Welcome to our Buddhist Community.
Awaken in Toronto (AIT) is a group of dedicated dharma students located mostly in Southern Ontario, who gather online and in person. Amidst all the parts of our busy lives, we have created a space were members can further their individual practice with the full support of a vibrant sangha (community). We practices Vajrayana Buddhism, using diverse means and methods to make dharma accessible to students and help them develop quickly, with an emphasis on Eco-Dharma and Trauma-Informed Dharma.
We hold weekly online meditation classes, with each class offering teachings and discussion on a given topic and a 30-minute meditation sit. AIT also hosts several in-person meditation retreats at the Dharma Centre of Canada near Kinmount, Ontario each year, plus an annual "warm-weather" winter destination retreat.
We believe that dharma practice is best supported by an active, caring community. Our sangha meets regularly outside of class and retreat times, interacting online through instant messaging, dharma friendships, informal mentorships, study groups, social outings, and more formal teacher interviews.
Main Teacher
Associate Teacher
Associate Teacher
What is Vajrayana Buddhism?
Vajrayana Buddhism is the third turning of the Wheel of Dharma, emerging more recently than both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. It uses all parts of a practitioner's life to quickly move them toward awakening, with a focus on the student-teacher relationship and the role of the sangha. Steps on the Vajrayana path may include taking refuge and precepts, and undertaking a specific group of foundational practices. Vajrayana also includes empowerments (Wongkur ceremonies) which allow us to practice with various awakened energies.
What is Eco-Dharma?
Eco-Dharma is the application of Buddhist principles to Planet Earth and all those who share it with us. It is a way to show care and concern for those who are other-than-human, including plants, animals, water, rocks, minerals, and air. We have expanded the traditional view of "sentient beings", which originally applied to human beings, to include all other life forms. This has led us for example to explore Indigenous values in relation to Buddhist principles, and to participate in a community cleanup. We have deeply contemplated how to apply the first Buddhist Precept (which concerns non-harming) to support the whole ecology of life.
What is Trauma-Informed Dharma?
Each of us has a past history which we bring to our spiritual path. During meditation, and even off the cushion, the effects of trauma can affect the way we relate to ourselves, each other, and our spiritual path. Trauma-informed dharma means having awareness of the different ways that this can manifest, and providing students with support to navigate them. It also involves ensuring that students have a solid foundation before taking on more advanced practices. Trauma-informed dharma helps us take care of each other and ourselves.
What is Dāna?
Our classes are offered on the basis of Dāna, or "give from the heart". This provides us with the opportunity to practice generosity, and contribute in a way that reflects how we value the teachings. Dāna also encourages us to consider our ability to pay. All funds received go to support the teacher, the teachings, and the organizing of AIT.
