Retreat Bursary
The OBS is committed to making Buddhist teachings accessible to people regardless of their financial circumstances. Live-streaming retreats, in part, fulfill this purpose enabling many more people to hear the Dhamma than can be physically accommodated in our residential retreats.
In addition, the Rhona Goodspeed Bursary provides financial assistance for a person of limited financial means to experience an in-person retreat. The Rhona Goodspeed Bursary has been made possible through a generous donation received from the Rhona Goodspeed Bequest.
One bursary-sponsored place is made available to each OBS residential retreat.
You may receive one bursary in a calendar year. Bursary recipients are required to contribute 25% of the retreat cost (accommodation and food) listed on the retreat poster. The bursary covers the remaining 75% of the retreat cost (accommodation and meal costs). A voluntary donation for the teachings is encouraged
The cancellation policy of the retreat venue also applies to bursary applications; the 25% fee is non-refundable if the bursary recipient drops out after the cancellation date set by the retreat venue
Bursary applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria:
Of limited financial means;
Some silent retreat experience through having attended at least a one-day residential or non-residential retreat or ‘day of mindfulness;’
Some familiarity with Theravada practices is recommended (eg chanting, bowing, taking precepts); and
Ability to pay 25% of the accommodation/meal fee as listed on the retreat poster (to be paid after being accepted as a Bursary recipient).
Please note that the application deadline is listed on the poster for the retreat. It can be found on the Retreats page.
For more information: retreats@ottawabuddhistsociety.com