Path of Warriorship: Brave and Clear
with Margaret Drescher
July 2 - 6, 2025
Shambhala Levels 1 & 2
Invitation
These days, we hear that “a tough world calls for tough measures.”
The Shambhala teachings say, “Become familiar with soft measures that open your heart and then benefit will unfold naturally.”
These ancient teachings were brought to light 50 years ago to inform the generations of humans living in this dark time of the art and depth of self-knowing. And, through that, to inform and train us in the means to be real and effective in these trying times. How? By coming to know our fundamental nature of goodness and through that to bring benefit to this world.
Aren’t we all looking for ways to understand ourselves more honestly and help the world?
Join us for an up to date kitchen sink and kitchen garden exploration of our hearts — guided by the wisdom of these ancient teachings and practices.
Join us on the land, with the land, and for the land of Dorje Denma Ling where the sky meets the earth, where peaceful warriors have been gathering for over 40 years.
Level II: Birth of the warrior
Having experienced a taste of basic goodness in Level I, we want to learn more. Meditation practice allows us to see how it is ourselves who create a cocoon of habits to mask our underlying fear. We begin to appreciate that there is no fundamental obstacle to us experiencing our own basic goodness.
By opening to our own genuineness and tenderness, we begin to notice, and learn how to work with our deep-seated habits and defenses. We begin seeing through the veils of habitual patterns that we have created over time.
Level III: Warrior in the World
Developing fearlessness by examining our habitual tendencies, we are willing to experience our life without relying on the cocoon. We begin to engage the world directly and extend the attitude of fearlessness to our activities.
The Warrior in the World leaves the stuffiness of the cocoon to explore the world with direct perception. As we awaken to our sense perceptions, we can venture into the world with confidence and vulnerability that is fearless, gentle, and alive.
Path
Birth of the Warrior & Warrior in the World are the second and third in the Shambhala Training series. This is a path open to anyone seeking to develop gentleness and strength through meditation. Shambhala Training is a series of contemplative workshops that have proven valuable to beginning and experienced meditators alike. The simple and profound techniques of mindfulness-awareness meditation can benefit people of any spiritual tradition and way of life.
We will extend our meditation practice to build upon the mindfulness-awareness techniques learned in Shambhala Training Level I, and explore real techniques for how to engage in the world with fearlessness and gentleness.
Attendance
Participants should begin at the beginning and commit to the full retreat. Those that have previously completed Level II Birth of the Warrior will not be charged for the Level II program fee portion.
Prerequisites for Attendance: Shambhala Training Level I.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email the Program Manager at [email protected].
Schedule
| Wednesday July 2 | 7-9 pm ADT |
| Thursday July 3 – Saturday July 5 | 10 am – 7 pm ADT |
| Sunday July 6 | 10 am – 7 pm ADT |
The program includes meditation instruction, periods of meditation practice, talks, group discussions and opportunities for individual meetings with the director.
Deepen your meditation practice, and continue along the path of the Shambhala teachings on warriorship, in this five day retreat.
Costs
Tuition: $400 CAD
Meals and lodging will be added at registration.
All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Generosity Policy: We believe everyone who is inspired to follow the Shambhala path should be able to participate. We have a generous scholarship fund that we encourage you to request if needed. Please email [email protected] and indicate what you are able to offer for the retreat.
If you are able to offer an additional amount to help future participants attend, your support will be much appreciated!
Leader
Margaret Drescher, our guide for this training, was a political activist in the 1960’s. Through her disillusionment with the means and results of that activism, she gave it up, studied horticulture and landscape design and just sat and cried. By a happy coincidence she met a man who seemed to know just what she was experiencing. She studied and trained with him, and with these teachings, for more than 50 years. A mother, a gardener, a cook, a long-time student and meditation practitioner, she is enthusiastic, patient and available.
Learn more about Margaret Drescher
