An Introduction to Presence and Non-Dual Awareness: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Songs and Poems of Presence (with Toronto poet Ronna Bloom): Sunday May 11, 2026, 6:30 – 8 :00 pm.
Both events at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior St., James Bay, Victoria. Donations are welcome.
I have been doing spiritual practice for the past 38 years, with the aim of being free. I train individuals who are interested in establishing a regular practice leading to Presence (ongoing innate awareness, non-separation, union with all that is). The training is based on the Buddhist Dzogchen teachings, which are mystical teachings of the non-dual state. The practices are experiential, designed to be integrated 24/7 in daily life. Students have regular sessions in person or by Zoom or phone, and I usually offer an annual retreat in my home where they can practice together and benefit from shared energy and commitment. It is not an easy path. And yet some are called. . . If this interests you please contact me at: sharonw27@shaw.ca
SONG FOR NOBODY
A yellow flower
(Light and spirit)
Sings by itself
For nobody.
A golden spirit
(Light and emptiness)
Sings without a word
By itself.
Let no one touch this gentle sun
In whose dark eye
Someone is awake.
(No light, no gold, no name, no color
and no thought:
O, wide awake!)
A golden heaven
Sings by itself
A song to nobody.
-Thomas Merton

The three CDs on the One Bright Pearl Music label all feature what I call songs of presence, or mystical songs. They came about when I began receiving meditation instruction from my teacher, Ruth Gilbert. At the time, I was working as a psychotherapist and training as an opera singer in Toronto. Shortly after receiving the Buddhist 


