Finding the Best Meditation Books for Advanced Spiritual Practitioners

February 22, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Even though you may have already read dozens of books on how to meditate, there will come a time when you will feel a need for something more. In fact, as you read the newest meditation book, you may find yourself actively looking for a missing piece of information. At this stage, you will need to start looking for meditation books written for advanced spiritual practitioners.

Many people who start working with meditation begin with a need to relax and detach from all the chaos of regular life. As comforting as this practice may be, you will eventually find yourself wondering what comes next. Interestingly enough, when you focus on universal love and union with your higher self, it will take you well beyond the formation of characterizations and a personal myth system. In fact, there will be times when you will feel like you are the only person to have approached a vast region of unexplored reality. When you do not have a spiritual teacher available for guidance, it can be very comforting to have meditation books from authors that have been in similar places.

Anyone who practices meditation will eventually reach the conclusion that they are no longer practicing at just the physical, mental, and emotional levels. Therefore, when you are searching for meditation books, it will become very important to find ones written by people who have accepted the spiritual aspects of their life path, as well as ones willing to provide you with a road map and some landmarks. Without a question, when you reach this stage, you will know the difference between someone who has been there, and someone who is inexperienced in these matters.

Consider a situation where you are interested in interacting with spiritual beings. Even if you already heard of many deities from cultures around the world, you may not have adopted a set of higher beings to work with during meditation sessions. If you want to progress beyond this point, you may need to find a way to name some of the most basic spirit types known to mankind. From there, you will either advance your meditation practices into complex interactions with spirits, or find other ways to explore these new dimensions.

Today, you can find hundreds of books about meditation that will provide basic information about how to relax and get into a suitable mind state. Once you are able to achieve this level, you will find these books simply do not provide you with enough information about what to do next. On the other hand, if you look carefully, you will also find a number of other books to help you along. In particular, books about the Gods and Goddesses of other cultures can help you form a vibrant set of archetypes that will enable you to navigate in the spiritual dimensions. From there, you will also begin to develop a much deeper and much profounder sense of existence beyond the purely spiritual realm. When you find such meditation book that speaks to you of this level of being, it will truly be one of your greatest treasures, as well as your best guide into advanced meditation practices.

Filed Under: Tools
Tagged: books, meditation, meditation books, tools

Visualization of Cellular Healing

February 22, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

When you go to a doctor, s/he prescribes a medication for you to take, or a treatment you will undergo, your body starts the healing process before the medicine is in your system or the exercise or surgical procedure has taken place. For most people, just seeing a doctor gives confidence that healing will occur. Depending on the patient’s cultural background, this is true whether the physician is a neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic or a tribal witch doctor. This is attributable to an extraordinary healing ability of the body by a process known as the placebo effect. What happens is that healing starts when you believe it will occur. Your mind buys into it and your body makes it happen. The great physician and humanitarian, Dr. Albert Schweitzer, gives us this insight – “The witch doctor succeeds for the same reason all the rest of us (medical doctors) succeed. Each patient carries his own doctor inside himself. They come to us not knowing that truth. We are at our best when we give the doctor who resides within each patient a chance to go to work.”

Our body is a fantastic chemical factory that is capable of seemingly unbelievable things. For instance, there is the case of a 95-pound woman lifting up a two-ton car to save the life of her child who was trapped under its weight. This was due to a gigantic adrenaline release. As impressive a display of adaptability to a need this is, our body is capable of doing even more seemingly miraculous feats. Perhaps the most impressive of all is its’ ability to heal itself – of anything!

There are several methods dealing with visualizing healing meditatively at the cellular level. To begin any of them, use the position, breathing pattern, physical relaxing technique, and emptying of mental and emotional reactivity that you have found best prepares you to fill with the object of your meditation. Try each of these ways separately, and try combining them until your healing has occurred. This may take mere seconds, or decades, as has whatever happened to you that now needs a change back to wellness.

1. In your minds eye, see aberrant or inflamed cells changing into healthy cells. If there is a damaged or corrupted area within the cells, visualize them changing and becoming free from injury. See your whole body becoming pure. Visualize yourself as perfectly healthy.

