Latest News
New Discord Server
We are happy to announce that the Buddhist Society of Canada now has a Discord server—an online space where our community can connect, share, and support each other.
Discord is a free platform (available on computer or smartphone) that allows us to stay in touch between events. On our server, you’ll find:
A place to ask questions and share resources
Updates about our activities and programs
Opportunities to join discussions and group meditations online
If you haven’t used Discord before, don’t worry—it’s simple to set up. Just click the link below to join, and you’ll be guided through creating a free account
Introduction to Meditation Course
We are pleased to announce a free Introduction to Meditation Course. For details on the course and how to sign-up please visit the Meditation Course Page.
Special Guest Visit
We are pleased to announce that Ajahn Hāsapañño, a senior monk in the Thai Forest Tradition, will be visiting us in Winnipeg for a special afternoon gathering.
Ajahn will be receiving guests and offering a chance for laypeople to ask questions and receive Dhamma reflections on:
Sunday, August 10th, 2025
3:00 PM
Wat Lao Xayaram
180 Sinclair Street, Winnipeg, MB
This is a special opportunity to meet and learn from a well-practiced monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. All are welcome.
Ajahn Hāsapañño
Ajahn Hāsapañño was born in Canada in 1972. He first came across the Buddha’s teachings while in university and eventually ordained in 1999 at Bodhinyanarama Buddhist Monastery in New Zealand, with Ajahn Pasanno as his preceptor.
He spent two of his early years as a monk in Kallista with Ajahn Ian before spending two years at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery in California. After his fifth year as a bhikkhu he had the opportunity to go to Thailand and, apart from two separate years back at Vimokkharam with Ajahn Khemānando, he spent eleven years practising under a number of different teachers in the north and north-east of Thailand. He had a particular enjoyment for wandering on tudong and searching out well-practised but little-known Ajahns.
He returned to Australia in 2016 and took up residence in Vimokkharam Forest Hermitage on October 29th, 2016.
Saturday Morning In-Person Program
We are happy to announce that the Buddhist Society of Canada is beginning in-person programs once again, and we warmly invite you to join us.
Starting this week, we will be holding a Saturday morning English-language gathering at Wat Lao Xayaram (180 Sinclair Street in Winnipeg, Canada). This is a great opportunity to come together in community for practice, reflection, and spiritual friendship.
Location
180 Sinclair St. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
If the door is locked, please ring the doorbell on the left side of the door and someone will open the door for you
Saturday Morning Schedule
Doors open at 10:00 AM
10:30 AM – Guided meditation
10:50 AM – Dhamma talk
~11:20 AM – Meal offering and shared lunch
After the meal – Informal time for questions and conversation with the monks
Everyone is welcome, whether you're new to the practice or a long-time supporter.
Dana
All activities are offered free of charge. For those who wish to bring food to offer to the monks, you are most welcome to do so. Offerings are entirely optional — the spirit of generosity and community is what matters most.
Note
There will be plenty of chairs but sitting cushions and stools aren’t available. So if you’d like to use one please bring your own.
We look forward to seeing you in person and beginning this new chapter together.
Metta Retreat
We are pleased to announce that Ajahn Nando has been invited to teach a Metta retreat at Painted Sky Studio, November 22nd - 24th
"Immerse yourself in the transformative practice of Metta, the Buddhist tradition of loving-kindness, in a retreat that opens the heart and fosters a profound sense of inner peace. Through a blend of Dhamma teachings, guided meditations, reflective Q&A sessions, and personal interviews, this retreat offers the space to delve deeply into your inner journey of Loving-Kindness. Hosted at the tranquil Painted Sky Studio on the shores of Lake Manitoba in St. Laurent, MB, Canada, this retreat center invites you to reconnect with the boundless spirit of loving-kindness."
To register or for more information please contact Painted Sky Studio,
Email: paintedskystudio.ca@gmail.com
Instagram: @paintedskystudioretreats
Date: November 22nd - 24th
Location: Painted Sky Studio, St Laurent, MB Canada
Metta Retreat
We are pleased to announce that Ajahn Nando has been invited to teach a Metta retreat at Painted Sky Studio.
"Metta, a Pali word meaning loving-kindness, is a profound and transformative Buddhist practice that opens the heart. In this retreat, we will explore the depth of Metta through Dhamma talks, guided meditations, Q&A sessions, and personal interviews, all designed to support your inner journey. Held at the serene Painted Sky Studio, nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Manitoba in St. Laurent, MB, Canada, this peaceful retreat center offers the perfect setting to nurture mindfulness, connection, and the boundless energy of loving-kindness."
To register or for more information please contact Painted Sky Studio,
Email: paintedskystudio.ca@gmail.com
Instagram: @paintedskystudioretreats
Date: October 18th - 20th
Location: Painted Sky Studio, St Laurent, MB Canada
10 Week Meditation Course
We are pleased to announce a 10 week free meditation course. For details on the course and how to sign-up please visit the Meditation Course Page.
YouTube Channel
We are happy to announce the launch of our official YouTube channel. If you are unable to attend our Saturday evening Dhamma talk you can now view them on YouTube.