A MEDITATION DIARY 5
Saturday, 20 February 2010
So, the inevitable happened, I found myself with introductory books to about 20 different faiths, traditions and belief systems, thinking that each one was not quite right for me, but... I'll take a little bit from each one, and gather them together in my own unique and personal manner and create my own path to enlightenment.
Sounds better, and kind of ideal for an intelligent bright young hippy type.
Trouble was, that each of these leads were only introductions, and they each had slightly contradictory ideas and definitions with regard to what the path to Enlightenment was, and more to the point... What was this golden destination?
You see each had its own rather vague and blurry idea of some sort peace that arose somewhere, sometime, with no clear directions as how to get there, or how to even recognise this was the path (and not a spiritually materialistic path).
So holding all these threads in one hand, I began to drift away from these high ideals, and tried to find some sort of teacher. But who to trust?
Someone in robes of some sort? Nah, nutters. Christian, Jew or Muslim? Nah, they were proven failures. Esoteric and Occult? Nah, too scary. So I made my wise and pragmatic choice and decided to follow a couple of acid heads I had met, as the seemed to be able to get through life, whilst being stoned, make me laugh, and come up with cool phrases when required, and they had pretty girlfriends (and sports cars), so if I was to follow any path, this looked like it...
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Sounds better, and kind of ideal for an intelligent bright young hippy type.
Trouble was, that each of these leads were only introductions, and they each had slightly contradictory ideas and definitions with regard to what the path to Enlightenment was, and more to the point... What was this golden destination?
You see each had its own rather vague and blurry idea of some sort peace that arose somewhere, sometime, with no clear directions as how to get there, or how to even recognise this was the path (and not a spiritually materialistic path).
So holding all these threads in one hand, I began to drift away from these high ideals, and tried to find some sort of teacher. But who to trust?
Someone in robes of some sort? Nah, nutters. Christian, Jew or Muslim? Nah, they were proven failures. Esoteric and Occult? Nah, too scary. So I made my wise and pragmatic choice and decided to follow a couple of acid heads I had met, as the seemed to be able to get through life, whilst being stoned, make me laugh, and come up with cool phrases when required, and they had pretty girlfriends (and sports cars), so if I was to follow any path, this looked like it...
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MEDITATION DIARY 4
Friday, 5 February 2010
So, as was the case with so many spiritual/psychedelic explorers, I wandered around the orange groves looking for guidance and steering, but wary of everyone and everything - this being based in part upon my Judao-Christian upbringing (corny I know), especially anyone in robes... Loonies!
So, I did what every respectable hippy did, I went to the local alternative bookstore, to browse and cruise the sections... And I had a feast, but I tended to want to get to the last chapter, to the meat, sod the vegetables, I just wanted the chapter on Enlightenment. I sped read the early chapters, ignored the introduction and preface, as I was 'advanced' already, I didn't need hints for beginners... Doh.
Part of the joy of this process was the accumulation of esoterica on my bookshelf, and of course the possibility of being asked about the book I was reading on the train... Oh, I'll add a little aside here, as at this time I was a 'young executive' with Mobil Oil, and I used to daily commute from Brighton to London - so to be perceived as spiritual amongst the hoy-polloy stiffs was quite a medal I wanted to wear - If you are reading this, you will dig that...
And amongst those books, one that I still recall, for its title, which kind of says it all 'Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism' 0h joy of joys! What a fantastic title, does exactly what it says on the tin!
Th stack of books gathered, my (very) shallow knowledge spread thinner than margerine on a prison sandwich, but I was gaining some bearings, but still, I would not listen to anyone in spiritual 'authority'...
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
So, I did what every respectable hippy did, I went to the local alternative bookstore, to browse and cruise the sections... And I had a feast, but I tended to want to get to the last chapter, to the meat, sod the vegetables, I just wanted the chapter on Enlightenment. I sped read the early chapters, ignored the introduction and preface, as I was 'advanced' already, I didn't need hints for beginners... Doh.
Part of the joy of this process was the accumulation of esoterica on my bookshelf, and of course the possibility of being asked about the book I was reading on the train... Oh, I'll add a little aside here, as at this time I was a 'young executive' with Mobil Oil, and I used to daily commute from Brighton to London - so to be perceived as spiritual amongst the hoy-polloy stiffs was quite a medal I wanted to wear - If you are reading this, you will dig that...
And amongst those books, one that I still recall, for its title, which kind of says it all 'Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism' 0h joy of joys! What a fantastic title, does exactly what it says on the tin!
Th stack of books gathered, my (very) shallow knowledge spread thinner than margerine on a prison sandwich, but I was gaining some bearings, but still, I would not listen to anyone in spiritual 'authority'...
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
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Sunday, 24 January 2010
Herman Hesse was a Bodhisattva... Maybe a highly concealed one, but to my mind, he acted as no other wisdom being could.
If I had met a Lama at that time I would have been highly cynical, and would not been able to accept even the concept of Ultimate Truth, let alone the basis premise that we are the creators of our own happiness.
And, that happiness was/is a state of mind... Pah.
So, with my opening psychedelic mind, I embarked upon a quest for knowledge, choosing arcane and mysterious sounding books, ones that I wished to be see carrying, and that looked so fantastic casually spread around the carpet.
The precursor to this opening, was the use of drugs. What a word... Well, I used to take two - I smoked pot, lots of it, and I took magic mushrooms, lots of them. The pot was the approach to the inner world, and the mushrooms were the gateway.
And if you have used either of these, you will know exactly what I mean, and if you have not... well you probably won't.
But I can say that my pathway would not have revealed itself to me, had I not taken drugs, so at that stage of my life they were entirely necessary. I'll add now that I am not interested in taking drugs any longer... I will not rule it out completely, for who knows, at the right occasion, somewhere down the timeline I may, but not for the foreseeable future - they would just get in the way.
I have strayed from the story... I'll come back to it later..
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
If I had met a Lama at that time I would have been highly cynical, and would not been able to accept even the concept of Ultimate Truth, let alone the basis premise that we are the creators of our own happiness.
And, that happiness was/is a state of mind... Pah.
So, with my opening psychedelic mind, I embarked upon a quest for knowledge, choosing arcane and mysterious sounding books, ones that I wished to be see carrying, and that looked so fantastic casually spread around the carpet.
The precursor to this opening, was the use of drugs. What a word... Well, I used to take two - I smoked pot, lots of it, and I took magic mushrooms, lots of them. The pot was the approach to the inner world, and the mushrooms were the gateway.
And if you have used either of these, you will know exactly what I mean, and if you have not... well you probably won't.
But I can say that my pathway would not have revealed itself to me, had I not taken drugs, so at that stage of my life they were entirely necessary. I'll add now that I am not interested in taking drugs any longer... I will not rule it out completely, for who knows, at the right occasion, somewhere down the timeline I may, but not for the foreseeable future - they would just get in the way.
I have strayed from the story... I'll come back to it later..
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MEDITATION DIARY 2
Friday, 15 January 2010
January Retreat... The traditional time to engage in meditation. In India, back in the time of Buddha, the rainy season fell in January, and as a result travel and communication was limited and difficult, so the opportunities to remain at ones home, village or monastery became increased... So if you are, by circumstance, finding less opportunity to go outside, why not simply stay inside, and, once inside, really get deep inside...
I have engaged in retreat many times, and it functions to increase or inner wisdom and capacity to remain in meditation, and there are several reasons for this. One example I might use here, is that should we engage in retreat, 4 times a day, over a 4 week period, we are, re-finding and relocating our inner position with regularity and frequency, and as a result, familiarity with our destination manifests, and it takes less 'effort' to find our inner space, our inner peace, as we only left it a couple of hours previously.
And once this chain of meditative islands gradually link together, we spend more time in meditation, than out. This is called practicing in the meditation break, and this aspect of mindfulness is an extremely potent addition to our goals, as, should we be able to mindfully maintain a peaceful thought, it will seem less abstract when we next sit down to 'find our peace'.
But to continue my story, my personal tale.. I began by picking up a couple of books about meditation, and attempted to learn, or teach myself. The reason, well I wanted to experience what might be found within my mind, and I believed that I could travel further inwards and outwards by the yogic methods.
It was not easy, and the books, though well meaning, were not real manuals for engagement.. I needed more, and I bumped into a book - Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
I have engaged in retreat many times, and it functions to increase or inner wisdom and capacity to remain in meditation, and there are several reasons for this. One example I might use here, is that should we engage in retreat, 4 times a day, over a 4 week period, we are, re-finding and relocating our inner position with regularity and frequency, and as a result, familiarity with our destination manifests, and it takes less 'effort' to find our inner space, our inner peace, as we only left it a couple of hours previously.
And once this chain of meditative islands gradually link together, we spend more time in meditation, than out. This is called practicing in the meditation break, and this aspect of mindfulness is an extremely potent addition to our goals, as, should we be able to mindfully maintain a peaceful thought, it will seem less abstract when we next sit down to 'find our peace'.
But to continue my story, my personal tale.. I began by picking up a couple of books about meditation, and attempted to learn, or teach myself. The reason, well I wanted to experience what might be found within my mind, and I believed that I could travel further inwards and outwards by the yogic methods.
It was not easy, and the books, though well meaning, were not real manuals for engagement.. I needed more, and I bumped into a book - Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MEDITATION DIARY 1
Friday, 8 January 2010
I have been teaching meditation for around 14 years, and have been practicing meditation, on and off, for over 30 years.
Some practices are simple, some very complicated, some are profound, and some are blissful. And as with all things, it takes time and practice to be able to develop and increase one's own understanding...
I am going to start by telling you part of my current meditational practice... It does change over the years, sometimes cyclic, sometimes experimental, sometimes taught by others, and sometimes intuitive.
At the moment I am practicing an intuitive and self-taught practice that is a combination of Highest Yoga Tantra and Alchemical Chakra Visualisation and Kundalini Flow... Sound a bit complicated? Well I guess it does, but the actual practices are very simple.
Maybe I should start at the beginning... I'm going to turn the clock back to ... 1977, when I was 22 years old. A bright, but stupid university graduate, with a taste to psychedelic exploration... Opening my mind.. Man...
More soon..
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Some practices are simple, some very complicated, some are profound, and some are blissful. And as with all things, it takes time and practice to be able to develop and increase one's own understanding...
I am going to start by telling you part of my current meditational practice... It does change over the years, sometimes cyclic, sometimes experimental, sometimes taught by others, and sometimes intuitive.
At the moment I am practicing an intuitive and self-taught practice that is a combination of Highest Yoga Tantra and Alchemical Chakra Visualisation and Kundalini Flow... Sound a bit complicated? Well I guess it does, but the actual practices are very simple.
Maybe I should start at the beginning... I'm going to turn the clock back to ... 1977, when I was 22 years old. A bright, but stupid university graduate, with a taste to psychedelic exploration... Opening my mind.. Man...
More soon..
Written and Published by Mark Golding - THE ORGANIC HOME
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
COLLECTIVE MEDITATIONS
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Last January, more than 400 people from across the Twin Cities area joined forces, and energies, to meditate for peace. And that's just counting the people who showed up; those who couldn't make it were encouraged to join in by meditating wherever they happened to be at the time.