2. There are cells within your body that act as protectors and actually attack and kill damaging invader cells. See these warrior cells destroy those cells that could cause you injury. See your whole body becoming pure. Visualize yourself as perfectly healthy.

3. There are cells within your body that eat threatening cells. See them devour the harm causing structures. See your whole body becoming pure. Visualize yourself as perfectly healthy.

4. Visualize groups of healthy cells combining to replace any damaged areas of your body. For instance, if you have suffered a broken bone, see the cells come together in healing, bonding together to reform a complete structure. Visualize the bone as perfectly healthy.

5. Visualize healing energy filling you. The energy can be felt to originate from a higher power that gifts you with healing. See this holy energy filling and changing your cellular structure to a perfect condition. Watch as the specific organ, body system, or part heals. See your whole body becoming pure. Visualize yourself as perfectly healthy.

6. Visualize yourself standing, sitting, or prostrating in front of your personal deity. See your deity heal you by touch. See your deity heal you by sending divine energy to you. See your deity end your suffering. See your whole body becoming pure. Visualize yourself as perfectly healthy.

7. Get an anatomy book and study the body structure you want healing to take place in. Look at how the part appears when in a state of perfection. When doing a healing visualization meditation, see your body part as being in this state of perfection.

8. If you are suffering from pain, see in your minds eye, as clearly as possible, the nerve endings that are in the specific area of your discomfort, or all of the nerve endings in your entire body. With every inhalation, feel and visualize healing air flowing from a higher power and enter you and fill your lungs. See your red blood cells absorb the air through the walls of your lungs and flow through your arteries spreading healing oxygen to every cell in your body. Witness the inflamed nerve endings become soothed and witness your body start to glow with wellbeing and serenity.

Perhaps the most important suggestion of all is to sincerely want the healing to take place and believe that it will occur. The Meditation Society of America doesn’t favor one religion over another, or even suggest that one has to believe in God at all for the benefits of meditation to help you, but we do sometimes quote from religious sources. In this case, we cite the Bible – Mark 11:24 “…what things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

This 2000-year-old statement is in perfect accord with the most cutting edge scientific and medical understanding of the 21st century. To quote Dr. Herbert Benson of the Harvard Medical School, “We know that belief can lead to healing or at least improvement in 50 percent to 90 percent of diseases, including asthma, angina pectoris, and skin rashes, many forms of pain, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure. They’re all influenced by belief. We in medicine have made fun of belief by calling it the “placebo effect,” or insisting that “It’s all in your head.” Yet, belief is one of the most powerful healing tools we have in our therapeutic arsenal.”

Filed Under: Techniques
Tagged: meditation, meditation health, meditation health technique, meditation technique

Meditation Retreat With Sri Karunamayi

February 22, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Chakra Meditation Retreats – December 6 – 17, 2010

According to India’s ancient yoga tradition, the human body contains spiritual energy centers, known as “chakras.” The seven main chakras lie along the sushumna nadi like beautiful lotus flowers strung in a garland. Although the chakras are naturally radiant and vibrant with divine energy, their beauty is veiled by our karma, which is like a thick layer of dust.

The accumulation of this blanket of dust over innumerable lifetimes creates barriers to the upward movement of the divine kundalini energy and prevents us from realizing our full spiritual potential. This karmic dust also acts on the chakras to create disease and commotion in our lives as the fulfillment of our negative karma.

During the chakra meditation retreat, Amma will be speaking in depth on the nature of the chakras in the subtle body and teaching specific techniques for cleansing them. The techniques received by each participant will depend on which chakra meditation retreats have been attended in the past. There is no prerequisite for attending the retreat this year.

The Benefits of Attending Meditation Retreats

Meditation retreats offer the sacred opportunity for performing many hours of meditation under the divine protection and guidance of Amma. Meditation is always a wonderfully purifying practice, but according to tradition, group meditation that is performed in the presence of a holy person is much more powerful than meditation done by oneself. During retreats, participants are encouraged to set aside their day-to-day concerns and dive deep into the ocean of the Self within. As Amma teaches, it is only when we look within through meditation that we find the true presence of Divine Mother deep within our inner hearts.

