Vancouver Chants

General Information

What to Bring to Chant

• Good energy and an open heart
• Water
• A cushion to sit on if you like to sit on the floor (there will be some chairs provided)
• Your lunch. There will be an hour and a half lunch break. If you choose, you can leave the premises for lunch at one of the many establishments in a 10 block radius. If you'd rather, there will be a light lunch available for purchase. In the afternoon between the two chantshops there will be a refreshment break with complimentary tea and coffee provided. If you can, bring your own mug.
• Extra clothes to keep you comfortable

Where to Go

The Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace is located at 1825 W. 16th Ave in Vancouver. The nearest cross street is Burrard. Register in the main building. Chant events wil be taking place here as well as in the sanctuary next door on 15th Ave corner of Burrard.

(Google map)

Parking

There is a small parking lot to the west of the building (enter off 16th Avenue). You can park along the adjacent streets and all day on the north side of 16th.

Bus Routes

You can take the #16 Arbutus bus to the corner of Arbutus and 16th Avenue and walk east two blocks.

Or you can take the #10 Granville to the corner of Granville and 16th and walk west three blocks.

Getting Ready to Chant

Following the Opening Ceremony, there will be three 90 minute chantshop sessions, one in the morning and two in the afternoon. There will be a total of nine different chantshops to choose from. Please refer to the Schedule of Chantshops to see a decription of the chant workshops.

Generally, the chantshop in the Fireside Room will be a gentle, contemplative experience with a smaller group. The chantshop in the sanctuary will have a stronger energy allowing people to deeply experience sacred space. In the Great Hall the chantshops will include movement, drumming and dance in the chant experience.

When you have chosen the workshop you will be attending in each timeslot, please arrive on time and find your place on the floor or on a chair. Please commit to the experience. Each and every chantshop will have a beautiful energy to offer. When your selection in made please commit to staying for the entire workshop. It is distruptive to the group and the chant leaders if people are coming and going and we want to keep that to a minimum.

Please take a few moments before you enter the chantshop room and become aware of your energy.

• Take a few deep, calming breaths.
• Become aware of your body and allow yourself to feel grounded and centered.
• Set your intention for the next 90 minutes. Be mindful of why you are here and what you want the quality of this experience to be for you.
• Enter quietly and meld your energy into the group energy.
• Fully experieince and enjoy the chanting.
• After each chant ends there are always a few moments of silence as the vibrational energy which has been created is felt in the room and in our bodies. Breathe slowly and deeply and let the experience soak in. Experienced chanters feel that this is the “best” part of the chant. Gradually the energy will shift and you will know when it's okay to reach for your water bottle or rustle your papers.

Any additional questions or inquiries can be addressed by our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page. If you'd like to speak to one of our organizers, please call 604-685-3536.

Thank you!