Be Aware, Be Free Retreat With Howard Cohn
A Two-Day, Non-Residential, In-Person Only Retreat
Description:
The unaware mind wanderers through an imaginary world, bound to its own stories and conflicts. The aware mind releases that distress and returns to life as it actually is - simple, immediate, and whole.
This retreat weaves sitting and walking meditation into a continuous thread of embodied presence. Moving between stillness and mindful movement, we train not just in isolated sessions, but in the art of letting go across every posture, transition, and breath. Awareness is portable - alive on the cushion, alive on the path, alive in every ordinary moment. This is liberation through letting go in action.
Open to all. Whether you are taking your first retreat or your hundredth, you are welcome. No experience required. Just come as you are and meet this moment fully.
When:
Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9:00 AM PDT to 4:00 PM PDT
- AND -
Sunday, October 18, 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:
Howard Cohn has practiced meditation since 1972 and has led vipassana retreats since 1985. He leads a weekly ongoing class in San Francisco.
Howard has studied with many Asian and western teachers of several traditions, including Theravada, Zen, Dzogchen and Advaita Vedanta and has been strongly influenced by contact with the Indian master H.W.L. Poonja.
He has done postgraduate work in East/West Psychology and has a private counseling practice.
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 Howard Cohn. Thank you.
Canadian participants can make a donation through Interac e-transfer to hcohn1@aol.com
Anyone can donate with PayPal to hcohn1@aol.com
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 vimsdana@gmail.com 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
vims1retreat@gmail.com