In the more intimate setting of a retreat, Amma is able to teach in more detail than she normally does during public programs. She often focuses her teachings on sacred chants and practices that help aspirants to make their meditation practice more powerful and profound. Learning these sacred Sanskrit mantras from Amma is more than just learning how to pronounce the words, it is really like an initiation. When Amma teaches, she pours her own energy directly into the participants. Many have experienced that it is much easier to pronounce mantras and practice various techniques that they have learned directly from Amma, rather than from a book.

Accommodations and Retreat Format

The venue for the India retreats is the beautiful surroundings of Amma’s Penusila Ashram in Andhra Pradesh. Within this pristine setting, great rishis such as Viswamitra and Kanva Maharishi performed their tapas, or divine austerities. This is also the same Penusila Forest that has been sanctified by our beloved Amma’s presence during her own 10-year period of austerities.

Amma has designed the retreat format for participants’ maximum growth and purification. The day begins with meditation at 5 a.m. At sunrise, participants perform the sacred “Surya namaskara” practice, which involves offering flowers and water to the Divine in the form of the sun, while chanting sacred mantras. Sixty or ninety minute sessions of meditation are interspersed with teaching sessions with Amma.

Retreat accommodations consist of 12′ by 15′ rooms with beds, bedding and attached baths with solar hot water showers. Men and women will be housed separately, with a maximum of two participants per room. Sattwic Indian vegetarian food will be served.

What is Expected

Please be advised that Amma expects all participants to maintain verbal silence for the length of the retreat. As it is Amma’s intention that everyone benefit as much as possible from her meditation retreats, she has made this request for verbal silence so that participants will experience deeper and more fruitful meditations. A great deal of spiritual energy is lost through speaking; only verbal silence allows us to preserve that energy and make the most of our precious time in the sacred land of Penusila.

Registration Application and Fees

Retreat Date Options and Fees:
Session #1:   December 6 – December 11                $333
Session #2:   December 12 – December 17             $ 333
Session #1 and Session #2: December 6 – 17       $ 666 (includes room and board only)

Only those who are accepted into the retreats may attend. Please plan to apply early to avoid being waitlisted. It is very important to obtain confirmation that you have been accepted into the retreats before purchasing airline tickets. Once you have registered, further information will be provided in a confirmation letter.

Filed Under: Retreats
Tagged: mediation retreat, meditation, retreat for meditation, sri karunamayi

Top 10 Mudras for Meditation – Meditation Mudras

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

A mudra is a bodily posture or symbolic gesture. In Buddhist iconography every buddha is depicted with a characteristic gesture of the hands. Such gestures correspond to natural gestures (of teaching, protecting, and so on) and also to certain aspects of the Buddhist teaching or of the particular buddha depicted.

Here mudras accompany the performance of liturgies and the recitation of mantras. They also help to actualize certain inner states in that they anticipate their physical expression; thus they assist in bringing about a connection between the practitioner and the buddha visualized in a given practice.

The most important mudras are:

1.) Dhyani Mudra……………..(gesture of meditation)
2.) Vitarka Mudra…………….(teaching gesture)
3.) Dharmachakra Mudra…..(gesture of turning the wheel of the teaching)
4.) Bhumisparsha Mudra……(gesture of touching the earth)
5.) Abhaya Mudra……………(gesture of fearlessness and granting protection)
6.) Varada Mudra…………….(gesture of granting wishes)
7.) Uttarabodhi Mudra………(gesture of supreme enlightenment)
8.) Mudra of Supreme Wisdom
9.) Anjali Mudra……………….(gesture of greeting and veneration)
10.) Vajrapradama Mudra….(gesture of unshakable confidence)

1.)Dhyani Mudra
In this mudra, the back of the right hand rests on the palm of the other in such a way that the tips of the thumbs lightly touch one another. The hands rest in the lap. The right hand, resting on top, symbolizes the state of enlightenment; the other hand, resting below, the world of appearance. This gesture expresses overcoming the world of appearance through enlightenment, as well as the enlightened state of mind for which samsara and nirvana are one. In a special form of this mudra, the middle, ring, and little fingers of both hands lie on top one another and the thumbs and index finger of each hand, touching each other, form a circle, which here also symbolizes the world of appearance and the true nature of reality.

