Meditation

Meditation is at the heart of the Buddhist way of life. It is basically a method for understanding and working on our own mind.

We first learn to identify our different negative mental states known as 'delusions' and learn how to develop peaceful and positive mental states or virtuous minds. Then in meditation we overcome our delusions by becoming familiar with virtuous minds.

Out of meditation we try to maintain the virtuous minds we have developed and use our wisdom to solve the problems of daily life. As our mind becomes more positive our actions become more constructive, and our experience of life becomes more satisfying and beneficial to others.

Anyone can learn basic meditation techniques and experience great benefits, but to progress beyond basic meditation requires faith in the Three Jewels : Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Usually people find this develops naturally as they experience the benefits of their meditation practice. To meditate is to familiarize our minds constantly and thoroughly with a virtuous object. Meditation has many functions:

The purpose of meditation is to make the mind calm and peaceful. When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and the mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment arises within.

Beginners and experienced meditators, Buddhists and non-Buddhists are all equally welcome to join these sessions. For further teaching classes on Buddhist theory and practice see General Programme

• it overcomes inner problems such as those created by anger, jealousy, attachment, and ignorance;
• it controls our mind and brings inner peace;
• it enables us to cultivate virtuous intentions that lead us to perform good actions; and
• it eliminates non-virtuous intentions that lead us to perform harmful actions.

By meditating we gain experience of the many levels of spiritual realization which permits us to attain higher and higher levels of spiritual attainment until we accomplish the highest of all: the state of Buddhahood.