Toronto Mindfulness Community

04/02/2026

Special guest lecturer Larry Johanson on April 10th:
The Meditation Path Isn’t What You Think.

Peace doesn’t come first.
Silence doesn’t feel peaceful.
Doubt isn’t your enemy.

In this profoundly honest and moving talk, Larry Johanson explores the hidden forces that drive us toward meditation and awakening — suffering, longing, loss, and the relentless search for meaning. Drawing from over forty years of lived Zen practice, this talk reveals why frustration, discomfort, and doubt are not signs of failure, but signs of transformation.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, your purpose, or your progress — this talk is for you.

April 10th - 8:30pm
In person in Toronto or online via Zoom
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org/class/classes/

03/03/2026

TMC Spring Lecture Series 2026

Meditation within Buddhism: Theory and Practice

Dates: March 6, 13, 20 & 27

Join with Theodore as he facilitates this 4 part Meditation with Lecture Series offered in hybrid format, Toronto In-Person and Online via Zoom.

Please note: Theodore will teach the first session in-person (Toronto) on March 6. Virtual attendance is available for all sessions.

Clear and straightforward, Buddhism’s teachings guide both your meditation practice and your life, revealing that the answers you seek are already within you. As a result, Buddhism does not conflict with other faith traditions, but instead teaches that you can observe your inner and outer challenges and validate the reality of your own embodied experience. Meditation helps you see your mind, making it possible to intentionally choose how to navigate life and its complexities. It works to transform the negative thinking patterns and behaviours that continue to entrap us. In this lecture series, Theodore will discuss how applying foundations of Buddhism support the daily practice of meditation and how these teachings can foster positive change, healing and compassionate living.

Starting 6th March 2026 on Friday evenings

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Please arrive by 6:50pm to get settled in and/or ensure your technology is in good working order.

Sessions will include two periods of meditation followed by a talk on the topic outlined.

Cost: Dana (donation) according to one’s means.

Address: 662 Pape Avenue, Toronto

To attend online, please send a request to:
[email protected] to receive the Zoom link.

Everyone is welcome.

For more details, please visit:
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org/class/classes/

A Secular Meditation Group

03/03/2026

TMC Spring Lecture Series 2026

Meditation within Buddhism: Theory and Practice

Dates: March 6, 13, 20 & 27

Join with Theodore as he facilitates this 4 part Meditation with Lecture Series offered in hybrid format, Toronto In-Person and Online via Zoom.

Please note: Theodore will teach the first session in-person (Toronto) on March 6. Virtual attendance is available for all sessions.

Clear and straightforward, Buddhism’s teachings guide both your meditation practice and your life, revealing that the answers you seek are already within you. As a result, Buddhism does not conflict with other faith traditions, but instead teaches that you can observe your inner and outer challenges and validate the reality of your own embodied experience. Meditation helps you see your mind, making it possible to intentionally choose how to navigate life and its complexities. It works to transform the negative thinking patterns and behaviours that continue to entrap us. In this lecture series, Theodore will discuss how applying foundations of Buddhism support the daily practice of meditation and how these teachings can foster positive change, healing and compassionate living.

Starting 6th March 2026 on Friday evenings

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Please arrive by 6:50pm to get settled in and/or ensure your technology is in good working order.

Sessions will include two periods of meditation followed by a talk on the topic outlined.

Cost: Dana (donation) according to one’s means.

To attend in person, please join us at 662 Pape Avenue, Toronto (side entrance, basement) of the Presbyterian Church. This is just a 5 minute walk from Pape Subway Station. Street parking is available. There is also a Green-P parking adjacent to the venue, one block south of Danforth.

To attend online, please send a request to:
[email protected] to receive the Zoom link.

Everyone is welcome.

10/29/2025

In this 90-minute class, the focus will be on meditation plus starting and maintaining a practice.

Some of the topics that will be covered are:

Why the practice of mindfulness meditation can support us in daily living.
Misconceptions about mindfulness meditation and how these misconceptions occur.
How we allow our “thinking mind” to hinder us in our initial practice.
Correct meditation posture using a chair or a cushion.
The importance of creating a personal space for meditation.
In-person class NO pre-registration required.

Sept 20, 2025 and Nov 8, 2025

9am-10:30am
In-person at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Toronto.
662 Pape Ave (downstairs), a 5-minute walk from Pape subway station.

Teachings are offered at no charge. However, dana/donations are much appreciated.

07/19/2025

Repost

Dear friends,

She spoke out - now the Trump administration is punishing Francesca Albanese, the UN Rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, with sanctions.

Nominations for a Nobel Peace Prize for Francesca Albanese are gathering steam. Meanwhile, she keeps centering those most a risk: everyone struggling in Gaza.