2.)Vitarka Mudra
The right hand points upward, the left downward; both palms are tuned outward. The thumb and index finger of each hand form a circle. The right hand is at shoulder level, the left at the level of the hips. In a variant of this teaching gesture, the left hand rests palm upward in the lap, and the right hand is raised to shoulder level with its thumb and index finger forming a circle. In a further form of this mudra, the index finger and little fingers of both hands are fully extended, the middle and ring fingers somewhat curved inward. The left hand points upward, the right downward.

3.)Dharmachakra Mudra
The left palm is tuned inward (toward the body), the right outward, and the circles formed by the thumbs and index fingers of each hand touch one another.

4.)Bhumisparsha Mudra
The left hand rests palm upward in the lap; the right hand, hanging over the knee, palm inward, points to the earth. Sometimes the left hand holds a begging bowl. This is the gesture with which the Buddha summoned the Earth as witness to his realization of buddhahood. It is considered a gesture of unshakability; thus Akshobhya (the Unshakable) is usually depicted with this mudra.

5.)Abhaya Mudra
Here the right hand is raised to shoulder height with fingers extended and palm turned outward. This is the gesture of the Buddha Shakyamuni immediately after attaining enlightenment.

6.)Varada Mudra
The right hand, palm facing out, is directed downward. When Shakyamuni is depicted with this mudra, it symbolizes summoning Heaven as witness to his buddhahood. This mudra is also seen in representations of Ratnasambhava. In a variant, the thumb and index finger of the downward extended hand touch one another. Frequently the abhaya and varada mudras are combined: the right hand makes the gesture of fearlessness, the left that of wish granting.

7.)Uttarabodhi Mudra
Both hands are held at the level of the chest, the two raised index fingers touch one another, the remaining fingers are crossed and folded down.; the thumbs touch each other at the tips or are also crossed and folded. This mudra is frequently seen in images of Vairochana.

8.)Mudra of Supreme Wisdom
The right index finger is grasped by the five fingers of the left hand. This mudra, characteristic of Vairochana, is the subject of many interretations in esoteric Buddhism, most which have to do with the relationship between the empirical world of manifoldness and the principle that is its basis-the unified world principle, the realization of unity in the manifold as embodied in Buddha.

9.) Anjali Mudra
The palms are held together at the level of the chest. This is the customary gesture of greeting in India. Used as a mudra, it expresses “suchness” (tahata).

10.)Vajrapradama Mudra
The fingertips of the hands are crossed. This is gesture of unshakable confidence.

Filed Under: Mudras
Tagged: meditation, meditation mudra, mudra, mudra gestures, mudra positions, mudras, top 10

Start Meditation with Mantras – Mantra Meditations

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Getting Started

Start by picking some aspect of your life you wish to improve or some vexing problem you would like to solve or dissolve. Then pick a mantra which seems, to you, to apply. Offer a prayer to God, in whatever way you relate to God. Ask for God’s blessing in accomplishing your objective in doing this spiritual discipline.

Once you have decided to undertake the discipline and offered your prayers, then pick a place where you will say your mantra for a certain number of times each day. If possible, obtain a rosary of some kind and do your mantras in some multiple of 108. If getting a rosary is not possible, then decide on a certain amount of time you will spend each day saying your mantra. It can be five minutes, ten minutes, twenty minutes or even an hour. For your first experience, any time up to twenty minutes is advisable.

The reason for taking things easy for the first 40 day commitment is due to the cumulative action of the mantra. For the first few days, all will probably go smoothly. Then as you progress, you may find that things start to get in the way of your doing the discipline: You oversleep; there is some minor emergency; you get a cold, whatever. This means that you are beginning to effect the inner ‘something’ for which you undertook the mantra. You are beginning to encounter inner resistance. That inner resistance manifests as outer obstacles to your discipline. It has almost become a joke in many spiritual circles in which the practice of mantra is common, that something of a very surprising nature happened on day 33 or 35 of a 40 day sadhana. It has happened to me and many others with whom I have spoken on innumerable occasions over the last 22 years.

