As one walks the Noble Eightfold Path, Dukkha reduces step by step, whereby, wellness increases.

Visuddhi Meditation

A Path to Purification

“Just, O Bhikkus, as the great ocean has only one taste, the taste of salt – just so, O Bhikkus, has this doctrine and discipline only one flavour, the flavour of emancipation.”
-Buddha (Cullavagga IX, 1, 4)

Interconnected (2024)Alone (1992)Peephole (2007)

Our Classes

The purpose of the meditation practice is to reduce Dukkha. Dukkha is the suffering caused by birth, aging, sickness, death, sorrow, lamentation, desperation, despair, grief, pain, not getting what we want, getting what we don’t want, and losing what we love.

Meditation Practice Class

Every Tuesday: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

We practice three meditation techniques during our session.

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Sutta Study Class

Last Thursday of the Month: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

We discuss the Buddha’s teachings and meditation theory.

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Dhamma Book Talk

First Tuesday of the Month: 7:30 – 8:30 pm

A Dhamma book talk is an objective summary of the content, and main ideas of the book.

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Meet the Teacher

Shawn O’Rourke

Shawn O’Rourke has practiced meditation since 1999. He has experience in several techniques within the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, specializing in the Theravada lineage. Shawn has trained with many great teachers such as: Bhante Pinnagoda Rahula, Bhante Kovida and Thich Phap Hoa. 

Shawn has spent thousands of hours on a meditation cushion and attended retreats conducted by some well-known practitioners including Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, and Thich Nhat Hanh.

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Self Portrait (1998)Great Lakes Buddhist Vihara (Cropped)
Reaching (2004)Pho Minh Temple (1)

Hear from Them

My Testimonials

I have been meditating with Shawn for approximately eight years now. Shawn is an excellent meditation leader. He has been practicing meditation daily for several decades, and he also reads widely from the Buddhist canon and from other spiritual traditions. Shawn is extremely knowledgeable about Buddhism and he demonstrates how meditation can be harnessed to improve one’s quality of life.

I have learnt so much in my time meditating with Shawn, listening to his dhamma talks, and spending time with him. Thank you Shawn for your generosity in sharing your meditation wisdom. With Metta, Trevor Kezwer.
Shawn has been a very good Dharma-meditation friend and devotee for some years now. I find him to be very sincere and motivated on the spiritual path of the Buddha. I admire his dedication in conducting weekly classes at the Sri Lankan temple in Windsor, Ontario. May his noble efforts be much appreciated and a source of continuing inspiration.
The spiritual quality of a guided meditation experience is directly related to the integrity of the meditation teacher. Shawn O’Rourke has proven integrity. From the moment he greets you at the temple entrance with his sincere smile and humble presence you know you are in the presence of someone who cares.

Once you sit and close your eyes, Shawn’s voice reveals his sincere dedication to the meditation practice itself. Within one hour he skillfully guides you through a series of contemplations meant to quiet the mind. Chaotic thinking is replaced with more wholesome thoughts of personal and universal peace, happiness and wellness. From there he guides you to a place of inner calm and tranquility.

When the meditation session is over, you will realize that Shawn’s many years of practice and teaching can result in a truly beneficial guided meditation experience.
Mr. Shawn O’Rourke is a very close Dhamma friend, who I have known since 2005. He is a very kind person who has great knowledge about many things.

Since I met him in Windsor, Canada, he has been practicing the noble teaching of the Buddha under my guidance. Mr. O’Rourke is a very humble character, who correctly practices the noble path, helping others in many ways. He is a good meditation and Dhamma teacher and has been teaching at the Windsor Buddhist Vihara for several years. As a lay follower (Buddhist devotee), he has completed reading the original teachings of the Buddha and, he has a great knowledge about meditation practice.

According to my understanding, Shawn O’Rourke can serve the world with his experience and great knowledge. Additionally, he is a trustworthy person who has a kind and compassionate heart.

Shawn O’Rourke is the current vice president of Windsor Buddhist Vihara. May you live long with good health and happiness.

With Metta (loving kindness),
I have known Mr. Shawn O’Rourke very well for several years and he is the Vice President of Windsor Buddhist Vihara. Mr. O’Rourke has been practicing Buddhism for a long period under the guidance of Venerable Pinnagoda Rahula. Also, he has learned the original Buddhist teachings correctly and has a vast knowledge about Dhamma and many other subjects.

Importantly, he has great confidence in the triple gem, the Buddha, the Dhamma (teachings of the Buddha) and the Sangha (monks). His life is a very good example for many people. Mr. O’Rourke helps many people by teaching the noble path to develop their mind and to overcome their problems. He is famous among the monks and people and has a humble character. I am so pleased to see his great noble service and to see what he is doing for the Dhamma and people.

I wish him good health and happiness and a long life to continue with his great service.

With Metta,
I have had the privilege of attending meditation sessions led by Shawn O’Rourke, and the experience has been transformative for my mental well-being. His deep knowledge, calming presence, and expert guidance have helped me cultivate inner peace and mindfulness, significantly reducing my stress levels and improving my overall mental health.

Shawn's ability to create a safe and nurturing environment allowed me to fully engage with each session, helping me to clear my mind and find balance in my daily life. His extensive experience in meditation shines through in every session, making it a rewarding and empowering experience.

I am deeply grateful for the positive impact these sessions have had on my life and highly recommend them to anyone looking to enhance their mental well-being.