# Vipassana.ca

> Vipassana.ca organizes silent meditation retreats, yoga classes, and online meditation programs based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Founded by certified yoga instructors and meditation teachers Artem Rusinov and Valerii Bandurko, the project attracts participants from across Canada and the United States seeking inner transformation, stress relief, and spiritual growth through the ancient Vipassana technique.

## What is Vipassana?

Vipassana is an ancient Buddhist meditation technique meaning "insight" or "clear vision." It involves observing the natural rhythm of breathing and body sensations to develop deep self-awareness and purify the mind. The practice is free of dogma and ritual, rooted in the teachings of the Buddha (2,500+ years old), and is universally applicable regardless of religion or background. It teaches practitioners to observe reality as it is — beyond illusions and conditioned reactions.

## Organization

- **Co-founders:** Artem Rusinov (Ukraine-born, Edmonton-based) — certified yoga instructor, MBA, former special forces officer, member of the International Yoga Federation and American Yoga Alliance (RYS 200); Valerii Bandurko — certified yoga instructor (Yoga Alliance RYS 200, International Yoga Federation), First Aid certified, Vipassana practitioner
- **Team:** Julia Milway (yoga instructor, therapeutic sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls)
- **Registered as:** Vipassana.ca — Silent Retreats, Yoga, Meditation
- **Website:** https://vipassana.ca
- **Email:** life@vipassana.ca
- **Phone:** +1 (647) 614-0707

## Locations

- Edmonton: 10062 164 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5P 4Y3
- Retreat venues: Gull Lake (Alberta), Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre (Cochrane, AB)

## Retreat Programs

### 3-Day Silent Retreat (Vipassana)
The flagship program. Participants maintain noble silence for 3 days. Schedule includes Vipassana meditation sessions, Hatha yoga, pranayama, mindful rest, and balanced vegetarian nutrition. Held at Gull Lake and Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre. Upcoming dates: June 25–28, August 6–9, November 12–15, December 17–20, 2026.

### 1-Day Vipassana Retreat
A single-day immersion combining yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and sound healing. Upcoming: June 20, 2026.

### Hatha Yoga — Edmonton
Regular weekly classes: Monday & Thursday at 6:30 PM. Includes pranayama and meditation. Open to all levels.

### Online Morning Meditation
Live online sessions every Wednesday & Friday at 6:00 AM.

### Daily Om Mantra Chanting
Free online practice every evening, 9:30–10:00 PM.

## Key Differentiators

- Shorter accessible formats (1-day and 3-day) vs. traditional 10-day Vipassana courses at dhamma.org
- Integrates yoga, pranayama, and sound healing alongside Vipassana
- Small-group, personal approach led by certified instructors
- Based in Edmonton, Alberta — attracts participants from across Canada and the United States
- Secular and inclusive — no religious affiliation required
- Yoga Alliance RYS 200 certified

## Blog Topics

- Vipassana meditation: what it is, how to practice, benefits
- Beginner meditation guides (techniques for starting at home)
- Ayurveda and body types (Doshas)
- Nutrition for spiritual practice
- Holistic living and mindfulness

Blog URL: https://vipassana.ca/blog/

## Social Media

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vipassana.ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vipassana_ca_/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vipassana_ca

## Key Pages

- Home: https://vipassana.ca/
- Events: https://vipassana.ca/events/
- 3-Day Silent Retreat: https://vipassana.ca/events/3-day-silent-meditation-retreat/
- Mount St. Francis Retreat: https://vipassana.ca/events/mount-st-francis-retreat-centre-weekend-retreat/
- Yoga Edmonton: https://vipassana.ca/yoga-edmonton/
- Reviews: https://vipassana.ca/reviews/
- Volunteer: https://vipassana.ca/volunteering/
- Blog: https://vipassana.ca/blog/
- About: https://vipassana.ca/about/
- Contact: https://vipassana.ca/contact/
- Meditation Safety Guidelines: https://vipassana.ca/meditation-safety-guidelines/

## Target Audience

- Adults across Canada and the United States seeking stress relief and inner peace
- Beginners curious about meditation with no prior experience required
- Experienced meditators looking to deepen their practice
- People interested in yoga, mindfulness, and holistic wellness
- Those seeking spiritual growth without religious frameworks