Develop a sense of humor about it, and be thankful. There is no better indication that your efforts are working than to have small upheavals in your life while you are in the midst of a 40 day mantra discipline. Ask anyone who has undertaken one and they will have some interesting stories for you.

Ganesha: Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha

Rough Translation: ‘Om and salutations to the remover of obstacles for which Gum is the seed.’

The story of Ganesha is found in the chapter devoted to this principle. But for your immediate need, you need only know that for seen or unseen obstacles which seem to be standing in the way of your progress or achievement, either specifically or generally, this mantra has proved invaluable. It has been used it with great success not only in India, but here in the West dozens of people have related to me their success in turning things around in their life by using this mantra.

Lakshmi: Om Shrim Mahalakshmiyei Swaha

Rough Translation: ‘Om and salutations to that feminine energy which bestows all manner of wealth, and for which Shrim is the seed’

This mantra has not only been used for the purpose of attracting prosperity, but also for drawing in proper friends, clearing up family misunderstandings and quarrels, and smoothing some health problems. As we all know, there are many different kinds of wealth. As you use this mantra, focus on the kind of wealth you wish to manifest in your life.

Durga: Om Dum Durgayei Namaha

Rough Translation: ‘Om and Salutations to that feminine energy which protects from all manner of negative influences, and for which Dum is the seed.’

Durga is the Divine Protectress. Typically shown riding a lion or a tiger, Durga has a hundred arms, each with a different weapon of destruction. Yet her face is exquisitely beautiful to behold. The interpretation is that to the pious and the sincere seeker after truth, her sight can produce ecstacy and a variety of beautiful forms. But the negative, harmful or demonic, her countenance is as terrible as Kali, except she shows more weapons of destruction than Kali (who is described later).

Saraswati: Om Eim Saraswatyei Swaha

Rough Translation: ‘Om and salutations to that feminine energy which informs all artistic and scholastic endeavor, and for which Eim (pronounced I’m) is the seed.’

Saraswati holds a musical instrument, the vina, in one hand and a rosary in another hand. She spans the world of mundane knowledge and spiritual understanding. Those pursuing any artistic or educational endeavor whatsoever will gain greatly from the practice of this mantra.

Shiva: Om Namah Shivaya

This mantra has no approximate translation. The sounds related directly to the principles which govern each of the first six chakras on the spine…Earth, water, fire, air, ether. Notice that this does not refer to the chakras themselves which have a different set of seed sounds, but rather the principles which govern those chakras in their place. A very rough, non-literal translation could be something like, ‘Om and salutations to that which I am capable of becoming.’ This mantra will start one out on the path of subtle development of spiritual attainments. It is the beginning on the path of Siddha Yoga, or the Yoga of Perfection of the Divine Vehicle.

Rama: Om Sri Rama Jaya Rama, Jaya, Jaya Rama

Rough Translation: ‘Om and Victory to Rama (the self within), victory, victory to Rama.’

Rama was an Avatar who came several thousand years ago. His sole purpose was to show how a person should live a Divine Life while living in a human body. A short story about the esoteric meaning of his life is found in the chapter devoted to him. You will recall from the previous chapter that Mahatma Gandhi practiced this mantra for over 60 years. This mantra will ‘take one across’ the ocean of rebirth. In a more immediate way, it is most powerful in reducing negative karmic effects no matter in which life they might have occurred. I have also had a powerful spiritual healing experience (for another person), while using this mantra intensely.

The Planet Saturn: Om Sri Shanaishwaraya Swaha

Rough translation: ‘Om and salutations to the presiding spirit in the planet Saturn.’

Saturn is the planet of lessons. It is closely related to the karma we may encounter in a given lifetime. It also stands as a gatekeeper to some of the higher vibrations to which we aspire though spiritual development. By offering salutations outwardly, one clears certain internal obstructing energy patterns. But Saturn has received an overly negative reputation from some astrologers. There have been circumstances where very positive things manifested in people’s lives unexpectedly, apparently as a direct result of working with this mantra.

Internally, Saturn energy is predominant in the spleen, knees and skeletal system. However, as Saturn moves through the various astrological signs, it ‘triggers’ karma we may have stored under astrological configurations found in that sign. Therefore, the use of the Saturn mantra can mitigate and even clear certain categories of karma which appear in our lives. This mantra has been used with great success personally. And I have received reports of its efficacy from many other people.

