Spirituality

Down below is list of all the free/affordable spirituality-related events that are happening in the Lower Mainland, as well as self-guided spirituality activities.

​If you would like to share some events that you know are happening, please e-mail our Resource Specialist. 

Free Spirituality Webinars

​Banyen Books & Sound is a Vancouver store for spirituality-related resources. They offer paid,, but also many free, webinars. Check out the website, especially the free webinars in the right column.

Monthly Meditation Sessions [& Other Online Meditation Resources]
When:  Every first Saturday of the month
Time:    9:30am to 3:30pm
Where:  Mountain Rain Zen Centre 
             2018 Wall Street, Vancouver  ( map it )
​Cost:    $15 for the day [registration required]

Vancouver Day of Mindfulness is a great opportunity to support your meditation practice with others through sitting and walking meditation as well as a dharma talk in the afternoon.  This meditation session happens every month.
 
Led by: Karen Lawrie
British Columbia Insight Meditation Society
Just a few of the other great public resources on their websites:

Colouring for Adults

Colouring can be a way to relax, reduce stress, boost mental clarity and work on mindfulness. Check out this site to download free printable colouring sheets. 

Candlelight and Music

When:  Sunday evenings
Time:    7pm - 8pm
Where: St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church,
            Burrard and Nelson
Cost:    By donation

Featuring Darryl Nixon, the Minister of Music, and guest artists. This candlelit meditative service of music and prayer is a gentle and contemplative way to renew your spirit through music and reflection.

Visitors of all faiths and backgrounds welcome. Soothing herbal teas served before this family service.

Four legged family members also welcome!

Gong Bath Meditation

When:   Monday evenings
Time:     6:30pm until 7:30pm
Where:  Bridge & Enrich
              718 East 20th Avenue
              (Fraser and 20th)
Cost:     The suggested contribution is now $10

Join in this meditation and soothing Gong Bath, led by Soraya. Deep meditation practice and inner cleanse by powerful vibrations of Soraya's Gong.

You just lie down on a comfortable meditation cushion, cover yourself to stay warm, and surrender to the magical power of the Gong vibrations.

*A note about Monday classes: closed for any stat holiday that lands on a Monday

Walk the Labyrinth to Live Music
When:  Last Friday of the month
            7pm - 9pm
Where:   St. Paul's Anglican Church
               1130 Jervis Street
Cost:      Free / by donation

You can walk the meditative labyrinth most mornings, but on the last Friday of every month there is wonderful peaceful live music to accompany you.

New Year's Eve is a special treat with live music changing hourly, right up to midnight!

Call-and-Response Chanting, Spirituality Discussion and Vegan Dinner
When:      Every two weeks on Saturday evenings,
                 starting at 6pm

Location:  Unity Yoga Teahouse & Studio
                1672 East 10th Ave. (at Commercial Drive)

Cost:        By donation

This is a casual gathering of open-minded souls for call and response chanting, also known as Kirtan.

The practice of Kirtan, or Mantra Meditation, is a type of yoga in itself and has many of the mind-calming benefits of a yoga class or sitting meditation. For some, the practice has a powerful heart-opening effect and it is best understood through direct experience.

The instruments used in the Kirtan are traditional - the Harmonium, Mrdanga(drum), and Kartals(hand cymbals).

Included within the program is a discussion on the meaning of the Mantras that we are chanting, as well as excerpts from the ancient sanskrit text, the Bhagavad-Gita. We learn about the soul, consciousness, karma, meditation, and bhakti yoga – the yoga of devotion.

Everyone is encouraged to participate to the level they feel comfortable.

A delicious vegan dinner is also served in the end!

This is a non-profit event and all donations will be used for further events. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Be sure to RSVP at the Meetup page below, especially so they can plan for the dinner.

Free Guided Meditation

For an introduction to mindfulness meditation that you can practice on your own, turn on your speakers and play some of the meditation audio options.

Exploring Spirituality Online Book

Exploring Spirituality - a personal journey of discovery 
 
A group of six people, all at different places on their individual journeys of discovery, came together as a community once a month for 18 months. They spent time reflecting on life, mental health recovery, spirituality, transformation, meaning and community. It is out of these conversations that this online book emerged.  
.