June 2026 retreat 🏠 – Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community

Please note that as of October 4, we are fully subscribed for the residential and commuter spots. However, the wait list is not that long, so we can still accept people to the waitlist. Register using the link below.

Samadhi and Insight: Anapanasati Sutta

Co-hosted by the Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community
and Edmonton Insight Meditation.

A serene statue of Buddha sitting in a meditative pose. The statue has carvings that define the robes and facial features. Surrounding the statue are cherry blossom branches with soft pink and white petals. The background is a blur of more blossoms. The lighting is soft. The statue is partially shaded by a rocky formation on the right. Image by Medusa_Print_Art from Pixabay.

The Anapanasati Sutta (Mindfulness of Breathing in sixteen steps) is an experiential map of joy, tranquility, and liberation. This classic teaching provides the foundation for cultivating concentration (samadhi) and developing insights that lead to the freedom of mind and heart.

It is inspiring to know that this was a fundamental practice for the Buddha. This teaching underlies much of our mindfulness practice, and when explored in-depth can enliven, energize, and deepen the practice as we become more able to work with it intentionally, on retreat and in our daily lives. Anapanasati can become a steady and embodied support for wise response in these times.

Date

June 5-14, 2026

Beginning on the first day with optional supper and then 7 pm start
Ending at 11 am on the last day with clean up and then optional lunch after

Location

The Star of the North Retreat House
3A St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert, AB T8N 1K1

Registration

This is the registration link.

Retreat Information

Registration Fee

Private single occupancy bedroom – $1450 (benefactor $1750, supported $1150) – 50 rooms available
Commuter $830 (benefactor $995, supported $665) – 8 spots available

Accomodations

There are 50 private single occupancy bedrooms for overnight accommodation each with their own bed, sink, desk and chair and access to shared bathrooms with showers.

We have a very limited number of rooms with ensuite bathrooms for a base rate of $1600. If you would like to be considered for an ensuite, please let us know why. We cannot guarantee your request will be granted.

Meals

The following meals will be provided:
Breakfast (June 6-14)
Lunch (June 6-13)
Supper (June 6-13)

For an additional fee, you can optionally add supper on June 5 ($26.50) and/or lunch on June 14 ($21.50).

Cancellation Policy

50% of the registration fee is due upon confirmation of registration. Your spot will not be reserved until payment is received.
Full payment is due by March 1, 2026.

If you find it necessary to cancel, your administration fee will be refunded according to the following schedule:

$50 fee for cancellations March 15, 2026 or earlier.
Cancellations after March 15, 2026, and onward, will not be refunded+*

+ Exception: if we are able to fill your spot with someone from the waitlist, you will be refunded less a $50 fee.
* Exception: For registrations at the Benefactor rate, we will refund the difference between the Benefactor and Sustaining rates.

Our teachers

Jeanne Corrigal - The image shows a smiling individual standing outdoors in front of a lush evergreen tree. The person has curly, shoulder-length brown hair with prominent gray streaks at the front. They are wearing a vibrant blue top and a textured, multicolored blue scarf. A backdrop of green pine needles fills most of the background, providing a natural and fresh setting.

Jeanne Corrigal is the guiding teacher for the Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community, and a graduate of the 2017-2021 IMS teacher training program. She has trained primarily in the Burmese lineage of Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw, with a great affinity for the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Buddhadasa and for the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. She is a certified MBSR teacher, is certified with Indigenous Focusing Oriented Trauma Therapy (IFOT), and she has trained with Mindful Schools and Somatic Experiencing. She has taught with Mindfulness Magazine, Lion’s Roar and Tricycle’s online programs, and teaches across North America. She is Metis, and one of her first teachers in loving presence was Cree Elder Jim Settee.

Kristina Baré - A photograph of a woman facing the camera and smiling. She has long brown hair that drapes over her right shoulder. She is wearing a colorful patterned scarf with shades of red, green, and gold. The background is a plain, light-colored wall.

Kristina Baré, MFT, SEP, is an insight meditation teacher, therapist, and Somatic Experiencing practitioner. She has trained primarily in the Burmese lineages of Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw and Ven. Pa Auk Sayadaw. She enjoys supporting students deepening samadhi, loving-kindness and insight. Opening the door to an expansion of the heart and to liberating wisdom. In support of the Buddha’s teachings, Kristina also draws on knowledge from western psychology and Somatic Experiencing. She invites a kind, patient, and embodied approach as a base for samadhi, loving-kindness and insight meditation practices.
http://www.kristinabare.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners join?

This retreat is best for those with some meditation experience, particularly those who have participated in daylongs or weekend retreats. Beginners with a sincere interest are welcome to reach out to us. We are happy to discuss your experience and help determine if this retreat will be a good fit for you.

What is Anapanasati?

Anapanasati means “mindfulness of breathing.” It is a foundational Buddhist meditation practice involving focused attention on the breath. The Anapanasati Sutta outlines sixteen steps that guide practitioners to cultivate calm concentration (samadhi) and develop deep insight into the nature of mind and experience, leading to greater freedom and peace.

What is a typical day like?

Each day includes periods of seated meditation alternating with walking meditation to support sustained awareness and refresh the body. Mornings usually begin with guided meditation to help establish the practice, and evenings often feature a Dharma talk exploring the teachings in depth. Afternoons may include practice of the Brahma Viharas — the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. There will also be an option to participate in a period of mindful movement

What does noble silence mean?

Noble silence is a supportive practice where participants refrain from verbal communication to deepen focus and reduce distractions for themselves and others. During this time, phone calls, reading, journaling, and other forms of communication are discouraged to help everyone settle more fully into their meditation.

Will there be time for questions or discussions?

Yes. Each participant will have the opportunity to attend one group practice talk and a couple of one-on-one sessions with the teachers. Some time may also be set aside during daily sessions for questions and answers. Additionally, participants can leave notes for the teachers at any time.

What is the practice of dana?

Dana, or generosity, is a fundamental Buddhist practice of giving that supports the accessibility of the teachings. The retreat fee covers the basic costs of hosting the event. Teachers offer their time and guidance without compensation, embodying the spirit of dana to cultivate generosity and gratitude within the community.