Subramanya: Om Sharavana-bhavaya Namaha

Rough translation, ‘Om and salutations to the son of Shiva, who brings auspiciousness and who is chief of the celestial army.’

The positive effects of this mantra may not be so clearly seen or described as some of the others: a seeming increase in good fortune or luck; the ability to make the best of a set of circumstances which may occur; an increase in positive mental or emotional disposition; an easier route to becoming physically fit. Yet these few phrases do not begin to exhaust the benefits of using this mantra. It seems to brighten or optimize nearly everything in life.

Rama (Healing Mantra):
Om Apadamapa Hataram Dataram Sarva Sampadam
Loka Bhi Ramam Sri Rama Bhuyo Bhuyo Namamyaham

This is a long mantra to put in a chapter for those just starting off, but is placed here because it is the most powerful healing mantra I have ever encountered. The very rough translation is, ‘Om, Oh most compassionate Rama please send your healing energy right here to the earth, to the earth (twice for emphasis.)’

I have seen this mantra completely cure one person from a schizophrenic break who was in a locked ward. The psychiatrist said he would never lead a life on the outside again. In the middle of a 40 day sadhana done in his behalf, he was living in a ‘halfway house’ for those on the road to recovery. After 40 days of a spiritual discipline done on his behalf, he was on his own. He has since graduated from Art School which he attended on scholarship, and is working as an artist.

Another individual who was on medication, took off spurning his pills and disappeared for a time. After a 40 day sadhana done on his behalf, he had stabilized his life and was back on his medication without complaint.

A woman I know was in constant pain for four years. She undertook this discipline and after just a few weeks was in less pain than at any time she could remember over the past several years. She is still doing the mantra an expects to be pain free relatively soon.

Although the mantra is long, it is simple to say phonetically. If you can, say it 108 times in a sitting. If you are just starting out, this may initially take up to one hour. After you are comfortable with the mantra, it will only take you 30 minutes.
Bodhisattwa Avalokiteshwara (Called Chenresig in Tibetan Buddhism):

Om Mani Padme Hum

Rough Translation: ‘Om, salutations to The Jewel of Consciousness (the mind) which has reached the heart’s lotus.’

This mantra is practiced more than any other in the world. It is pre-eminent in producing a state of dynamic compassion in the sayer. Dynamic means that this compassion contains as part of it the ability to powerfully manifest in both subtle and obvious ways. One of the simple yet profound teachings which accompanies this mantra is the concept that when the mind and heart become united, anything is possible. The implications of this simple thought are staggering. If you want to change the world for the better, this mantra should be in your spiritual toolbox.

Filed Under: Mantras
Tagged: mantra, mantra meditation, mantras, meditate, meditation

Meditation Health Benefits

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

While a meditative state is the natural outcome of yoga and the spiritual benefit of meditation is supreme bliss or enlightenment, these words are unlikely to be understood by many.

However, progress towards meditation and meditative techniques have several benefits at the gross body or material level:

Improvement of body luster and general health-When your mind focuses on a particular part of the body, the blood flow to that part increases and cells receive more oxygen and other nutrients in abundance. Today, many of the film stars and fashion models include meditation in their daily regimen.
Improvement in concentration – Many of the athletes and sports professionals regularly employ meditation methods. Studies have found a direct correlation between concentration exercises (meditation) and the performance level of sports professionals. Meditation strengthens the mind, it comes under control and is able to provide effective guidance to the physical body to effectively execute all its projects. Psychological Exercises are a powerful way of improving concentration and improving mental strength.

Health benefits of Meditation:

Though meditation is usually recognized as a largely spiritual practice, it also has many health benefits. The yoga and meditation techniques are being implemented in management of life threatening diseases; in transformation of molecular and genetic structure; in reversal of mental illnesses, in accelerated learning programs, in perceptions and communications beyond the physical, in solving problems and atomic and nuclear physics; in gaining better ecological understanding; in management of lifestyle and future world problems.