An even bigger crowd is expected at 7 p.m. Thursday for this year's Peace on Earth Meditation. The leader of last year's event, Chunyi Lin of the Twin Cities based Spring Forest Qigong studios, will return to guide the meditation, which will be preceded by chanting from the monks of the Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery.
With a large turnout expected, participants are encouraged to arrive early. The event is being held at St. Maron's Church, 602 University Av. NE., Minneapolis. A freewill offering will be collected.
It's BYOC, bring your own cushion for sitting on the floor. There will be chairs available for those who don't want to sit on the floor. As with last year, those who can't make it are encouraged to join in from their private meditation spots.
For more information, including directions, contact the Meditation Center at 612 379 2386 or www.themeditationcenter.org. Do not call the church; it is simply renting out the space for the event.
By JEFF STRICKLER
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
An even bigger crowd is expected at 7 p.m. Thursday for this year's Peace on Earth Meditation. The leader of last year's event, Chunyi Lin of the Twin Cities based Spring Forest Qigong studios, will return to guide the meditation, which will be preceded by chanting from the monks of the Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery.
With a large turnout expected, participants are encouraged to arrive early. The event is being held at St. Maron's Church, 602 University Av. NE., Minneapolis. A freewill offering will be collected.
It's BYOC, bring your own cushion for sitting on the floor. There will be chairs available for those who don't want to sit on the floor. As with last year, those who can't make it are encouraged to join in from their private meditation spots.
For more information, including directions, contact the Meditation Center at 612 379 2386 or www.themeditationcenter.org. Do not call the church; it is simply renting out the space for the event.
By JEFF STRICKLER
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND PRACTICALITIES
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Employees at Idea Village in Wayne take time twice a week to meditate and the results have been invaluable. From left are Ron Boger, executive vice president; Laura Nash, executive coach and president of 'Tuning In; Anand 'Andy' Khubani, CEO; and Maryann Hrebeniuk, customer service manager.
WAYNE, No one is unfamiliar with how hectic life can be both in and out of the workplace. Holiday stress, coupled with the everyday stuff of life, can knock even the best of us for a loop.
Idea Village, a Wayne based company, is finding a way to combat some of that stress, at least the part that happens in the workplace. The company works with Laura Nash on meditation.
Nash comes in to work with the employees twice a week. The company has set up a special meditation room, with comfortable chairs, couches and pillows for the sessions to take place.
'Laura studied under Deepak Chopra,' related Idea Village President and CEO Andy Khubani. 'I went to a conference where she spoke, and tried meditating with my wife for a while. At first, I found it hard to concentrate.'
Khubani gave up meditating for a while, until an employee asked him to bring meditation to the work place. He remembered working with Nash, and invited her in to give a presentation.
The staff started meditating in October 2008, and the results, according to Khubani, have been wonderful.
'Laura comes in on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons,' he said. 'But she suggested it would be more powerful, and work better, if we meditated even on the days she wasn't there.'
The group began to meditate each morning before the start of the work day, and within three months, saw the impact it had on both their personal and professional lives.
BY SUE TOTH
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
WAYNE, No one is unfamiliar with how hectic life can be both in and out of the workplace. Holiday stress, coupled with the everyday stuff of life, can knock even the best of us for a loop.
Idea Village, a Wayne based company, is finding a way to combat some of that stress, at least the part that happens in the workplace. The company works with Laura Nash on meditation.
Nash comes in to work with the employees twice a week. The company has set up a special meditation room, with comfortable chairs, couches and pillows for the sessions to take place.
'Laura studied under Deepak Chopra,' related Idea Village President and CEO Andy Khubani. 'I went to a conference where she spoke, and tried meditating with my wife for a while. At first, I found it hard to concentrate.'
Khubani gave up meditating for a while, until an employee asked him to bring meditation to the work place. He remembered working with Nash, and invited her in to give a presentation.
The staff started meditating in October 2008, and the results, according to Khubani, have been wonderful.
'Laura comes in on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons,' he said. 'But she suggested it would be more powerful, and work better, if we meditated even on the days she wasn't there.'
The group began to meditate each morning before the start of the work day, and within three months, saw the impact it had on both their personal and professional lives.
BY SUE TOTH
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AT THE LIBRARY
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
A program titled 'Meditation for the Body, Mind and Soul' is set for 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 5 at the East Brunswick Public Library, Jean Walling Civic Center.
Umesh Bhatia will lead the program, designed to teach a technique to gain peace of mind.
For more information, call 732 390 6789 or log on to www.ebpl.org and click on News and Events.
By Sentinel
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Umesh Bhatia will lead the program, designed to teach a technique to gain peace of mind.
For more information, call 732 390 6789 or log on to www.ebpl.org and click on News and Events.
By Sentinel
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MEDITATION GARDEN
Friday, 4 December 2009
During the hectic times that make up the end of the year, a meditation garden offers a refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Such gardens can be incorporated into traditional landscapes or designed to be completely separate. All that’s needed is a plan.
Meditation gardens provide a place for relaxation, rejuvenation and contemplation. They generally are subtly beautiful, private and designed with the individual in mind. The design and installation can even be an exercise in meditation.
There are only a few elements considered important in meditation gardens. There should be visual elements of green plants, a path (even a short one will work to provide a sense of a getaway), comfortable seating, a water feature, and inspirational art, natural features or flowers.
Some experts believe a meditation garden should have a roof or canopy to increase the sense of privacy. An arbor or trellis planted with vines, a spreading tree or arching clumps of bamboo will work. Choose plants that match the local site conditions and plant them well for quick establishment.
Other interesting items to include are plants that move in the breeze such as bamboo, hanging baskets and vines. Scent can add to the meditative experience. Include a species with fragrant blooms or leaves that are pleasing to you.
By TCPalm
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Meditation gardens provide a place for relaxation, rejuvenation and contemplation. They generally are subtly beautiful, private and designed with the individual in mind. The design and installation can even be an exercise in meditation.
There are only a few elements considered important in meditation gardens. There should be visual elements of green plants, a path (even a short one will work to provide a sense of a getaway), comfortable seating, a water feature, and inspirational art, natural features or flowers.
Some experts believe a meditation garden should have a roof or canopy to increase the sense of privacy. An arbor or trellis planted with vines, a spreading tree or arching clumps of bamboo will work. Choose plants that match the local site conditions and plant them well for quick establishment.
Other interesting items to include are plants that move in the breeze such as bamboo, hanging baskets and vines. Scent can add to the meditative experience. Include a species with fragrant blooms or leaves that are pleasing to you.
By TCPalm
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION FOR ALL
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sustainability School Opens Downtown Berkeley Campus to Meet Growing Demand for Holistic Living and Permaculture Classes.
People who have had a hard time finding educational opportunities on issues of permaculture, non violent communication and other aspects of sustainable living will now be able to attend classes at the newly opened campus of Common Circle Education in downtown Berkeley.
Located at 2130 Center Street in Downtown Berkeley, the Berkeley Campus of Common Circle Education offers over 200 classes every month in permaculture, yoga, compassionate communication and meditation.
The Institute's founder, Vladislav Davidzon, said, 'To make regenerative design and holistic thinking the norm, we're going to have to make them financially accessible. Our center offers over 200 hours of yoga, permaculture, compassionate communication and meditation instruction each month. Instruction is provided by top notch faculty and classes are available to members for under a dollar per class.'
Members of the public can attend classes on a drop in basis or become members. Free meditation introductions are offered at 7am and 12pm daily and yoga classes are held at 8am, 1pm, 4:30pm and 6pm. Evenings classes are offered on sustainability and permaculture, as well as a Permaculture Design Certificate course starting in January on Saturdays.
As a grand opening special, the school is offering a completely free week of classes during December and January. Regular membership costs $90 per month. Memberships include access to over 200 hours a month of yoga, meditation, communication and permaculture classes, as well as special discounts on weekend courses.
By PR Web
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
People who have had a hard time finding educational opportunities on issues of permaculture, non violent communication and other aspects of sustainable living will now be able to attend classes at the newly opened campus of Common Circle Education in downtown Berkeley.
Located at 2130 Center Street in Downtown Berkeley, the Berkeley Campus of Common Circle Education offers over 200 classes every month in permaculture, yoga, compassionate communication and meditation.
The Institute's founder, Vladislav Davidzon, said, 'To make regenerative design and holistic thinking the norm, we're going to have to make them financially accessible. Our center offers over 200 hours of yoga, permaculture, compassionate communication and meditation instruction each month. Instruction is provided by top notch faculty and classes are available to members for under a dollar per class.'
Members of the public can attend classes on a drop in basis or become members. Free meditation introductions are offered at 7am and 12pm daily and yoga classes are held at 8am, 1pm, 4:30pm and 6pm. Evenings classes are offered on sustainability and permaculture, as well as a Permaculture Design Certificate course starting in January on Saturdays.
As a grand opening special, the school is offering a completely free week of classes during December and January. Regular membership costs $90 per month. Memberships include access to over 200 hours a month of yoga, meditation, communication and permaculture classes, as well as special discounts on weekend courses.
By PR Web
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
FAITH AND MEDITATION
Saturday, 28 November 2009
BUDDHIST RETREAT: Kentrul Rinpoche, Abbot of Katog Mardo Tashi Choling in Eastern Tibet, presents 'A Retreat on the Preliminary Practice of Ngondro,' 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 to 7 at the Chagdud Gonpa Tromge Ling Buddhist Center, 1001 E. Fireweed Lane. The practices will include meditation instructions and readings. Anyone is welcome to come. The three day retreat is $175. No one is turned away for lack of funds. (301 1332, www.tromgeling.org)
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AT WORK
Friday, 27 November 2009
In today's high paced business environment, the pressure that effects employees can result in a number of costly consequences for businesses. However, through a variety of meditation and relaxation techniques, businesses are now enjoying substantial improvements in staff well being that ultimately improves their bottom line performance. Liz, from Kumara Meditation & Healing Centre in Perth, says, 'We are offering a practical and holistic approach to improving employees' well being and how they deal with stress and emotional issues in the workplace. The provided tools and strategies can be applied during the day to day working environment, crucial meetings and high pressure situations.'
The major benefits of incorporating meditation into a business are obvious. It reduces stress, increases mental concentration, clarity and awareness; it enhances productivity, effectiveness and communication in the workplace; tense situations are resolved with reduced negative and angry behaviour patterns, encouraging Team work and Customer Service; it expands work/ life/ family balancing skills and ultimately improves overall health and well-being, thus reducing absenteeism.
'Kumara for Business' offers a wide range of meditation and stress management training programs. 'We believe it is important to communicate with our clients to understand what they want to achieve through our programs', says Liz, 'These services can be applied to your workplace individually or as a package customised for your business.' The customer may choose the Introductory session, Stress Management through Meditation, or from the Four Week Program, the Ongoing Meditation Sessions or the Conference & Meetings Sessions.
'The total health and productivity cost of worker stress to American business is estimated at $50 to $150 billion annually.' (Sauter, S.L.; Murphy, L.R.; and Hurrell, Jr., J.J. (1990) Prevention of work related psychological disorders. American Psychologist. 45(10):1146 1153)
Looking at these figures, businesses shouldn't hesitate to look seriously at alternative methods to strengthen their employees well being.
