What is Meditation?

  • What is Meditation?

    Meditation is a simple technique used by millions of people throughout the world where we practice mindfulness to develop a calm and peaceful mind. Meditation reduces stress, anxiety, and other negative states of minds and promotes physical health due to the relationship between our mind and the health of our body. With a peaceful mind we feel a greater joy for life and our relationships with people and the world around us become harmonious.

    Meditation brings stillness and time for reflection. 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, including ill health, are caused or aggravated by this stress. By practicing meditation ten or fifteen minutes each day, we will be able to reduce this stress.

Useful Information

If you are new to meditation we recommend our beginners meditation classes on Wednesday evenings, weekday lunch time meditation classes, or simply meditate classes on Sunday evenings. At weekends we hold meditations for world peace and meditation for kids classes. Our meditation for kids classes run simultaneously with our prayers for world peace and allow both parents and children to experience the benefits of meditation.

For those who wish to learn more about Buddhist meditation & philosophy we have classes on Tuesday evenings and special monthly Friday Night Lectures.

Our classes are always drop-in and you do not need to book in advance to attend.

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

The general structure of an evening meditation class is as follows:

  • Simple guided meditation
  • Short Buddhist prayer to prepare for meditation
  • Teaching on an aspect of Buddhist meditation
  • Another meditation and questions & answers
  • After the class everyone is welcome to stay for light refreshments.

The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries, stress, and mental discomfort, and so we will experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we will 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 will experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually, we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Here are some common questions that people ask about our meditation classes. If you have any other questions please contact us and we will be happy to help you in anyway.

Q: Do I have to sit of the floor?

A: No, people have the choice of sitting on a chair or on cushions on the floor.

Q: What weekly classes are available?

A: We run weekly lunchtime, evening and weekend meditation classes  The classes cover all the essential ideas of Buddhist Meditation in a simple, structured and down-to-earth way, and enable us to learn how to meditate and then make steady progress.

Q: Do I need to be Buddhist to attend a weekly class?

A: No. Everything is presented in a way that is accessible to everyone, and no religious obligation is required.

Q: Do I need to have experience of meditation or Buddhism to attend a weekly class?

A: No. Everyone is welcome, including beginners.

Q: If I’m a complete beginner, should I attend a weekly class or a weekend event?

A: Either is fine; it really depends on your own circumstances and preference. Weekly classes are shorter and the groups are smaller, whereas weekend events attract larger audiences and take place over a whole day or more.

Q: Which weekly class is suitable for someone with some experience of meditation?

A: The teachings are designed to be simple yet profound, so that every class provides something for everyone.

Q: Will I be asked to say anything, or speak in front of a group of people?

A: No. But you can ask questions if you want to.

Q: Is there any physical exercise involved, such as yoga?

A: No. The courses focus on meditation alone.

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: Nothing in particular. However, some people find it useful to bring a notepad and pen.

Q: How should I dress?

A: There are no special requirements, but comfortable clothing is generally best.

Q: If I want to attend a weekly class, do I need to wait for the next course of classes to begin?

A: No. Each class is self-contained. You can drop in whenever you can, and start whenever you like.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?

A: For weekly classes it is not necessary to book in advance. However, for our day courses & meditation retreats you are required to book in advance.

Kadampa Meditation Center Florida is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and member of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union. - Enfold WordPress Theme by Kriesi