People meditate for different reasons — to find inner peace; to end mental anguish and suffering; to improve one’s heart and behaviour; to improve health; to develop wisdom; to heal; and to evolve spiritually.
For whatever reason, we know that the mind is constantly thinking thoughts, forming perceptions and judgments — it is never still. When the mind is uncontrolled, we don’t think our thoughts, our thoughts think us.
Meditation has been in existence for many thousands of years ever since people learned how to be quiet both in words and in thoughts. This quietness has helped re-energize the body and bring about true and complete rest to the mind. When the mind grows still, it is full of healing power and the healing stillness of a quiet mind nourishes every aspect of our lives.
Research and brain-imaging shows that meditation practice increases brain-wave activity and can enhance intuition and concentration and help reduce chronic pain and anxiety. It can lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce anxiety, anger and depression and help alleviate insomnia.
When your life is in balance, you lose the capacity to be disappointed. Living in balance means living in the present, ready for whatever comes
Geshe YongDong, a Tibetan monk and resident lama at Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre in Courtenay, will present a one-day workshop called Mediation Basics. Students will learn basic preparation techniques, Listening and Hearing Meditation, using visualization in meditation, Zhine and Insight Meditation.
Geshe YongDong was born in Amdo, Tibet, in 1969 and took the monk’s vow at age 13. In 1992 at the age of 24, he received the “Geshe” degree, which is the highest degree awarded in Tibetan monastic education and is equivalent to the western “doctorate” degree. Since escaping from Tibet, GesheLa has taught in France, Germany, U.S.A. and Canada. He now makes his home in Courtenay.
A one-day workshop on meditation basics with Tibetan Lama Geshe YongDong will be offered Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including a lunch break from noon to 1:30 p.m.
It happens at the Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre, 407A Fifth St. in Courtenay. You can register by e-mailing Chamma@telus.net or call 250-334-0306. $25 is suggested as a donation.
Wear comfortable clothing. Meditation cushions or chairs available.
For more information on the centre or Geshe YongDong, check www.sherabchammaling.com.
— Sherab Chamma Ling, Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre