online.
For more information about Tempel, please visit their website at https://www.tempelsmith.info
Cost:
Because the Buddha's teachings are considered to be priceless, and in keeping with the teachings and spirit of generosity or dana, this retreat is freely offered. Donations are welcomed.
Teacher Dana: At Goward House, a dana basket will be set out for cash or cheque donations to the teacher. Please make out the cheque to Tempel Smith. Thank you.
Canadian participants can make a donation through Interac e-transfer to: [email protected]
A PayPal option is also available on the teacher's website.
VIMS Dana: At Goward House, a dana basket will be set out for cash or cheque donations to Victoria IMS.
If preferred, clients of Canadian banks can make donations for organizational costs incurred by Victoria IMS through Interac e-Transfer to [email protected] and anyone can donate with PayPal by clicking here.
Cheques can be made out to Victoria Insight Meditation Society and mailed to 4013 Magdelin St. Victoria, BC V8N 3M5.
The suggested donation for organizational costs for this two-day event is $60.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Contact:
Victoria IMS Retreats
Victoria Insight Meditation Society
[email protected]