Spring Rain Sangha is a non-profit organization that offers meditation classes. I attended their no charge* Tuesday evening meditation class at a church called the Society of Friends, also known as the Quaker House. The church is located at 60 Lowther Street, in the Annex**. The organization isn't really a church or a Buddhist temple but uses the Buddha's teachings. This review is based on the meditation class, and not about the church.
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Meditation is something that I've been curious about for some time. I was referred to Spring Rain Sangha by a coworker and I checked it out without any previous meditation experience. My brain had a hard time switching off, and I would get startled at the sound of someone coughing, sniffing or moving about in their chair. But you do get into the repetitive and concentrated breathing, eventually.
The meetings are located in a beautiful manor in a quiet neighbourhood. You do hear the occasional car or bus drive by but it's not constant noise. Plus the meditation class is held in a large room at the back of the manor.
The class lasts for almost two hours, beginning promptly at 7:15pm until 9pm. Note that after 7:15pm, no one else is allowed in. During the first hour or so you work on breathing and visualizing exercises, aided by the teachers. This is good if you're a beginner and not sure where to start or how to breathe. The last half hour is dedicated to a dharma talk where one of the teachers will discuss a teaching of the Buddha.
If religion isn't your bag, then this meditation class isn't right for you. However if you are interested to hear them, then the teachings are very insightful. Though after sitting there for more than an hour in silence, I did feel a little antsy and impatient, wanting to meditate more and listen less to what Buddha said.
I'm not sure how long Spring Rain Sangha have been offering these classes at the Quaker House but it seems they have become busier. That's a good thing for the organization but it's a bad thing if you don't arrive their early enough to get a seat to meditate.
Apart from Tuesday evening classes, the organization also offer one day to multi-days retreats, either in the city or outside of the city. Check their website for upcoming classes, dates and prices.
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* The organization doesn't charge a fee but a donation (called a dana) is encouraged. Since this is a non-profit organization, monetary donations are welcome.
** Please take note of the location. The meetings are held at 60 Lowther Street, near St. George subway station. The address of the organization is their mailing address. Do not go here if you're going to the class. Go to the 60 Lowther St. address. read more