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The major benefits of incorporating meditation into a business are obvious. It reduces stress, increases mental concentration, clarity and awareness; it enhances productivity, effectiveness and communication in the workplace; tense situations are resolved with reduced negative and angry behaviour patterns, encouraging Team work and Customer Service; it expands work/ life/ family balancing skills and ultimately improves overall health and well-being, thus reducing absenteeism.
'Kumara for Business' offers a wide range of meditation and stress management training programs. 'We believe it is important to communicate with our clients to understand what they want to achieve through our programs', says Liz, 'These services can be applied to your workplace individually or as a package customised for your business.' The customer may choose the Introductory session, Stress Management through Meditation, or from the Four Week Program, the Ongoing Meditation Sessions or the Conference & Meetings Sessions.
'The total health and productivity cost of worker stress to American business is estimated at $50 to $150 billion annually.' (Sauter, S.L.; Murphy, L.R.; and Hurrell, Jr., J.J. (1990) Prevention of work related psychological disorders. American Psychologist. 45(10):1146 1153)
Looking at these figures, businesses shouldn't hesitate to look seriously at alternative methods to strengthen their employees well being.
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
LEARNING TO MEDITATE
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Local spiritual teacher and guided meditation publisher Lexa Finley will be leading a free workshop on reducing holiday stress in conjunction with the release party for her guided meditation CD 'Finding Peace and Harmony' from 1 to 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 5 at the Akashic Record Bookshop, 1414 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.
The CD contains a series of seven 10-minute guided meditations designed to help listeners reduce stress and achieve more balance.
During the workshop, Finley will use various tools and imagery found in the CD to walk participants through steps to help them release stress and other negative emotions associated with the holiday season, teaching them to find blocks of resistance and to reclaim their energy.
The workshop will begin at 1 p.m.
Immediately after the workshop, Finley will sign 'Finding Peace and Harmony' and four other CDs of guided meditations until 3 p.m.
Special discounts will be offered on all products offered by Journey Into The Spirit, the company founded by intuitive healer, clairvoyant and spiritual teacher Lexa Finley.
By Thousand Oak Acorn
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The CD contains a series of seven 10-minute guided meditations designed to help listeners reduce stress and achieve more balance.
During the workshop, Finley will use various tools and imagery found in the CD to walk participants through steps to help them release stress and other negative emotions associated with the holiday season, teaching them to find blocks of resistance and to reclaim their energy.
The workshop will begin at 1 p.m.
Immediately after the workshop, Finley will sign 'Finding Peace and Harmony' and four other CDs of guided meditations until 3 p.m.
Special discounts will be offered on all products offered by Journey Into The Spirit, the company founded by intuitive healer, clairvoyant and spiritual teacher Lexa Finley.
By Thousand Oak Acorn
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND HOLISTICS
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
In Holistic meditation one's focus is exclusively on the mind, in order to discover its nature. In that discovery is the key to freedom from the fragmentation of the mind, its endless fencing and identifications. The subject matter of the enquiry is the subject itself, the mind, and the instrument used is also the mind, the focussed mind.
Knowledge about the subject 'I':
Here one might pause to ponder how exactly knowledge about the subject is different from knowledge about objects. The latter is limited knowledge, limited to the area of one's expertise. Illustratively the field of knowledge of a cardiologist would be the heart and its problems. It would not include all matters connected with the heart. Cases calling for surgical intervention of the heart, like open heart surgery would be a different field. Both cardiac specialists would be ignorant about the treatment for other parts of the body, say about Gastric, Ulcer. Knowledge of particular specialisation would necessarily imply ignorance of the rest, which is therefore vast. This knowledge is dualistic, part of a pair; knowledge, ignorance, rich, poor, educated illiterate and so on.
Here the mind's search is for its own place of origin. Ramana gives the analogy of a dog tracing its master...
In contrast, knowledge of the subject is total. For, ours is a mental world, everything being dependent on the perceiver. Therefore, once the true nature of the mind is discovered everything else is known. Hence Ramana emphasises the need for and the primacy of knowledge about the 'I'.
Understanding the mind - The Enquiry:
In this enquiry about the nature of one's mind, one begins at the beginning, the state when the mind as we know it is not there, when the thinker and his thoughts are not there. This happens each day in deep sleep. A fatigued mind reappears on waking, refreshed. From this the origin of the mind can be inferred to be from a rejuvenating source. This Ramana had discovered to be the spiritual heart.
What happens on waking? Is the link with the source broken or continued. It is as good as broken because the thinker is lost in his own thought hordes and forgets his association with his conscious source, the heart. In the rapid movement of successive thoughts the one to whom the thoughts relate, the central force is forgotten. The mind's attention is hijacked as it was by this non stop thought movement away from where it should be on itself. This Ramana says is no wiser than to think that creeper can exist without tree and consequently paying attention only to it.
Thoughts are given an independent status, as if they can exist by themselves. Remedies are sought for control of thoughts through meditation. Will it free one from his thoughts? 'No'. At best there may be a lull during the period of meditation but thoughts will be back with a vengeance.
By A.R.Natarajan
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETEAT
Knowledge about the subject 'I':
Here one might pause to ponder how exactly knowledge about the subject is different from knowledge about objects. The latter is limited knowledge, limited to the area of one's expertise. Illustratively the field of knowledge of a cardiologist would be the heart and its problems. It would not include all matters connected with the heart. Cases calling for surgical intervention of the heart, like open heart surgery would be a different field. Both cardiac specialists would be ignorant about the treatment for other parts of the body, say about Gastric, Ulcer. Knowledge of particular specialisation would necessarily imply ignorance of the rest, which is therefore vast. This knowledge is dualistic, part of a pair; knowledge, ignorance, rich, poor, educated illiterate and so on.
Here the mind's search is for its own place of origin. Ramana gives the analogy of a dog tracing its master...
In contrast, knowledge of the subject is total. For, ours is a mental world, everything being dependent on the perceiver. Therefore, once the true nature of the mind is discovered everything else is known. Hence Ramana emphasises the need for and the primacy of knowledge about the 'I'.
Understanding the mind - The Enquiry:
In this enquiry about the nature of one's mind, one begins at the beginning, the state when the mind as we know it is not there, when the thinker and his thoughts are not there. This happens each day in deep sleep. A fatigued mind reappears on waking, refreshed. From this the origin of the mind can be inferred to be from a rejuvenating source. This Ramana had discovered to be the spiritual heart.
What happens on waking? Is the link with the source broken or continued. It is as good as broken because the thinker is lost in his own thought hordes and forgets his association with his conscious source, the heart. In the rapid movement of successive thoughts the one to whom the thoughts relate, the central force is forgotten. The mind's attention is hijacked as it was by this non stop thought movement away from where it should be on itself. This Ramana says is no wiser than to think that creeper can exist without tree and consequently paying attention only to it.
Thoughts are given an independent status, as if they can exist by themselves. Remedies are sought for control of thoughts through meditation. Will it free one from his thoughts? 'No'. At best there may be a lull during the period of meditation but thoughts will be back with a vengeance.
By A.R.Natarajan
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETEAT
PEACE AND MEDITATION
Monday, 23 November 2009
Looking to ease physical pain? Suffering from mental anguish? Not sure where to turn? Meditation can provide relief. But how does it work?
Life and career coach and meditation guide in Ringwood, Mim Nelson, teaches that meditation is 'dirt simple.'
There are a lot of different ways you can go about [meditation], different paths you can take,' she said. 'Meditation is really natural and really simple.'
Nelson guides a free monthly meditation group that meets at the Presbyterian Church and is geared toward people of all levels of experience.
She believes that meditation and quieting the mind is not as difficult as many people believe.
'I don't think that you have to quiet the mind completely,' she said. 'If you think, 'is my mind really quiet?' That's a noisy mind. You have to not care.'
Jerry Kuhlman has been practicing yoga and meditation since 1973. He has been teaching group meditation for approximately 20 years. Six years ago he dedicated his career to yoga and meditation when he and his wife opened Highland Yoga in Butler.
BY DANIELLE ROSE
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Life and career coach and meditation guide in Ringwood, Mim Nelson, teaches that meditation is 'dirt simple.'
There are a lot of different ways you can go about [meditation], different paths you can take,' she said. 'Meditation is really natural and really simple.'
Nelson guides a free monthly meditation group that meets at the Presbyterian Church and is geared toward people of all levels of experience.
She believes that meditation and quieting the mind is not as difficult as many people believe.
'I don't think that you have to quiet the mind completely,' she said. 'If you think, 'is my mind really quiet?' That's a noisy mind. You have to not care.'
Jerry Kuhlman has been practicing yoga and meditation since 1973. He has been teaching group meditation for approximately 20 years. Six years ago he dedicated his career to yoga and meditation when he and his wife opened Highland Yoga in Butler.
BY DANIELLE ROSE
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND PEACE
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Life presents many stresses each day, but fortunately for those in the Wakefield area the Rev. Maddie Sifantus will lead guided meditation sessions on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield, 326 Main St.
Meditation has been around for thousands of years and is considered of the oldest forms of mental, spiritual, health and wellness practices in existence. Yet it wasn't until around 500 B.C. that Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, expanded its popularity. Rev. Sifantus explained that the meditation group will practice the Buddhist form known as 'Mindfulness Meditation.' She describes it as 'bringing attention to the breath.'
Sifantus has been meditating for years as a way to 'keep on an even keel and stay centered.' She shared that in 2006 she was involved in a near fatal car accident and was able to go into a meditative state and remain conscious while waiting for paramedics. Having the ability to stay calm, she was able to communicate vital information to the EMTs. She was hospitalized for two months recovering from injuries.
Her group has been meeting since March 2009, after she became minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church in January. Both men and women, ages 22 to 60 plus, attend; about half are parishioners and half are community residents, she said.
By Joyce Shipley-Alders
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Meditation has been around for thousands of years and is considered of the oldest forms of mental, spiritual, health and wellness practices in existence. Yet it wasn't until around 500 B.C. that Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, expanded its popularity. Rev. Sifantus explained that the meditation group will practice the Buddhist form known as 'Mindfulness Meditation.' She describes it as 'bringing attention to the breath.'
Sifantus has been meditating for years as a way to 'keep on an even keel and stay centered.' She shared that in 2006 she was involved in a near fatal car accident and was able to go into a meditative state and remain conscious while waiting for paramedics. Having the ability to stay calm, she was able to communicate vital information to the EMTs. She was hospitalized for two months recovering from injuries.
Her group has been meeting since March 2009, after she became minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church in January. Both men and women, ages 22 to 60 plus, attend; about half are parishioners and half are community residents, she said.
By Joyce Shipley-Alders
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND LIGHT
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Maa Shyama researched and revived this ancient technique that has been used by yogis to stay healthy. Gradually, through practice and meditation, visualisation and conscious imagination, the body of the practitioner soaks and breathes the seven components of light in the right proportion.
In rainbow healing meditation, the practitioner delves into the subconscious and higher conscious minds to blast and transmute disease and pain with powerful cosmic rays of light. This removes memories of disease from the body and restores radiant health and balance.
Rainbow healing draws on a variety of alternative healing therapies so that one is healed at all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It is a journey of self healing and transformation by exploring one's energy centres, chakras, and auric fields.
