Meditation
Meditation is a natural state of the human mind-at rest, open, alert.
In the Shambhala community, meditation is the foundation of everything we do. Undertaken as a steady
practice, meditation allows our minds to relax and settle. It encourages our inherent qualities of stability,
clarity, and mental strength to emerge.
The meditation practice we teach is called Shamatha (Sanskrit for calm abiding.) The roots of this practice
reach back more than 2500 years to the technique that Shakyamuni Buddha taught his students. It is based on
the simple but revolutionary premise that every human being can cultivate the mind's inherent ability to be
fully awake and present at every moment.
In shamatha meditation - "peaceful abiding" - we train our minds in stability, clarity, and strength. Through
this most basic practice of sitting meditation, we discover that we can abide peacefully. Knowing our natural
peace is the basis for any spiritual path - the beginning and the ground for anyone courageous enough to seek
true happiness.This is a practice that anyone can do. Although it has its roots in Buddhism, it is a complement
to any spiritual tradition.
- Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, "Turning the Mind into an Ally"
Visit us and find out more. Public meditation sessions are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.
Meditation instruction is available on Tuesday evening and Sunday morning, free of charge.
Find out about introductory meditation programs here.
See our ongoing meditation programs here.
Special practices take place regulary. Some are open to the public, some are restricted. Here more about special practices here.
Learn more about meditation at www.shambhala.org/meditation
|