WESTLOCK – Nestled amidst the tranquil landscapes just outside Edmonton, the Westlock Meditation Centre has become a haven for up to 10,000 annual visitors seeking solace and inner peace.
According to Duc Tang, known affectionately as Brother Peter, many come to the centre to escape the noise of city life and immerse themselves in a serene environment.
"It’s very peaceful," he said, describing the allure of the Centre.
Open to the public, the Meditation Centre offers a sanctuary for meditation and mindfulness, encouraging visitors to appreciate the present moment amidst fleeting beauty.
"Flowers, that will one day wither and die, remind people to appreciate what they have today," noted Brother Peter.
Catering to a diverse audience, the Meditation Centre hosts retreats tailored for various age groups, focusing on teachings of mindfulness, compassion, and emotional well-being.
"It’s a place of refuge," said Brother Peter. "People come for the peace."
Drawing guests from around the world, including Vietnam, France, Germany, Korea, Japan, and notably the United States, the Meditation Centre serves as a cultural meeting point for those who seek tranquility.
Recently, a Hindu family of nine from Nepal, whose patriarch is a sociology professor, visited the Meditation Centre on July 5. Seeking respite from city life, they praised the Meditation Centre's serene atmosphere and cultural richness.
Located at 58012 Range Rd. 270 and managed by the Edmonton Buddhist Research Institute, the Meditation Centre emphasizes meditation as a pathway to enlightenment.
With accommodation for more than 750 guests and a monastic residence housing up to 147 monks and nuns, the Meditation Centre also hosts regular programs such as Sutra Text Reading, Dharma Classes, and Meditation sessions.