Our bodies are surrounded by a coloured envelope of light known as aura, which is normally invisible. The aura is connected with spirally rotating energy centres called chakras. The aura's colours undergo continuous change in accordance with changes in chakras that are determined by our physical health, attitudes and emotions.
By C K SHARMA
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
In rainbow healing meditation, the practitioner delves into the subconscious and higher conscious minds to blast and transmute disease and pain with powerful cosmic rays of light. This removes memories of disease from the body and restores radiant health and balance.
Rainbow healing draws on a variety of alternative healing therapies so that one is healed at all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. It is a journey of self healing and transformation by exploring one's energy centres, chakras, and auric fields.
Our bodies are surrounded by a coloured envelope of light known as aura, which is normally invisible. The aura is connected with spirally rotating energy centres called chakras. The aura's colours undergo continuous change in accordance with changes in chakras that are determined by our physical health, attitudes and emotions.
By C K SHARMA
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
PEACE AND MEDITATION
Friday, 20 November 2009
Brahma Kumaris, Sri Lanka, branch of the World Spiritual University launched its new national initiative entitled, 'Experiencing Inner Power and Protection through Good Wishes and Pure Feelings' on November 15 at the BMICH.
Representative for World Health Organization P.P. Singh, Group Director of Galle Face Hotel Lakshman Sirimanna, Rtd. Justice Ameer Ismail, B.K. Ganesh and others at the launch.
Many eminent persons comprising Supreme Court Judges, local and foreign diplomats, directors, administrators and the public were present.
Introducing the project, Bro. Ganesh of the Brahma Kumaris, explained that the project has been designed to fulfil the need of the time. The participants with the help of guided commentaries were given an experience how to tap the inner power source through an accurate meditation technique and also experiencing the new energy which is unleashed through the meditation. Participants in the meditation journey and experience meditation. The second part of the meditation experience was to connect the inner self with the Supreme power source and receive the powers. The third and concluding session of the meditation experience consisted in the participants bestowing the power to others in the world who needed it.
The three stages of meditation experience with the help of guided commentary gave the participants new found energy and strength to face life with ease and pleasure.
By Daily News
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Representative for World Health Organization P.P. Singh, Group Director of Galle Face Hotel Lakshman Sirimanna, Rtd. Justice Ameer Ismail, B.K. Ganesh and others at the launch.
Many eminent persons comprising Supreme Court Judges, local and foreign diplomats, directors, administrators and the public were present.
Introducing the project, Bro. Ganesh of the Brahma Kumaris, explained that the project has been designed to fulfil the need of the time. The participants with the help of guided commentaries were given an experience how to tap the inner power source through an accurate meditation technique and also experiencing the new energy which is unleashed through the meditation. Participants in the meditation journey and experience meditation. The second part of the meditation experience was to connect the inner self with the Supreme power source and receive the powers. The third and concluding session of the meditation experience consisted in the participants bestowing the power to others in the world who needed it.
The three stages of meditation experience with the help of guided commentary gave the participants new found energy and strength to face life with ease and pleasure.
By Daily News
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
HEALTH AND MEDITATION
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Meditation is no longer just for the groovy folk. A just published study in the American Journal of Hypertension suggests the practice may bring cardiovascular and mental health benefits.
The research, conducted at American University in Washington, followed 298 students, half of whom practiced transcendental meditation for 20 minutes once or twice daily over three months and half of whom did not. Results: A subgroup of subjects in the meditation group who were at increased risk for hypertension significantly lowered their blood pressure and psychological distress and also bolstered their coping ability.
The average reduction in blood pressure in this group a 6.3 mm Hg decrease in the top (systolic) number of a blood pressure reading and a 4 mm Hg decrease in the lower (diastolic) number, compared with the control group was associated with a 52 percent reduction in the risk of developing hypertension in the future. Meditators who were not at increased risk for hypertension saw a reduction in psychological distress, depression, and anxiety as well as increased coping ability but no significant lowering of blood pressure. The results are particularly meaningful at a time when 'improvement in mental health is of great concern as greater numbers of college students are being treated for anxiety and depression than ever before,' says lead study author, Sanford Nidich, professor of physiology and health at the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa.
By Sarah Baldauf
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The research, conducted at American University in Washington, followed 298 students, half of whom practiced transcendental meditation for 20 minutes once or twice daily over three months and half of whom did not. Results: A subgroup of subjects in the meditation group who were at increased risk for hypertension significantly lowered their blood pressure and psychological distress and also bolstered their coping ability.
The average reduction in blood pressure in this group a 6.3 mm Hg decrease in the top (systolic) number of a blood pressure reading and a 4 mm Hg decrease in the lower (diastolic) number, compared with the control group was associated with a 52 percent reduction in the risk of developing hypertension in the future. Meditators who were not at increased risk for hypertension saw a reduction in psychological distress, depression, and anxiety as well as increased coping ability but no significant lowering of blood pressure. The results are particularly meaningful at a time when 'improvement in mental health is of great concern as greater numbers of college students are being treated for anxiety and depression than ever before,' says lead study author, Sanford Nidich, professor of physiology and health at the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa.
By Sarah Baldauf
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND CONCENTRATION
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
It was quiet.
Not so quiet that a person could ignore the cascading hum of the bus pulling in at its Packard Avenue stop, and then its resurging growl as it departed for its next destination. Or so quiet that someone could miss the chime of the University Center's bells when the time was a quarter to eight, or a light rain hitting the tiles on the archaic Packer Chapel.
But quiet enough for the minimal sounds to resemble a silence.
Four Lehigh students sat, cross legged atop baby blue pillows with their socked feet sticking out, in a circle at the altar of Packer church. Four pairs of shoes lay a quick glance to the side, along with four silenced cell phones, two silver watches, three backpacks and a slinky bracelet.
The students' eyes were closed and hands were cupped. One sat with his knees hitting the braided rug on the floor, so he would not strain his thighs or cause his feet to fall asleep, he said later.
No one spoke. Instead, they inhaled and exhaled through their noses slowly, so as not to interrupt the quiet with the gasp of a normal breath. Every once in a while, a person swallowed. Typically an unnoticeable human trait, this echoed across the altar walls like a loud gulp of beer or a dry cough.
At the beginning, Sarah Morgan, graduate student and the circle leader, had recommended participators push their tongues to the roofs of their mouths to prevent the buildup of saliva, and, therefore, the urge to swallow.
By Elaine Hardenstine
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Not so quiet that a person could ignore the cascading hum of the bus pulling in at its Packard Avenue stop, and then its resurging growl as it departed for its next destination. Or so quiet that someone could miss the chime of the University Center's bells when the time was a quarter to eight, or a light rain hitting the tiles on the archaic Packer Chapel.
But quiet enough for the minimal sounds to resemble a silence.
Four Lehigh students sat, cross legged atop baby blue pillows with their socked feet sticking out, in a circle at the altar of Packer church. Four pairs of shoes lay a quick glance to the side, along with four silenced cell phones, two silver watches, three backpacks and a slinky bracelet.
The students' eyes were closed and hands were cupped. One sat with his knees hitting the braided rug on the floor, so he would not strain his thighs or cause his feet to fall asleep, he said later.
No one spoke. Instead, they inhaled and exhaled through their noses slowly, so as not to interrupt the quiet with the gasp of a normal breath. Every once in a while, a person swallowed. Typically an unnoticeable human trait, this echoed across the altar walls like a loud gulp of beer or a dry cough.
At the beginning, Sarah Morgan, graduate student and the circle leader, had recommended participators push their tongues to the roofs of their mouths to prevent the buildup of saliva, and, therefore, the urge to swallow.
By Elaine Hardenstine
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND GROWTH
Monday, 16 November 2009
First and foremost one has to recognise the importance of such a unitary approach of the limitless embracing the mind, the body and the world, since it alone holds the key to a fully awakened mind and the bliss of natural joy. Secondly and perhaps equally important is the need to understand the mind and its essential nature. For this Ramana gives one an insight by drawing one's attention to what he calls, "The daily miracle about the mind" viz.; the daily disappearance of mind in deep sleep and its rising again on waking. The fact that the fatigued mind gets re energised during sleep should also be remembered. Logically one can infer that the mind has linked itself to the centre, the Heart in deep sleep. Hence Ramana says in his Forty Verses, 'God illumines the mind and shines within it'.
The existence of a treasure trove of happiness within is squarely placed before us. It is only logical that the best use of the mind's power would be to search for or quest for, this fountain of life. Hence in Ramana literature we find the expression, 'Margana', or search. Its importance is stressed over and over again. The search here is by the mind in the waking state for its own place of origin.
Perhaps the example of one using the T.V. 'Remote' for search of a particular channel of his choice would be apt. If the cable operator has made some changes or when some new channels have been added one has to search to locate the particular channel of his choice. Here the mind's search is for its own place of origin. Ramana gives the analogy of a dog tracing its master by a single means of identification known to it; his smell. It would not know whether its master is tall or short, fat or lean but it would certainly not miss his scent. Likewise the scent of its own origin, its own conscious nature would be imbedded in the mind. This would make it possible for one to be successful in the search.
Another familiar expression used by Ramana is to dive within, just as a swimmer would dive to the depths of a pool by using the diving board so too should one use the mind's power itself, its conscious nature, to dive within to discover the hidden treasure, the divine current in the heart.
By A.R. Natarajan
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The existence of a treasure trove of happiness within is squarely placed before us. It is only logical that the best use of the mind's power would be to search for or quest for, this fountain of life. Hence in Ramana literature we find the expression, 'Margana', or search. Its importance is stressed over and over again. The search here is by the mind in the waking state for its own place of origin.
Perhaps the example of one using the T.V. 'Remote' for search of a particular channel of his choice would be apt. If the cable operator has made some changes or when some new channels have been added one has to search to locate the particular channel of his choice. Here the mind's search is for its own place of origin. Ramana gives the analogy of a dog tracing its master by a single means of identification known to it; his smell. It would not know whether its master is tall or short, fat or lean but it would certainly not miss his scent. Likewise the scent of its own origin, its own conscious nature would be imbedded in the mind. This would make it possible for one to be successful in the search.
Another familiar expression used by Ramana is to dive within, just as a swimmer would dive to the depths of a pool by using the diving board so too should one use the mind's power itself, its conscious nature, to dive within to discover the hidden treasure, the divine current in the heart.
By A.R. Natarajan
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
GREEN MEDITATION SPACE
Sunday, 15 November 2009
A new place of worship has opened in Middleton that is at once a place of peace and a place that's at peace with the earth.
Holy Wisdom Monastery is the latest in 'green' churches. It boasts bamboo flooring, geothermal heat, and dozens of solar panels on its roof.
Not only is Holy Wisdom Monastery one of the most environmentally friendly churches around, Sister Mary David Walgenbach said, 'We think it will be the greenest building in the U.S.'
Walgenbach, one of the three Benedictine Women of Madison, believes that there is a good chance that Holy Wisdom Monastery has the potential to receive a 'platinum' rating by the U.S. Green Building Council, which provides standards from environmentally sustainable construction.
The platinum LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification was just one of the construction goals for the new monastery and just part of the church's mission, which Walgenbach summarized as, 'To care for the earth, and we do that by having prairie around instead of farmland. It's why we wanted to build a green building, to care for the earth and to show that there can be some ways to save energy.'
