CMS was established to promote the development of the wholesome, clear, interested mind through study, meditation and compassionate work. We are located at the north end of Galiano Island, British Columbia.
We respectfully acknowledge that Crystal Mountain Society gathers and meets on the traditional territory of the Penelakut Nation on what is now known as North Galiano Island situated in the Salish Sea. We also acknowledge that the Penelakut have been the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters since time immemorial. We are striving to understand the unique history of this region where many peoples hold traditional rights and responsibilities including Hwlitsum, Stz’uminus, Quw’utsun, Tsawwassen and other hul’q’umi’num’-speaking and Coast Salish peoples.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Crystal Mountain Society is committed to deepening our knowledge and relationships with local Indigenous communities in order to better preserve and protect through stewardship this ecologically, culturally and spiritually significant place.
Upcoming Retreats
For the past 22 years, Lama Chokyi Gyaltsen (Lama Mark Webber) has been teaching, leading meditation and guiding practitioners on the Crystal Mountain forest retreat property on Galiano Island during an annual summer retreat. In addition, other retreats and teachings continue to be offered and sponsored by Crystal Mountain.
retreat information
Entering into retreat is a positive practice for the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. With correct aspiration or intention, changes and transformation will naturally occur, building confidence in awakening. This happens most easily when you arrive without fixed ideas of what may or may not occur.
Our resident teacher
Lama Mark Webber (Lama Yongdu Chokyi Gyaltsen) has been practicing, studying and teaching Buddha Dharma and meditation for almost fifty years. His primary life’s work is to support and guide beings in the art of deep meditation retreat and study to bring forth a stable realization of our naturally unobstructed and compassionate awareness. By this ever-deepening understanding emerges the unity of great love and a penetrating wisdom into all facets of life and its myriad interdependencies.
Video Excerpt
Watch a short video excerpt of Public Zoom Classes on The Art of Crafting Supportive Conditions and Building Foundations for Liberation, given in the first week of the 2022 three weeks in-person Summer Retreat of Crystal Mountain Society on Galiano Island, Canada B.C.
rezoning
CMS is proposing land use for the establishment of an all-season Forest Retreat Meditation Centre while preserving 75% of the land-base through the transfer of title to the Islands Trust Conservancy. The goal of the Centre is to provide public access to appropriately scaled retreat facilities that will allow retreatants to abide in a forest environment, meeting their most basic needs in simple, low-cost structures with minimal infrastructure.
contribute
Since 1980 Crystal Mountain Society has held a presence on Galiano Island. Generous donations by members and supporters has allowed us to sustain all our activities. All teaching, retreats, and administration is entirely on a volunteer basis. As is traditional, Buddhist teaching is freely given. There are many ways in which you can participate and contribute.
