MEDITATE FOR INNER PEACE
Discover the Benefits
WHY MEDITATE?
The purpose of meditation is to cultivate positive states of mind, conducive to peace and well-being, and overcome negative habits of mind. Happiness is a state of mind, therefore the real source of happiness lies in the mind, not in external situations. When our mind is peaceful we are free from worries and mental discomfort, and we experience true happiness.
“If we want to experience true, lasting happiness, we need to learn the secret of inner peace by meditating.” Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
BOOKS ON BUDDHISM
THARPA PUBLICATIONS
THE BENEFITS
Stress Reduction
Meditation will allow you to unwind your mind and return home relaxed and refreshed. Meditation will provide you with new tools for dealing with stress, worry and anxiety.
Inner Calm
If we practice meditation we will experience a calm, spacious feeling in the mind. Daily challenges will be easier to deal with and many of our usual problems will fall away.
Problem Solving Solutions
Meditation helps us to gain clarity and perspective so we develop a positive outlook on life, gain authentic self-confidence and enjoy better relationships with others.
WHERE DO I BEGIN?
Our weekly classes are the perfect place to start learning. The meditation classes we offer are suitable for anyone, whatever their level of interest, from those who seek simple relaxation and stress relief, to those who wish to learn about Modern Buddhism. Everyone is welcome.
“When our mind is peaceful, we are free from worries and mental discomfort, and we experience true happiness. If we train our mind to become peaceful we shall be happy all the time, even in the most adverse condition; but if our mind is not peaceful, then even if we have the most pleasant external conditions we shall not be happy. Therefore, it is important to train our mind through meditation.”
VEN GESHE KELSANG GYATSO RINPOCHE
“What is Meditation?” ~ Gen-la Kelsang Dekyong
1. Space and Time for Meditation
Try to find a clean and clutter-free space within your home, with as few distractions around as possible. At first, it may be helpful to dedicate 5-10 minutes a day towards developing inner peace. As you become more familiar with meditating, and begin to experience its beneficial effects, you will find it easier to make this time or even more time available, even with the busiest of lifestyles.
2. Sit in a Comfortable Position
We can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable. If we wish, we can sit in a chair. The most important thing is to keep our back straight to prevent our mind from becoming sluggish or sleepy.
3. A Simple Breathing Meditation
We sit with our eyes partially closed and turn our attention to our breathing. We breathe naturally, preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control our breath, and we try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is our object of meditation. We should try to concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else.
There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but we should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath.
If we discover that our mind has wandered and is following our thoughts, we should immediately return it to the breath. We should repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.