One example of how the church is accomplishing its green mission is by the use of natural light as often as possible. To maximize natural light, designers controlled glare through the use of special glass.
Mark Hanson of Hoffman Architects, the Appleton based architectural firm that designed Holy Wisdom, said, 'Walk around the building. There's not a blind in the building, so we're bringing both light in, and we want to keep the view. The view is very important.'
By Channel 3000
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Holy Wisdom Monastery is the latest in 'green' churches. It boasts bamboo flooring, geothermal heat, and dozens of solar panels on its roof.
Not only is Holy Wisdom Monastery one of the most environmentally friendly churches around, Sister Mary David Walgenbach said, 'We think it will be the greenest building in the U.S.'
Walgenbach, one of the three Benedictine Women of Madison, believes that there is a good chance that Holy Wisdom Monastery has the potential to receive a 'platinum' rating by the U.S. Green Building Council, which provides standards from environmentally sustainable construction.
The platinum LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification was just one of the construction goals for the new monastery and just part of the church's mission, which Walgenbach summarized as, 'To care for the earth, and we do that by having prairie around instead of farmland. It's why we wanted to build a green building, to care for the earth and to show that there can be some ways to save energy.'
One example of how the church is accomplishing its green mission is by the use of natural light as often as possible. To maximize natural light, designers controlled glare through the use of special glass.
Mark Hanson of Hoffman Architects, the Appleton based architectural firm that designed Holy Wisdom, said, 'Walk around the building. There's not a blind in the building, so we're bringing both light in, and we want to keep the view. The view is very important.'
By Channel 3000
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
ZEN MEDITATIONS
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Desert Rain Zen Group will hold an all day sit. For more information please see our Web site.
We also hold weekly Zen meditations. We usually sit from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., but please check our Web site or email or call us to confirm times. Our sits are held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. when there are UA home football games, and other schedule changes may occur.
We welcome old and new meditators. Our practice aims to bring traditional forms inherited from China and Japan into touch with our contemporary world and our actual lives. There are two 25 minute sits followed by tea and talk. Chairs are available for those not able to sit on cushions. Please plan to arrive a bit early to allow time to settle in. If you'd like a brief orientation to Zen meditation, please email us at drz@desertrainzen.org
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
We also hold weekly Zen meditations. We usually sit from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., but please check our Web site or email or call us to confirm times. Our sits are held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. when there are UA home football games, and other schedule changes may occur.
We welcome old and new meditators. Our practice aims to bring traditional forms inherited from China and Japan into touch with our contemporary world and our actual lives. There are two 25 minute sits followed by tea and talk. Chairs are available for those not able to sit on cushions. Please plan to arrive a bit early to allow time to settle in. If you'd like a brief orientation to Zen meditation, please email us at drz@desertrainzen.org
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MEDITATION FESTIVAL
Friday, 13 November 2009
The inaugural International Bali Meditators Festival will be held in Ubud this weekend, bringing together local and foreign experts and practitioners to promote meditation as a way of life.
The festival will feature panel sessions and workshops to enlighten participants about meditation, as well as share experiences and cross cultural understanding. Initiated by noted spiritualist Anand Krishna, the two day festival aims to create an enlightened society through meditation, festival committee head Oka Ratnayani said Wednesday.
"There are a lot of meditation groups in Bali, in Indonesia and in other countries, with their own ways of attaining self balance," he said.
"It's time for us to gather and inspire more people to apply the values of meditation in life."
Anand said meditation did not just correspond to physical health, but also involved higher consciousness.
"Meditation is not merely about sitting silently and concentrating; it's an expansion of consciousness to reach samadhi or self balance to make you feel no restlessness, worry or fear," said the spiritualist, author of more than 130 books on meditation.
"Once you have attained self balance, you begin your new life."
Bali was chosen to host the inaugural festival due to the island's strong spiritual base. "Although there have been some setbacks and defiances of values, the base remains strong, and we have to preserve this," Anand said.
Anand will be the keynote speaker at the Saturday morning session, which will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Balinese spiritualists Ratu Bagus and Prabu Darmayasa.
Ratu champions a creative approach to awaken desire for freedom and cosmic awareness toward a better and harmonious world, while Prabu eschews Anka dhyana (meditating on numbers), a simple but powerful meditation method to attain divine love.
By Desy Nurhayati
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The festival will feature panel sessions and workshops to enlighten participants about meditation, as well as share experiences and cross cultural understanding. Initiated by noted spiritualist Anand Krishna, the two day festival aims to create an enlightened society through meditation, festival committee head Oka Ratnayani said Wednesday.
"There are a lot of meditation groups in Bali, in Indonesia and in other countries, with their own ways of attaining self balance," he said.
"It's time for us to gather and inspire more people to apply the values of meditation in life."
Anand said meditation did not just correspond to physical health, but also involved higher consciousness.
"Meditation is not merely about sitting silently and concentrating; it's an expansion of consciousness to reach samadhi or self balance to make you feel no restlessness, worry or fear," said the spiritualist, author of more than 130 books on meditation.
"Once you have attained self balance, you begin your new life."
Bali was chosen to host the inaugural festival due to the island's strong spiritual base. "Although there have been some setbacks and defiances of values, the base remains strong, and we have to preserve this," Anand said.
Anand will be the keynote speaker at the Saturday morning session, which will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Balinese spiritualists Ratu Bagus and Prabu Darmayasa.
Ratu champions a creative approach to awaken desire for freedom and cosmic awareness toward a better and harmonious world, while Prabu eschews Anka dhyana (meditating on numbers), a simple but powerful meditation method to attain divine love.
By Desy Nurhayati
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
PAIN RELIEF AND MEDITATION
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
In a new study, researchers point to "robust" findings that short periods of meditation can help patients cope with pain. Past studies show that extensive mindfulness training can change the way pain is perceived. The study is the first to show that meditating just twenty minutes a day is a valuable intervention that can decrease pain sensitivity and decrease perception of pain.
The study comes from researchers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. According to lead author and psychologist Fadel Zeidan, "This study is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of such a brief intervention on the perception of pain. Not only did the meditation subjects feel less pain than the control group while meditating but they also experienced less pain sensitivity while not meditating."
For the study the scientists taught meditation techniques over a period of three days, during one hour sessions. The fact that mindfulness training can be taught in such a short period of time makes the pain treatment practical and inexpensive for chronic pain sufferers.
By Kathleen Blanchard RN
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The study comes from researchers at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. According to lead author and psychologist Fadel Zeidan, "This study is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of such a brief intervention on the perception of pain. Not only did the meditation subjects feel less pain than the control group while meditating but they also experienced less pain sensitivity while not meditating."
For the study the scientists taught meditation techniques over a period of three days, during one hour sessions. The fact that mindfulness training can be taught in such a short period of time makes the pain treatment practical and inexpensive for chronic pain sufferers.
By Kathleen Blanchard RN
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND REHAB
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Holistic Drug Rehab, New York and CT, In an attempt to improve treatment outcomes for people suffering from drug addiction and alcoholism, drug rehabs across the country have incorporated holistic treatment methods into their treatment programming. However, the prevalence and use of this approach may not have occurred if it were not for a group of forward thinking individuals who launched the first treatment center built on a holistic philosophical core that focused on treating the entire individual and not just the symptoms. This approach is now widely known as the 'Mind/Body and Spirit' approach. After introducing this holistic approach to the addiction treatment field more than a decade ago, Mountainside Treatment Center in Connecticut proudly looks back and reflects on the 11 years of progressive development of its treatment program from pioneers to leaders in the field of addiction.
Chief Operating Officer, Martin Fedor commented that, 'Not many of the treatment centers we visited in the early days quite understood what it was that we were doing, and their eyes would glaze over when we would mention that we were incorporating Yoga, Meditation and other new techniques into our daily treatment program. At the time, it was way too new age for most of them and lacked any credibility as far as they were concerned'.
By Trans World News
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Chief Operating Officer, Martin Fedor commented that, 'Not many of the treatment centers we visited in the early days quite understood what it was that we were doing, and their eyes would glaze over when we would mention that we were incorporating Yoga, Meditation and other new techniques into our daily treatment program. At the time, it was way too new age for most of them and lacked any credibility as far as they were concerned'.
By Trans World News
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
ART OF LIVING MEDITATIONS
Friday, 6 November 2009
Building a peaceful society starts with a few deep cleansing breaths.
That's how each individual can change themselves and the world around them, says Art of Living instructor Gurdeep Bagga.
"A non violent and stress free society starts with a stress free individual," she said. "We must be at peace to achieve this."
The non religious, non sectarian foundation is offering local courses from now until December. The course is offered in more than 150 countries by the foundation founded in India 27 years ago by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
"We teach breathing, yoga and mediation techniques," Bagga said. "We know that some peace of mind lessons have become a bit cliched over the past few years, but we think the experience speaks louder than words."
Bagga was an IT professional in Los Angeles five years ago living a high stress lifestyle. She eventually found her way back to India and the Art of Living Foundation's work.
Since then she's been an instructor working for the registered charitable organization in Windsor and Sarnia.
The course, which costs $300, runs for a total of six days over a week at the Newton Centre in Newton Park.
Free introductory sessions run every Monday from 5 p. m. to 6 p. m.
"We think that most people will notice a difference from the start of each session to the end," said volunteer J. V. Rao.
The sessions are organized by volunteers and fees charged are focused on charitable work, Rao said.
There is no pressure to join the program if a participant isn't enjoying it, he said.
By OBSERVER STAFF
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
That's how each individual can change themselves and the world around them, says Art of Living instructor Gurdeep Bagga.
"A non violent and stress free society starts with a stress free individual," she said. "We must be at peace to achieve this."
The non religious, non sectarian foundation is offering local courses from now until December. The course is offered in more than 150 countries by the foundation founded in India 27 years ago by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
"We teach breathing, yoga and mediation techniques," Bagga said. "We know that some peace of mind lessons have become a bit cliched over the past few years, but we think the experience speaks louder than words."
Bagga was an IT professional in Los Angeles five years ago living a high stress lifestyle. She eventually found her way back to India and the Art of Living Foundation's work.
Since then she's been an instructor working for the registered charitable organization in Windsor and Sarnia.
The course, which costs $300, runs for a total of six days over a week at the Newton Centre in Newton Park.
Free introductory sessions run every Monday from 5 p. m. to 6 p. m.
"We think that most people will notice a difference from the start of each session to the end," said volunteer J. V. Rao.
The sessions are organized by volunteers and fees charged are focused on charitable work, Rao said.
There is no pressure to join the program if a participant isn't enjoying it, he said.
By OBSERVER STAFF
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION FOR HEALING
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Long ago, meditation was regarded as an Eastern religious practice. Today, modern science has now proven it to be a powerful tool for personal development and self healing.
Meditation costs nothing. It requires no special equipment, it's not difficult to learn and can be practised anywhere, at anytime. As little as 20/30 minutes per day is fine and unlike medication, has no side effects.
There are many techniques, but all have a basic goal, to calm the restless mind and facilitate inner awareness.
Doctors agree that most of our illnesses are stress related. Even when patients seem unaware, there are issues they are unconscious about that relate to their problems.
Every illness has a psychosomatic component. True healing cannot take place if we only treat the physical manifestations (the symptoms) and neglect the underlying emotional and spiritual components (the cause).
