​Namo Shakyamunaye Buddhaya,
Dear respected Venerable Teachers, 
Dear beloved community of practitioners and friends on the path, 

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Forty years ago, our teacher, Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh of Plum Village, also known as Thầy, set foot in Canada to share the Dharma, aspiring to establish a mindfulness practice center here. Over the decades, he returned many times to teach, the last time was in 2013. After years of heartfelt longing for a place where people could return to cultivate peace, transform their suffering, nourish happiness for themselves, their families, and society, and build a sanctuary for younger generations to reconnect with their roots, “Go as a River” (Đi Như Một Dòng Sông) was founded to collectively build a Toronto practice center in the tradition of Plum Village. 

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On October 29, 2024, monastics from Blue Cliff Monastery, NY, Thailand and other regions came and led a deeply successful retreat at SAMAC Camp, one hour from Toronto. This retreat brought joy, peace, and healing to many practitioners from near and far. The monastics reaffirmed the decades-old aspiration for a Canadian practice center. Their guidance and blessings, alongside the energy of local practitioners, have strengthened our collective aspiration.  

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Together with monastics and the “Go as a River” group, we explored many properties around Toronto with a trusted real estate agent. After much searching, we found a suitable 32-acre forested land by a lake—a serene, spacious landscape ideal for a mindfulness center. The property includes two spacious heritage houses that can accommodate over 100 practitioners.  

After consulting monastics, experts, and conducting thorough due diligence, we submitted an offer on November 18, 2024, for CAD $1.85 million.  

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We are deeply grateful for the guidance of senior monastics and the generous support of donors. Every contribution, large or small, is vital to manifesting this dream—a sanctuary for collective practice that benefits present and future generations.  

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May all monastics be at ease, their wisdom shining brightly. 
May all practitioners and their families enjoy peace and health day and night.

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A lotus in bud  🙏🏽  

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GO AS A RIVER MINDFUL LIVING COMMUNITY  

 

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Property Details:  

- Land Listing: 670 Concession 20 W, Tiny, ON L9M0B1 https://www.zillow.com/homes/670-Concession-20-W-Tiny,-ON-L9M0B1_rb/  

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- Contact: goasarivermindfulcommunity@gmail.com