Open Spaces offers inclusive and mindful events in St. John's, NL.
Find more Open Spaces Events
Description
A full day of meditation practice, hosted by the Eastern Sun Sangha, at Wesley United Church in the Paul LeDrew Room from 8am-5:30pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026. An optional orientation session and dance will be held the night before, on Friday evening Feb 27, as well as advanced training on Sunday evening.
See the FULL WEEKEND SCHEDULE below.
Meditation instruction is based on the Buddhist Rinzai Zen tradition. A ceremonial tea service and chanting will open the practice of silent meditation with alternating intervals of sitting and walking.
Tea/Coffee breaks and Lunch are provided: Vegetarian curry and soup with rice, salad and bread.
Retreat participants share tasks with lunch service and clean-up.
In person at Wesley United Church on Patrick Street in the Paul LeDrew Room. Accessible entrance and parking on site.
This offering is open and supportive to practitioners of all faiths and belief systems.
Candles and incense are generally used throughout the retreat.
The cost is $50/day or $30/half day. Lunch with tea/coffee is included.
We also offer a Pay What You Can option.
***
For More Information about the group:
easternsun.ca
***
Eastern Sun Sangha Winter Retreat
The retreat is based in the Buddhist Rinzai Zen tradition of zazen, silent meditation, and incorporates practice elements from other Buddhist traditions.
Full Weekend Itinerary:
Friday, Feb 27, 7-8pm
Winter Retreat Orientation and Dance Warm-up
(Optional for Retreat Participants and open to Heart Beats dancers)
This is an OPEN ORIENTATION to the Winter Retreat weekend and a dance warm-up. We will receive an introduction to the practices happening at the retreat the following day, including a review of basic meditation seating options and postures, a selection of chants for practice at the retreat, as well as proper forms for hand mudras and bows. The session concludes with a short full body stretch to warm-up for the dance starting at 8pm.
Friday, Feb 27, 8-10pm
Mantra Mojo Dance Party
This SPECIAL LIVE MUSIC EVENT is presented by Heart Beats Conscious Dance and Eastern Sun Sangha, as part of the Eastern Sun Winter Retreat.
Mantra Mojo Dance Party - Live Music Jam with DJ's and musical guests, including members of Eastern Sun Sangha and violinist, Gina Burgess.
A mashup of dance beats and traditional Buddhist mantras in different languages mixed by Heart Beats Resident Dj's, PRESSHA (Morgan Cipryk) and J.E.T. (James Tobin), for an interactive dance journey! Sing along and participate in the live music jam with Djembes, tambourines and other hand percussion instruments provided on site, or bring your own! Join in the festival atmosphere with whatever you are into like juggling, hoops, and poi. We will have a few glow sticks and dress up is always welcome!
Saturday, Feb 28, 8am-5:30pm
Eastern Sun Sangha Winter Retreat
This is a FULL or HALF DAY MEDITATION practice of sitting and walking meditation, with chanting and guided practice instruction. The day is mainly spent in silence, including breaks. Lunch with coffee/tea is provided.
Saturday Retreat Schedule:
8:00 AM – Arrival
8:30 AM – Talk and Instruction for the day
8:50 AM – Stretching and movement
9:00 AM – Tea and Zendo Open, Chanting (Heart Sutra)
9:15 AM – 11:10 AM – Zazen (sitting meditation)/Kin Hin (walking meditation)
11:10 AM – Chanting and bows (Eight Verses)
11:30 AM – Lunch + Cleanup and Free Time
12:45 PM – Tea and Chanting
1:00 PM – Zazen/Kin-hin
2:30 PM – Gyodo (slow walk with chanting)
3:00 PM – Zazen
4:20 PM – Zendo Closing + End-of-Day Chant (Three Jewels)
4:30 PM – Break silence for sharing circle/Q&A (Those who wish to keep silence may leave)
5:00 PM – Cleanup and tear-down
Sunday, Mar 1, 6-8pm
Sangha Training and Zendo Cleaning
ADVANCED TRAINING for official roles, Jiki and Shoji. Group service cleaning of zabutans, gomdens, and zafus (meditation mats and cushions).
***
Date & Time
Sat, Feb 28, 2026 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Venue Details
The Paul LeDrew Room @ Wesley United Church
101 Patrick StreetSt. John's, Newfoundland A1E 0A5