Neuroscientists have found that meditation changes the activity of the brain. It produces slow alpha and theta brain waves usually associated with deep sleep. It also activates different areas of the brain, brain waves in the stress prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. This mental shift decreases the negative effects of stress, depression and anxiety. There is also less activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain where the brain processes fear.
By The Gleaner
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Meditation costs nothing. It requires no special equipment, it's not difficult to learn and can be practised anywhere, at anytime. As little as 20/30 minutes per day is fine and unlike medication, has no side effects.
There are many techniques, but all have a basic goal, to calm the restless mind and facilitate inner awareness.
Doctors agree that most of our illnesses are stress related. Even when patients seem unaware, there are issues they are unconscious about that relate to their problems.
Every illness has a psychosomatic component. True healing cannot take place if we only treat the physical manifestations (the symptoms) and neglect the underlying emotional and spiritual components (the cause).
Neuroscientists have found that meditation changes the activity of the brain. It produces slow alpha and theta brain waves usually associated with deep sleep. It also activates different areas of the brain, brain waves in the stress prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. This mental shift decreases the negative effects of stress, depression and anxiety. There is also less activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain where the brain processes fear.
By The Gleaner
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A GARDEN FOR MEDITATION
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Shands Cancer Hospital at the University of Florida, located on the new Shands at UF South Campus, opened its 500,000- quare foot, state of the art hospital Nov. 1, according to a news release. The facility has 192 private rooms and cost $388 million to build. The new facility includes nursing stations designed so practitioners can easily see patients and computer alcoves between rooms to provide an observation/charting area for patients who need closer attention. The Garden of Hope offers a quiet place of beauty to pause and reflect, and the Sanctuaries of Silence and Peace provide quiet areas for meditation and prayer adaptable for people of all belief systems, according to the release.
By Nurse
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
By Nurse
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MEDITATION STUDY
Monday, 2 November 2009
Who needs flu vaccine when you exercise your risk away - or maybe even meditate?
University of Wisconsin Madison is studying 150 residents to see if exercise and meditation can ward off colds and the flu.
It's well known that meditation can reduce stress, and prevent certain chronic diseases.
But Dr. Bruce Barrett says the new study hopes to find out if meditation or exercise can help the immune system keep respiratory infections away.
The study began last month. The participants are taking weekly classes for about two months on the proper ways to meditate and exercise.
Most are doing about 45 minutes of one or the other each day until May.
About a third of the group is not doing either activity.
They're all getting seasonal flu shots and blood tests, and they'll receive nasal swabs if they contract a cold or the flu.
Scientists will use the tests and swabs to identify the viruses, and see if the exercise or meditation affects the way the immune system responds to their flu shots.
The study is funded by a $1.2 million federal grant.
By Pierce County Herald
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
University of Wisconsin Madison is studying 150 residents to see if exercise and meditation can ward off colds and the flu.
It's well known that meditation can reduce stress, and prevent certain chronic diseases.
But Dr. Bruce Barrett says the new study hopes to find out if meditation or exercise can help the immune system keep respiratory infections away.
The study began last month. The participants are taking weekly classes for about two months on the proper ways to meditate and exercise.
Most are doing about 45 minutes of one or the other each day until May.
About a third of the group is not doing either activity.
They're all getting seasonal flu shots and blood tests, and they'll receive nasal swabs if they contract a cold or the flu.
Scientists will use the tests and swabs to identify the viruses, and see if the exercise or meditation affects the way the immune system responds to their flu shots.
The study is funded by a $1.2 million federal grant.
By Pierce County Herald
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
OFFERING MEDITATION
Friday, 30 October 2009
The Center for Spiritual Living, Westlake Village at 880 Hampshire Road, Stes. V and W, presents the following programs and services. The public is invited.
For information or any event, email csl@cslwestlake.org or visit www.cslwestlake.org.
Every Sunday a 'prayerful guided meditation' is offered from 9:30 to 9:50 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service with Dr. Maureen Hoyt at 10 a.m. Children and teen groups also meet at 10 a.m.
Following are the upcoming Sunday service topics:
Nov. 1: How many ways can you say thank you?
Nov. 8: Counting my blessings. Nov. 15: Saying yes to life.
Nov. 22: Happy Thanksgiving.
Nov. 29: Journey to selfawareness.
Dec. 6: Celebrating all cultures.
Dec. 13: What we believe about Christmas.
Dec. 20: Better watch out, better not pout.
Dec. 23: Holiday candle lighting service with carols, cider, choir performance.
Dec. 27: Burning bowl ceremony.
Dec. 31: Annual peace vigil.
A midday meditation takes place every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Lisa Chadwick Peterson facilitates 'A Moment's Peace' meditation. The Rev. Linda Fisher facilitates Wisdom Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Hoyt leads an introductory course to the metaphysics of the Science of Mind teaching founded by Dr. Ernest Holmes at 7 p.m. Thursdays.
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
For information or any event, email csl@cslwestlake.org or visit www.cslwestlake.org.
Every Sunday a 'prayerful guided meditation' is offered from 9:30 to 9:50 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service with Dr. Maureen Hoyt at 10 a.m. Children and teen groups also meet at 10 a.m.
Following are the upcoming Sunday service topics:
Nov. 1: How many ways can you say thank you?
Nov. 8: Counting my blessings. Nov. 15: Saying yes to life.
Nov. 22: Happy Thanksgiving.
Nov. 29: Journey to selfawareness.
Dec. 6: Celebrating all cultures.
Dec. 13: What we believe about Christmas.
Dec. 20: Better watch out, better not pout.
Dec. 23: Holiday candle lighting service with carols, cider, choir performance.
Dec. 27: Burning bowl ceremony.
Dec. 31: Annual peace vigil.
A midday meditation takes place every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Lisa Chadwick Peterson facilitates 'A Moment's Peace' meditation. The Rev. Linda Fisher facilitates Wisdom Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Hoyt leads an introductory course to the metaphysics of the Science of Mind teaching founded by Dr. Ernest Holmes at 7 p.m. Thursdays.
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
BREAST CANCER AND WORKING WITH MEDITATION
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Transcendental meditation reduces stress and improves the emotional and mental well being of breast cancer patients, new study findings suggest.
The two year trial included 130 patients at Saint Joseph Hospital in Chicago, aged 55 and older, randomly assigned to either a transcendental meditation group or to a usual care control group. Quality of life was assessed every six months.
"Emotional and psychosocial stress contribute to the onset and progression of breast cancer and cancer mortality," study author Sanford Nidich, senior researcher at the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, said in a news release from Saint Joseph Hospital.
"The transcendental meditation technique reduces stress and improves emotional well being and mental health in older breast cancer patients. The women in the study found their meditation practice easy to do at home and reported significant benefits in their overall quality of life," Nidich added.
"It is wonderful that physicians now have a range of interventions to use, including transcendental meditation, to benefit their patients with cancer. I believe this approach should be appreciated and utilized more widely," study co-author Dr. Rhoda Pomerantz, chief of gerontology at Saint Joseph Hospital, said in the release.
The study, published in a recent issue of the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies, received funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
By AJC
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The two year trial included 130 patients at Saint Joseph Hospital in Chicago, aged 55 and older, randomly assigned to either a transcendental meditation group or to a usual care control group. Quality of life was assessed every six months.
"Emotional and psychosocial stress contribute to the onset and progression of breast cancer and cancer mortality," study author Sanford Nidich, senior researcher at the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, said in a news release from Saint Joseph Hospital.
"The transcendental meditation technique reduces stress and improves emotional well being and mental health in older breast cancer patients. The women in the study found their meditation practice easy to do at home and reported significant benefits in their overall quality of life," Nidich added.
"It is wonderful that physicians now have a range of interventions to use, including transcendental meditation, to benefit their patients with cancer. I believe this approach should be appreciated and utilized more widely," study co-author Dr. Rhoda Pomerantz, chief of gerontology at Saint Joseph Hospital, said in the release.
The study, published in a recent issue of the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies, received funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
By AJC
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND SWINE FLU
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Modern medicine views disease as a mechanistic process, caused either by 'germs,' chemical imbalances, or genetics. This leads to the assumption that for every illness, there is a physical cure, either by killing the offending micro organism, restoring chemical balance through a pill, or cutting out the failed or offending body part by surgery.
The materialistic outlook has even taken over the practice of psychiatric medicine. If a person is depressed, disturbed, anxious, or unhappy, don't look at the possible causes in that person's outlook, environment, diet, habits, addictions, or value system. Just give them an anti depressent or even an anti psychotic. Never mind that these drugs may just suppress symptoms or even reduce the person to almost a vegetative state. On the surface, at least, they seem to be 'getting better' or at least causing less trouble!
But in some circles, an entirely different world view is emerging. We know, for instance, about the holistic approach to medicine that sees a person as not just a bundle of chemical reflexes but a complete human being with a mind, heart, body, and spirit, all of which need to work more or less in harmony for optimum health to result.
But how often is this knowledge really practiced by people day in and day out?
A whole new industry of holistic health practitioners has come into existence, including those who practice acupuntrure, acupressure, reiki, hypnosis, massage, and bodywork, including yoga, tai chi, qi gong, etc.There is also a growing awareness that a regular practice of prayer and spiritual devotion also benefits the whole person, including the physical body.
The deepest of these holistic practices may in fact be meditation. Meditative or contemplative prayer is a central component of religious practice within both the Catholic and Orthodox faiths, and meditation is the central discipline of all lines of Buddhism. Yoga also includes meditation, and in some types of yogic practice is the core discipline.
Are people who meditate more healthy? I am not aware of any scientific studies, but based on my own experience with many different types of meditation which includes association with various groups, schools, and teachers of meditation, I would have to say they appear to be. Or at least they worry less about their physical health, take illness more in stride, and are able to recover faster when it occurs.
One thing is sure: long term practice of meditation on a daily basis seems to raise the energy level of the body. This makes a difference because the body is like an energy filled vessel. If this energy leaks through negative emotions, unnecessary physical tension, and the constant churning of the mind, the body will suffer a general state of depletion, which is bound to make it more susceptible to disease. It also makes a difference if one avoids much of the jarring imagery churned out by the mass media through violent and disturbing films, TV programming, video games, etc.
These health related factors which have been understood by traditional societies for millennia are also starting to be realized by millions of ordinary people in every walk of life. Combined with a nutritious diet, physical exercise, positive relationships, and productive work, a rich inner life of prayer and meditation produces a multitude of benefits, not the least of which seems to be improved physical health and greater resistance to infections such as swine flu.
By Richard C. Cook
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The materialistic outlook has even taken over the practice of psychiatric medicine. If a person is depressed, disturbed, anxious, or unhappy, don't look at the possible causes in that person's outlook, environment, diet, habits, addictions, or value system. Just give them an anti depressent or even an anti psychotic. Never mind that these drugs may just suppress symptoms or even reduce the person to almost a vegetative state. On the surface, at least, they seem to be 'getting better' or at least causing less trouble!
But in some circles, an entirely different world view is emerging. We know, for instance, about the holistic approach to medicine that sees a person as not just a bundle of chemical reflexes but a complete human being with a mind, heart, body, and spirit, all of which need to work more or less in harmony for optimum health to result.
