About Meditation

Meditation is a mind that concentrates on a virtuous object, and a mental action that is the main cause of mental peace. Whenever we meditate we are performing an action that will cause us to experience inner peace in the future.

The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful we shall be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we shall experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful we shall find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions. If we train in meditation our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we shall experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually we shall be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Meditation has many benefits. It allows us to see that it is possible to experience inner peace and contentment just by controlling the mind, without having to depend at all upon external conditions. When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. This feeling of contentment and well-being helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life. So much of the stress and tension we normally experience comes from our mind, and many of the problems we experience, such as ill health, are caused or aggravated by this stress. Just by doing breathing meditation for ten or fifteen minutes each day, we shall be able to reduce this stress. We shall experience a calm, spacious feeling in the mind, and many of our usual problems will fall away. Difficult situations will become easier to deal with, we shall naturally feel warm and well disposed towards other people, and our relationships with others will gradually improve.

Transform Your Life by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, What is Meditation?

In each class a different aspect of meditation and Buddhism is explained. The classes are self-contained so you can drop in any week. There is no need to book or bring anything. Classes consist of guided meditations, teaching and discussion followed by refreshments. Please try to arrive on time so as not to disturb the meditation sessions. Everyone is welcome. This class is in Paddington only and runs on a Tuesday night.

Loving Kindness

Teacher:

Kelsang Tsalden, the resident teacher of Tara Kadampa Buddhist Centre.

When:

Tuesday nights

Jan 17, 24, 31

Feb 7, 14, 21, 28

Mar 6, 13, 20, 27

Apr 3, 10, 17, 24

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Time:

7.45-9 p.m.

Cost:

$10

Where:

83 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington

Book:

Call 3367 1950