There are millions of us across the world! Together we can use this moment to show we have her back, and want the world’s most prestigious prize to go to her and the doctors caring for people in Gaza. Join now and share it with everyone:

Link: https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/stand_with_francesca_loc/

Francesca Albanese has been one of the fiercest voices urging action on human rights abuses, unafraid to call out politicians, and companies profiting off the genocide, even when it put her in the crosshairs of Israel and the US. And the doctors — within Gaza and those coming from abroad to help — have been the moral voices raising the alarm again and again, trying to get politicians to act.

She used her independent platform to stand up for others, now let’s stand up for her. Through the symbolic act of showing how many people across the world would happily see her and doctors receive a Nobel Peace Prize we can create a counterbalance to the threats and intimidation.

Join to make this call huge, and we will deliver it to Francesca, to the doctors and in the media:

Sign now: https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/stand_with_francesca_loc/

When brave people like Francesca take great personal risk to speak truth to power, let’s make sure we show them they’re not alone - that there are hundreds of thousands of us across the world who have her back and believe she deserves recognition, not sanctions for her important work. Add your name and share it along to friends and family if it feels right. will deliver it directly.

With hope,

Antonia, Marco, Huiting, Harriet and the whole team

03/02/2025

Turning Words: A Map to Our Inner Sacred

Each of us is born with individual strengths, capabilities and talents and we tend naturally to move toward developing these characteristics. However, sometimes we waver in fulfilling our potential when life throws us stumbling blocks - and as we in turn put self-created obstacles before us. Using a set of words as a map, classes will explore ways to find meaning, reach our potential, and realize our authentic selves.

Classes will start on March 7th and will continue on Friday evenings throughout the rest of March and April.

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Please arrive by 6:50pm to get settled in and/or ensure your technology is in good working order.

Sessions will include two periods of meditation followed by a talk on the topic outlined.

Everyone is Welcome.

Cost: Dana (donation) according to one’s means.

To attend in person, please join us at 662 Pape Avenue, Toronto (side entrance, basement) of the Presbyterian Church. This is just a 5 minute walk from Pape Subway Station.

Parking: Street parking is available. There is also a Green-P parking adjacent to the venue, one block south of Danforth.

To attend online, please send a request to:
[email protected] to receive the Zoom link.

Please read our guidance document Your First Visit to TMC, before attending.

For more details, please visit:
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org/class/classes/
____________________________________________________
Snow Lion Meditation Community
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org

01/31/2025

TMC Talk Series February 2025

Basics of Meditation

In the stress of our human condition, it may be hard to fathom that a meditative state is an aspect of who we are. Just like our breath, we can all access it. When we enter the state of meditation, we cultivate the ability to see more clearly, make better choices and apply a greater wisdom and calmness in our day to day living. In this teaching series, Theodore will discuss what meditation is, the confusion around it and the how-tos.

This lecture series will be offered in hybrid format online via Zoom and in-person in Toronto.

Dates: February 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Please arrive by 6:50pm to get settled in and/or ensure your technology is in good working order.

Sessions will include two periods of meditation followed by a talk on the topic outlined.

Cost: Dana (donation) according to one’s means.

To attend in person, please join us at 662 Pape Avenue, Toronto (side entrance, basement) of the Presbyterian Church. This is just a 5 minute walk from Pape Subway Station.

Parking: Street parking is available. There is also a Green-P parking adjacent to the venue, one block south of Danforth.

To attend online, please send a request to:
[email protected] to receive the Zoom link.

Please read our guidance document Your First Visit to TMC, before attending: https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org/resources/your-first-visit-to-tmc/

Everyone is welcome.

For more details, please visit:
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org/class/classes/

_______________________________________________
Snow Lion Meditation Community
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org

10/24/2024

In this 90-minute class, the focus will be on meditation plus starting and maintaining a practice.

Some of the topics that will be covered are:

-Why the practice of mindfulness meditation can support us in daily living.
-Misconceptions about mindfulness meditation and how these misconceptions occur.
-How we allow our “thinking mind” to hinder us in our initial practice.
-Correct meditation posture using a chair or a cushion.
-The importance of creating a personal space for meditation.

In-person class NO pre-registration required.

Saturday, November 9th, 2024

9am-10:30am

In-person at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Toronto.
662 Pape Ave (downstairs), a 5 minute walk from Pape subway station.

Teachings are offered at no charge. However, dana/donations are much appreciated.

09/12/2024

The relationship we have with our own body/mind and the world are foundational for well-being. Unbalance in these relationships can cause illness in both our physical and mental functioning.

In this six-part lecture series, we will look at how affirming or non-affirming interconnectedness can lead either to negative states and illness or to happiness, health and well-being.