But how often is this knowledge really practiced by people day in and day out?
A whole new industry of holistic health practitioners has come into existence, including those who practice acupuntrure, acupressure, reiki, hypnosis, massage, and bodywork, including yoga, tai chi, qi gong, etc.There is also a growing awareness that a regular practice of prayer and spiritual devotion also benefits the whole person, including the physical body.
The deepest of these holistic practices may in fact be meditation. Meditative or contemplative prayer is a central component of religious practice within both the Catholic and Orthodox faiths, and meditation is the central discipline of all lines of Buddhism. Yoga also includes meditation, and in some types of yogic practice is the core discipline.
Are people who meditate more healthy? I am not aware of any scientific studies, but based on my own experience with many different types of meditation which includes association with various groups, schools, and teachers of meditation, I would have to say they appear to be. Or at least they worry less about their physical health, take illness more in stride, and are able to recover faster when it occurs.
One thing is sure: long term practice of meditation on a daily basis seems to raise the energy level of the body. This makes a difference because the body is like an energy filled vessel. If this energy leaks through negative emotions, unnecessary physical tension, and the constant churning of the mind, the body will suffer a general state of depletion, which is bound to make it more susceptible to disease. It also makes a difference if one avoids much of the jarring imagery churned out by the mass media through violent and disturbing films, TV programming, video games, etc.
These health related factors which have been understood by traditional societies for millennia are also starting to be realized by millions of ordinary people in every walk of life. Combined with a nutritious diet, physical exercise, positive relationships, and productive work, a rich inner life of prayer and meditation produces a multitude of benefits, not the least of which seems to be improved physical health and greater resistance to infections such as swine flu.
By Richard C. Cook
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AS A GROUP
Monday, 26 October 2009
Taking a few cues from Buddhist traditions, Susan Emmer Schmidt believes people should try to put aside their hectic schedules and endless responsibilities to appreciate the present and enjoy simple moments.
As a member of Peacemaking Education and Action through Collaborative Efforts, the PEACE Ministry, a group at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, Schmidt is involved with study groups examining the teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn.
After attending a six day retreat with Hanh that drew almost 1,000 people to Stonehill College in Easton in August, she knew she wanted to share his teachings with the church community and others who are interested.
"I really started to realize the incredible benefit of being supported by other people," the Norfolk resident said.
Schmidt, 64, approached the Rev. Ann Willever and Parish Minister Carol Rosine later that month with the idea of organizing Pathways to Peace, a Buddhist-inspired meditation group, and was met with support.
Schmidt facilitated the first meeting at the church on Sept. 13, which involved meditation, a reading from one of Hanh's many books, "Peace is Every Step," and discussion.
"The whole practice is about training ourselves to be more mindful and aware of our surroundings, or choices, what we're doing and why we're doing it," she said. "It's just about being really present in the moment, whether we're cooking, cleaning or praying."
By Ashley Studley
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
As a member of Peacemaking Education and Action through Collaborative Efforts, the PEACE Ministry, a group at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, Schmidt is involved with study groups examining the teachings of Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn.
After attending a six day retreat with Hanh that drew almost 1,000 people to Stonehill College in Easton in August, she knew she wanted to share his teachings with the church community and others who are interested.
"I really started to realize the incredible benefit of being supported by other people," the Norfolk resident said.
Schmidt, 64, approached the Rev. Ann Willever and Parish Minister Carol Rosine later that month with the idea of organizing Pathways to Peace, a Buddhist-inspired meditation group, and was met with support.
Schmidt facilitated the first meeting at the church on Sept. 13, which involved meditation, a reading from one of Hanh's many books, "Peace is Every Step," and discussion.
"The whole practice is about training ourselves to be more mindful and aware of our surroundings, or choices, what we're doing and why we're doing it," she said. "It's just about being really present in the moment, whether we're cooking, cleaning or praying."
By Ashley Studley
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A WALKING MEDITATION
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Swamiji, when we are in deep dreamless sleep and when we are in real meditation, are we in the same no mind state?
Buzz up!
No. When you are in deep sleep, you go to the level of the seed and come back to the state you were in before going to sleep. No growth happens in you. When you are in real meditation, you go to the level of the seed, the seed ruptures and you move on to the next higher state. That is the difference. They are two extremes. Of course, when you look from outside, extremes always look alike. A madman looks like a mystic and a mystic looks like a madman! Both of them have lost their minds but in different directions.
About the author
Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Paramahamsa Nithyananda is a recognized enlightened master today. Born amidst rich spiritual heritage, and with a natural passion for the Truth, he experimented with yoga, integration of mind body spirit, meditation, tantra, vedanta and other Eastern metaphysical sciences, from the tender age of 3...
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Buzz up!
No. When you are in deep sleep, you go to the level of the seed and come back to the state you were in before going to sleep. No growth happens in you. When you are in real meditation, you go to the level of the seed, the seed ruptures and you move on to the next higher state. That is the difference. They are two extremes. Of course, when you look from outside, extremes always look alike. A madman looks like a mystic and a mystic looks like a madman! Both of them have lost their minds but in different directions.
About the author
Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Paramahamsa Nithyananda is a recognized enlightened master today. Born amidst rich spiritual heritage, and with a natural passion for the Truth, he experimented with yoga, integration of mind body spirit, meditation, tantra, vedanta and other Eastern metaphysical sciences, from the tender age of 3...
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MINDFULNESS MEDITATIONS
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
WHEN we're talking about quiet neighbours, they don't come much quieter than the Warwick Mindfulness Meditation Group.
That's according to spokesman Gary Fuller, who has told the Daily News about their plans to meet in the former home of Warwick identities Bill and Mavis Scott.
Thegroup has applied to the Southern Downs Regional Council for permissionto run their not for profit and Buddhist influenced weekly meditation sessions at 157 Pratten Street.
Mr Scott has passed away and MrsScott is now living in Brisbane, but the couple's presence in the homewill be remembered by naming the foyer to the group's premises, theformer living area, 'The Bill and Mavis Scott Room'.
Mr Fuller said Mrs Scott had been a regular at meditation sessions held at the Warwick Library and St Mary's Parish Centre.
'The group had its origins with the University of the Third Age and has grown to a membership of around 23, two thirds of whom are women,' MrFuller said.
'We are not looking for huge membership but anyone who would like to come along is more than welcome'.
By Jeremy Sollars
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
That's according to spokesman Gary Fuller, who has told the Daily News about their plans to meet in the former home of Warwick identities Bill and Mavis Scott.
Thegroup has applied to the Southern Downs Regional Council for permissionto run their not for profit and Buddhist influenced weekly meditation sessions at 157 Pratten Street.
Mr Scott has passed away and MrsScott is now living in Brisbane, but the couple's presence in the homewill be remembered by naming the foyer to the group's premises, theformer living area, 'The Bill and Mavis Scott Room'.
Mr Fuller said Mrs Scott had been a regular at meditation sessions held at the Warwick Library and St Mary's Parish Centre.
'The group had its origins with the University of the Third Age and has grown to a membership of around 23, two thirds of whom are women,' MrFuller said.
'We are not looking for huge membership but anyone who would like to come along is more than welcome'.
By Jeremy Sollars
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
BREAST CANCER AND MEDITATION
Monday, 19 October 2009
A new study published in the September issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies reports that women who have breast cancer can reduce their stress and improve their emotional and mental well being by practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique.
According to the American Cancer Society, the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that regular meditation can reduce chronic pain, high blood pressure, anxiety, and blood levels of cortisol, one of the stress hormones.
Transcendental Meditation study
The Transcendental Meditation study involved 130 women aged 55 years or older who had breast cancer. The two year study was a collaboration between the Center for Healthy Aging at Saint Joseph Hospital, Northwestern University, Indiana State University, and the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management.
The women were randomly assigned to practice the Transcendental Meditation technique or to a group of usual care (control group). All the women were administered quality of life measures every six months for two years. The women who practiced Transcendental Meditation reported significant benefits in their overall quality of life and found that the meditation was easy to practice at home.
By Deborah Mitchell
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
According to the American Cancer Society, the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that regular meditation can reduce chronic pain, high blood pressure, anxiety, and blood levels of cortisol, one of the stress hormones.
Transcendental Meditation study
The Transcendental Meditation study involved 130 women aged 55 years or older who had breast cancer. The two year study was a collaboration between the Center for Healthy Aging at Saint Joseph Hospital, Northwestern University, Indiana State University, and the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention at Maharishi University of Management.
The women were randomly assigned to practice the Transcendental Meditation technique or to a group of usual care (control group). All the women were administered quality of life measures every six months for two years. The women who practiced Transcendental Meditation reported significant benefits in their overall quality of life and found that the meditation was easy to practice at home.
By Deborah Mitchell
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A BOOK OF MEDITATIONS
Friday, 16 October 2009
In a world that is too often muddled by chaos and uncertainty, it is often difficult to find time to reflect upon everyday life. Gratitude and sincerity are lost to the humdrum of society's constant wants. 'Seasons of Salt,' published by iUniverse, offers a new way of looking at life. Author Millie Horlacher tells her readers that spirituality can be found in otherwise uneventful circumstances and to always be listening for God.
'Seasons of Salt' is a book of meditations that gently guides its readers in reflection and self discovery. Each meditation begins with a Scripture reading, then relates life experience to the Biblical message and ends with a prayer. Through Horlacher's personal experiences, the reader is able to look deeper into his or her daily life. The author's meditations, which she likes to call 'salty,' include experiences of deep grief and pain as well as times of joy and laughter. The underlying message is that God was and always is present.
'Travel with me through our common experiences of family, food, and childhood memories, as well as through our shared identity as children of God and the calendar of the Christian year. Just as a small amount of salt sprinkled into soup can spread throughout the pot, our grains of salt can too spread the message of Christ to those around us.'
'Seasons of Salt' is a meditational guide that can be used for one's private devotional times or for group devotions. It offers an inspiring and life changing outlook for all those whose lives it touches.
By E Releases
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
'Seasons of Salt' is a book of meditations that gently guides its readers in reflection and self discovery. Each meditation begins with a Scripture reading, then relates life experience to the Biblical message and ends with a prayer. Through Horlacher's personal experiences, the reader is able to look deeper into his or her daily life. The author's meditations, which she likes to call 'salty,' include experiences of deep grief and pain as well as times of joy and laughter. The underlying message is that God was and always is present.
'Travel with me through our common experiences of family, food, and childhood memories, as well as through our shared identity as children of God and the calendar of the Christian year. Just as a small amount of salt sprinkled into soup can spread throughout the pot, our grains of salt can too spread the message of Christ to those around us.'
'Seasons of Salt' is a meditational guide that can be used for one's private devotional times or for group devotions. It offers an inspiring and life changing outlook for all those whose lives it touches.
By E Releases
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
THE WELLNESS AND MEDITATION CONNECTION
Thursday, 15 October 2009
A new trend is taking off with Wellness and Healing Centres popping up all over Australia. Liz McCaughey from Kumara Meditation & Healing Centre in Perth says, 'Now more than ever people are looking for a single place to go that is going to meet a number of needs. People are busy so if they can go to the one place to meditate, browse a book & gift shop, have a coffee, relax with friends and even do their yoga, they are going to find that really appealing'.