Some benefits of meditation are:

It lowers oxygen consumption.
It decreases respiratory rate.
It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate.
Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients.
Leads to a deeper level of relaxation.
Good for people with high blood pressure as it brings the B.P. to normal.
Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate.
Decreases muscle tension (any pain due to tension) and headaches.
Builds self-confidence.
It increases serotonin production which influences mood and behaviour. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia and headaches.
Helps in chronic diseases like allergies , arthritis etc.
Reduces Pre- menstrual Syndrome.
Helps in post-operative healing.
Enhances the immune system. Research has revealed that meditation increases activity of ‘natural-killer cells’, which kill bacteria and cancer cells.
Also reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress.

Benefits of meditation on Women’s health and Pregnancy:

Identity of your own – besides daughter, wife, mother etc.-

Women begin life as someone’s daughter, and then someone’s lover, wife, someone’s mother. Yes, but who am I- who am I really? Not only does a woman need an understanding of her body but also needs to connect with the essence of her true self. A true self, which is an identity beyond everyday change- beyond gender, beyond fluctuations of hormones, beyond family expectations and other superimposed personality patterns. Discovering this true self is not as easy. Just when you know who you are , it all changes again.

The process of self discovery involves, stripping off false layers of identity, going back through all the conditionings , realizing- “I am not that, and not that, and not that”, an emptiness out of which arises the realization – “Ah ha! I am that”.

The place for this self discovery is not the psychiatrist’s couch, the matrimonial bed, the mother’s group, or even a yoga retreat, but within your own private meditation times.

Resolve Phobias -

Meditation can help to resolve the deepest of neuroses, fears and conflict which play their part in causing stress and ill health.

For mothers-to-be -

Meditation puts mothers in tune with their babies. Manta Japa is especially appropriate for pregnant women. After birth, daily meditation becomes a precious time to refocus and make sense of the many new thoughts and feelings which can be running through your mind, brought about by the events of childbirth and new motherhood.

Filed Under: Health
Tagged: health, health benefits of meditation, mediation benefits, meditation

Meditation Events in London

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 20 Feb
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Meditation leads to peace of mind, harmonious relationships and a meaningful life. This popular half-day course is the perfect introduction to meditation, providing the basic techniques that will enable you to experience these benefits for yourself. The course includes guided meditations and practical advice on how meditation helps us to be happy and free from problems in daily life.

Date & time
Sat 20 Feb
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Understanding life and death – Sat 6 Mar
How to attain everlasting happiness
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

All life’s sufferings arise because we don’t realise we will die. Due to ignorance of death we are strongly attached to all the attractive things of this life alone which causes endless worries, disappointment, frustration and fear. Understanding death according to Buddha’s supremely skilful teachings frees us naturally from suffering and leads us to spiritual paths, the source of all good qualities and happiness in this life and beyond.

Date & time
Sat 6 Mar, 10am – 4pm

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Southern Dharma Celebration – 19 to 21 Mar
The empowerment of Buddha Maitreya

The Southern Dharma Celebration 2010 is a special opportunity to receive the empowerment of Buddha Maitreya. Kadam Bridget Heyes will grant the empowerment and will also give teachings on loving kindness through which we can maintain a happy and peaceful mind all the time and enjoy an increasingly meaningful and fulfilling life.

Dates
Fri 19 – Sun 21 Mar

Kadam Bridget Heyes

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 27 Mar
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Date & time
Sat 27 Mar
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Relaxing break in Holland – 23 to 25 Apr
An enjoyable weekend of meditation and relaxation
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

Retreat is a special time to leave our ordinary activities behind, relax, unwind and focus on meditation. Located in the beautiful Dutch countryside of South Limburg, close to the lovely city of Maastricht, Hotel Kadampa Holland is the perfect place for an enjoyable and meaningful weekend within easy reach of London.

Retreat dates
The retreat begins at 8pm on Friday 23 April with an introductory talk and finishes at 1pm on Sunday 25 April with lunch at 1pm.