Lecture 1 September 13th
Healing Aspects of Interconnectedness: Practical Applications

Lecture 2 September 27th
Aspirations to be Healthy

Lecture 3 October 4th
Motivating Ourselves in Our Aspiration to Heal

Lecture 4 October 18th
Understanding and Insight in the Healing Process

Lecture 5 October 25th
Restoration: Deepening our Understanding and Insight

Lecture 6 November 1st
Bringing It All Together: I and Thou

Classes start at 7:00pm and run until 8:25pm. Please arrive by 6:50pm to get settled in.

The class consists of sitting meditation, walking meditation, and a brief talk.

Offered by donation, according to one's means.

Location: In-person at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Toronto. 662 Pape Ave (downstairs), a 5 minute walk from Pape subway station. To attend online please visit our website for details.

For further details and class guidelines please see our website:
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org/class/classes/

05/30/2024

We are pleased to announce that TMC will host and welcome back Guest Teacher, Venerable Ajahn Kusalo during his visit to Toronto on Friday, 7th June 2024.

Please note that this class will comprise of meditation and teaching and will be followed by an opportunity for Q & A. Class will be offered in hybrid format (Toronto In-Person and Online via Zoom for those who wish to participate virtually).

Ven. Ajahn KusaloAjahn Kusalo is a Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. He established and served as the co-abbot of Tisarana Buddhist Monastery in Canada before moving back to Bodhinyanarama in 2012. He was born in New Zealand and ordained as a monk in 1992 under the guidance of Ajahn Sumedho.

Prior to his ordination, Ajahn Kusalo lived a householder life and worked as a builder and carpenter. He has been trained in the lineage of Ajahn Chah, a renowned Thai Forest meditation master, and spent several years practicing in various monasteries, including Amaravati Monastery in the UK and Bodhinyanarama Monastery in New Zealand.

Ajahn Kusalo is known for his practical approach to Buddhist teachings, emphasizing mindfulness and meditation in everyday life. He has led retreats and given teachings around the world, sharing his experience and wisdom with both laypeople and monastics.

In addition to his role as co-abbot at Tisarana Monastery, Ajahn Kusalo also serves as a guiding elder for other monastic communities and contributes to the wider Buddhist community throughout Asia, Europe and North America.

---------------------------
Date: Friday, 7th June 2024

To attend in person, please join us at 662 Pape Avenue, Toronto (side entrance, basement) of the Presbyterian Church. This is just a 5 minute walk from Pape Subway Station.

Parking: Street parking is available. There is also a Green-P parking lot at the Church one block south of Danforth.

To attend online, if you do not have a Zoom link already, please send a request to:
[email protected]

Please read our guidance document Your First Visit to TMC, before attending.

Time: Classes start at 7:00pm and run until 8:25pm. Please arrive by 6:50pm to get settled in.

Cost: Dana (donation) according to one’s means.

Weekly hybrid (in-person and online) meditation classes.

Everyone is welcome.

Weekly meditation classes are held in-person and online every Friday at 7:00pm.

For more information, please visit our website:

https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org

A Secular Meditation Group

03/23/2024

TMC Talk Series 2024

Being at Ease:
The Path to Contentment in the Midst of Life’s Challenges

Join with Theodore as he facilitates this 8 part weekly series during the months of April and May.

Our world is in the constant pursuit of ease and happiness, yet we fail to recognize the roots of our discontent. Ease and peace appear naturally within us when the seeds of discontent are pierced by insight and understanding. In this eight week lecture series, we will investigate the roots of our suffering and the path to living contently. This path correlates with our capacity to open up to the uncomfortable voices within us. By doing so, we empower ourselves to live more authentic, peaceful and fulfilling lives. Topics such as incongruence (denial), addiction, trauma, grief, guilt and neuroplasticity – as it relates to our perception of ease and happiness will be addressed.


This lecture series will be offered in hybrid format online via Zoom and in-person in Toronto.

Dates: April 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th and May 3rd, 10th, 17th and 31st.

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Please arrive by 6:50pm to get settled in and/or ensure your technology is in good working order.

Sessions will include two periods of meditation followed by a talk on the topic outlined.

Cost: Dana (donation) according to one’s means.

To attend in person, please join us at 662 Pape Avenue, Toronto (side entrance, basement) of the Presbyterian Church. This is just a 5 minute walk from Pape Subway Station.

Parking: Street parking is available. There is also a Green-P parking adjacent to the venue, one block south of Danforth.

To attend online, please send a request to:
[email protected] to receive the Zoom link.

Please read our guidance document Your First Visit to TMC, before attending: https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org/resources/your-first-visit-to-tmc/

Everyone is welcome.

For more details, please visit:
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org/class/classes/

____________________________________________________
Snow Lion Meditation Community
https://torontomindfulnesscommunity.org