Retreat venue
Hotel Kadampa Holland
Graafstraat 39
6305 BD Schin op Geul
The Netherlands
See online map

Retreat fees
* Single room £150
* Twin room £125
* Shared room £95

Fees are per person and include accommodation, teachings and all meals (vegetarian) but do not include travel to or from the venue.
KMC Holland – weekend meditation retreat venue
KMC Holland, Maastricht

Medicine Buddha empowerment – Sat 8 May
Health and happiness for ourselves and others
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

The source of all mental and physical pain is the negativity within our own minds. At this empowerment we will make a special connection with Medicine Buddha, a wise and compassionate Buddha doctor, who works to free us from this negativity. By relying upon him we can be released from our suffering permanently and experience the lasting peace and happiness of enlightenment. Everyone is welcome.

Date & time
Sat 8 May, 10.30am – 4.30pm

Venue
Unitarian Church,
311/2 Hoop Lane, Golders Green, London NW11 8BS
(on the corner of Elmcroft Avenue and Hoop Lane)
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Medicine Buddha

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 22 May
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Date & time
Sat 22 May
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

Weekend retreat in Spain – 11 to 13 Jun
A meaningful holiday at Hotel Kadampa, Málaga
with Resident Teacher John McBretney

A great opportunity to get away from it all and focus on meditation in the beautiful Hotel Kadampa Spain in Málaga. Guided by John McBretney, the Resident Teacher of Heruka Centre, the retreat is a great way to gain some experience of meditation and learn about Kadampa Buddhism.

Retreat dates
The retreat begins at 8pm on Friday 11 June with an introductory talk and finishes at 1pm on Sunday 13 June with lunch at 1pm.

Retreat venue
Hotel Kadampa Spain
Fuente del Perro s/n
29120 Alhaurín el Grande
Málaga, Spain
See online map

Retreat fees
* Single room £150
* Twin room £125
* Shared room £95

Fees are per person and include accommodation, teachings and all meals (vegetarian) but do not include travel to or from the venue.
KMC Spain – weekend meditation retreat venue
KMC Spain, Málaga

Learn to meditate in half a day – Sat 19 Jun
A half-day course on the basics of meditation

Date & time
Sat 19 Jun
10am – 1pm: Teachings & meditations
1pm – 1.45pm: Lunch

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£20 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Buddha Shakyamuni

The basics of Buddhism – Sat 17 Jul
An introduction to inner peace and meditation
Although our understanding and control of the external world is unprecedented, our understanding and control of the internal world of our own minds is very weak. As a result of this imbalance our lives are unsatisfactory and full of problems and worries. By learning essential truths originally taught by Buddha, we can develop an essential spiritual dimension to our lives through which we will gradually free our minds from all suffering and attain the pure and lasting happiness that material success alone cannot provide.

Date & time
Sat 17 Jul, 10am – 4pm

Venue
Heruka Centre,
13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green,
London, NW11 8ES
see map or get directions

Fee
£30 (includes two-course vegetarian lunch)

Filed Under: Events
Tagged: Events, events, london meditation, meditation, meditation events in london

Basics of Meditation

February 21, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment

Before we begin meditation proper there are a few preliminaries we need to master.

1. First, relaxing the body whilst keeping the back straight (not a rigid back).

2. Second, slowing the breathing down so it becomes deep, calm and rhythmic.

3. Third, developing one-pointed concentration. This is a gentle focusing on the object of concentration so we can keep our thoughts at bay, allowing us to experience some quietness, ‘enter’ the object of concentration and, with practice, pass beyond the ‘noisy’ mind.

What is Meditation?

Meditation has a different meaning for different people. Some use it to relax some to help them succeed at sport or in business. Some people meditate to help them deal with emotional upsets, others are looking for mental clarity and to develop concentration.
Meditation can, in time, do all this. It brings our potential to the fore, it calms the mind, helps us get our problems in perspective. It teaches us to focus positively on the task at hand.

And still meditation is more than all this. It is a tool to develop and expand our consciousness. In meditation proper we dive deep within to find our inner treasures – peace, love, delight and more.

“When we can make the mind calm and quiet, we will feel that a new creation is dawning inside us. When the mind is vacant and tranquil and our whole existence becomes an empty vessel, our inner being can invoke infinite peace, light and bliss to enter into the vessel and fill it. This is meditation.”

Filed Under: Basics
Tagged: basic meditation, Basics, how to meditate, meditation, what is meditation

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