McCaughey knows what she is talking about as she and her husband Roger are the founders of Kumara Meditation & Healing Centres (www.kumara.com.au). The first Kumara Centre opened in 2003 and is located in the beautiful Northshore Tennis and Country Club. This Centre has a large workspace room, plus therapy and massage rooms.
The second opened its doors in September 2007 in the northern suburbs of Perth. Kumara developed from a basic meditation centre to its current form. It now offers 3 different meditation courses, and a wide variety of energy courses, deeper study courses and yoga. Kumara is a complete healing centre, with its growing number of practitioners, teachers and many weekly healing meditations.
Due to a growing consumer need the facility quickly expanded from one teacher to 5 teachers with Satellite centres planned and opening throughout Western Australia. The second centre has a gift shop and book cafe plus a large workspace area. Kumara is also proud to be Home for Pranic Healing in Western Australia and has introduced a Kabbalah Self Study group in conjunction with The Kabbalah Centre in Los Angeles.
'We are happy to provide a place where anyone would feel welcome, whether they are interested in meditation and healing, or they just enjoy a good cup of coffee and a great book' says McCaughey. With so much to offer, it is definitely worth a visit. If you can't make it to one of the centres then check out the website at http://www.kumara.com.au
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
McCaughey knows what she is talking about as she and her husband Roger are the founders of Kumara Meditation & Healing Centres (www.kumara.com.au). The first Kumara Centre opened in 2003 and is located in the beautiful Northshore Tennis and Country Club. This Centre has a large workspace room, plus therapy and massage rooms.
The second opened its doors in September 2007 in the northern suburbs of Perth. Kumara developed from a basic meditation centre to its current form. It now offers 3 different meditation courses, and a wide variety of energy courses, deeper study courses and yoga. Kumara is a complete healing centre, with its growing number of practitioners, teachers and many weekly healing meditations.
Due to a growing consumer need the facility quickly expanded from one teacher to 5 teachers with Satellite centres planned and opening throughout Western Australia. The second centre has a gift shop and book cafe plus a large workspace area. Kumara is also proud to be Home for Pranic Healing in Western Australia and has introduced a Kabbalah Self Study group in conjunction with The Kabbalah Centre in Los Angeles.
'We are happy to provide a place where anyone would feel welcome, whether they are interested in meditation and healing, or they just enjoy a good cup of coffee and a great book' says McCaughey. With so much to offer, it is definitely worth a visit. If you can't make it to one of the centres then check out the website at http://www.kumara.com.au
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
TREE TOP MEDITATION
Monday, 12 October 2009
Chandigarh will soon set up treetop meditation huts in the serene environs of the Botanical Garden, a unique place for relaxation away from the busy city life, in this union territory.
These huts will be a part of Nature Interpretation Centre coming up at the Botanical Garden here in Sarangpur village. The centre is a part of Chandigarh's tourism promotion project.
'Under the project, treetop meditation huts and various public utility services would be provided at the Botanical Garden. City residents and tourists can come here to beat their stressful lifestyle and we would take care of all their needs,' Chandigarh conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden Ishwar Singh said here Sunday.
'Our primary aim is to promote eco tourism in Chandigarh. Besides, our objective has been widened to include promotion of research, education, conservation of flora and spread of awareness about our floral heritage,' he added.
The department of tourism has sanctioned Rs.2.5 crore (Rs.25 million) for this project. The task to set up this centre has been assigned to the engineering department. The centre will be completed by the end of this financial year.
The Botanical Garden, which was inaugurated in 2007, is spread over an area of 180 acres.
'It is one of the biggest botanical gardens in the region. The garden comprises 15 botanical sections, 13 of which have already been completed. Two sections, including Japanese and Cactus garden, will be developed soon at a cost of Rs.40 lakh (Rs.4 million),' Singh said.
By IANS
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
These huts will be a part of Nature Interpretation Centre coming up at the Botanical Garden here in Sarangpur village. The centre is a part of Chandigarh's tourism promotion project.
'Under the project, treetop meditation huts and various public utility services would be provided at the Botanical Garden. City residents and tourists can come here to beat their stressful lifestyle and we would take care of all their needs,' Chandigarh conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden Ishwar Singh said here Sunday.
'Our primary aim is to promote eco tourism in Chandigarh. Besides, our objective has been widened to include promotion of research, education, conservation of flora and spread of awareness about our floral heritage,' he added.
The department of tourism has sanctioned Rs.2.5 crore (Rs.25 million) for this project. The task to set up this centre has been assigned to the engineering department. The centre will be completed by the end of this financial year.
The Botanical Garden, which was inaugurated in 2007, is spread over an area of 180 acres.
'It is one of the biggest botanical gardens in the region. The garden comprises 15 botanical sections, 13 of which have already been completed. Two sections, including Japanese and Cactus garden, will be developed soon at a cost of Rs.40 lakh (Rs.4 million),' Singh said.
By IANS
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
TIBETAN BUDDHIST MEDITATIONS
Saturday, 10 October 2009
The Tibetan Lama, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche, spoke at 4 p.m. yesterday in Muller Chapel to an audience of about 128 students and faculty on 'Meditative Awareness and Living & Dying.'
Bardor, with the help of translator Palden Oshoe, said in an hour long talk that there are six different levels to dying. His lecture focused on three of those levels.
'Living and dying is a part of a life cycle,' Bardor said. 'Everyone is subject to death and since we are all good at living we should all be good at dying.'
Senior Emily Berg attended the event after hearing about it from her professor.
'I have an interest in Buddhism and I regularly go down to Namgyal [a monk monastery in Ithaca],' Berg said. 'It was really interesting about how he went into specifics after you die.'
Bardor said in life people are trained through meditation to make the dying process a smooth one. He said in Tibetan Buddhism, there is a 49 day period between death and incarnation. Depending on your training and meditation skills, the 49 days can go by either fast or slow.
Jewish chaplain Michael Faber and Brian Karafin, associate professor of philosophy and religion, invited Bardor to speak about meditation after being contacted by Mary Gilliland, a member of the Namgyal Board of Directors.
'Bardor has been working in New York for several years and has experience of teaching students in the western hemisphere' Gillilan said.
Gillilan, previously a poetry professor at the college, said she has worked closely with Faber for many years.
'I thought it would be wonderful to connect him with the college because [the college] has such a strong religious program' she said.
By Natalie Rubino
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Bardor, with the help of translator Palden Oshoe, said in an hour long talk that there are six different levels to dying. His lecture focused on three of those levels.
'Living and dying is a part of a life cycle,' Bardor said. 'Everyone is subject to death and since we are all good at living we should all be good at dying.'
Senior Emily Berg attended the event after hearing about it from her professor.
'I have an interest in Buddhism and I regularly go down to Namgyal [a monk monastery in Ithaca],' Berg said. 'It was really interesting about how he went into specifics after you die.'
Bardor said in life people are trained through meditation to make the dying process a smooth one. He said in Tibetan Buddhism, there is a 49 day period between death and incarnation. Depending on your training and meditation skills, the 49 days can go by either fast or slow.
Jewish chaplain Michael Faber and Brian Karafin, associate professor of philosophy and religion, invited Bardor to speak about meditation after being contacted by Mary Gilliland, a member of the Namgyal Board of Directors.
'Bardor has been working in New York for several years and has experience of teaching students in the western hemisphere' Gillilan said.
Gillilan, previously a poetry professor at the college, said she has worked closely with Faber for many years.
'I thought it would be wonderful to connect him with the college because [the college] has such a strong religious program' she said.
By Natalie Rubino
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND TRANQUILITY
Friday, 9 October 2009
It is daybreak and Miyoshinji Temple's gongs are being rung, the first sounds you have heard in the past eight hours. Lines of monks rustle past, venturing out to a ceremony. Unlike Kyoto's more renowned temples that have become attractions, Miyoshinji Temple carries on as a Zen Buddhist temple and monastery, housing monks and pilgrims as it has for centuries.
Even though Miyoshinji stands in the heart of Kyoto, it occupies its own domain composed of several sub temples, each with its own order, group of monks and protocol.
Though UNESCO World Heritage temples and gardens are a short bicycle ride away, Miyoshinji Temple eschews tour bus groups, sticking to its Zen like simplicity and tranquility. Known for its history of hospitality, two of the sub temples welcome both Japanese and foreign visitors as guests. Taizoin offers regular "Zen Experience" sessions meant to introduce Japanese culture to foreign visitors.
By The Star
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Even though Miyoshinji stands in the heart of Kyoto, it occupies its own domain composed of several sub temples, each with its own order, group of monks and protocol.
Though UNESCO World Heritage temples and gardens are a short bicycle ride away, Miyoshinji Temple eschews tour bus groups, sticking to its Zen like simplicity and tranquility. Known for its history of hospitality, two of the sub temples welcome both Japanese and foreign visitors as guests. Taizoin offers regular "Zen Experience" sessions meant to introduce Japanese culture to foreign visitors.
By The Star
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MEDITATION CONFERENCE
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Following the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, western governments sought out mechanisms to press China on human rights, with leaders lobbying over lists of political prisoners and establishing 'human rights dialogues' with Beijing.
The lists are still a staple of high level visits to China, although arguably intimidation of dissidents has increased in the past two years, especially around the Olympics and the 20th anniversary of Tiananmen this June. And diplomats in Beijing put little faith in the dialogues.
'Most of us view them as bureaucratic and procedural games,' says one European envoy.
To have influence, some observers believe, western governments need to shift strategy and focus on issues with support within the Chinese system, rather than hectoring from afar. China has already reformed its death penalty rules, introducing compulsory review of each case by the Supreme People's Court.
'We need to go with the grain, pushing topics which are already being discussed within China, rather than always opposing the government,' says John Fox, until recently a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Mrs Clinton argued she used her trip to broaden discussion about human rights away from just dissidents when she met a group of non-governmental organisations. 'At least as important in building respect for and making progress on human rights are the efforts of civil society institutions, NGOs, women's groups, academic institutions,' she said.
But some campaigners believe that dissidents should remain the focus. 'The best thing that western governments can do is speak out about activists who are in jail,' says Dimon Liu, a veteran activist based in Washington.
The trickiest issue remains how western governments deal with Tibet and Xinjiang, two western provinces that have seen ethnic riots over the past 18 months. The Tibetans in particular have substantial popular support in the west. But these are also the issues where the response from China is usually at its most inflexible.
The Obama administration will set the tone. The Dalai Lama's advisers say he has been assured he will see Mr Obama this year, a proper meeting on the president's official agenda, rather than a 'drop by' in the corridors of the White House. If that meeting takes place, the Dalai Lama can argue that his cause of Tibetan autonomy has not been sacrificed to realpolitik. But if Mr Obama does not confirm, many other leaders may follow suit.
By Daniel Dombey
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The lists are still a staple of high level visits to China, although arguably intimidation of dissidents has increased in the past two years, especially around the Olympics and the 20th anniversary of Tiananmen this June. And diplomats in Beijing put little faith in the dialogues.
'Most of us view them as bureaucratic and procedural games,' says one European envoy.
To have influence, some observers believe, western governments need to shift strategy and focus on issues with support within the Chinese system, rather than hectoring from afar. China has already reformed its death penalty rules, introducing compulsory review of each case by the Supreme People's Court.
'We need to go with the grain, pushing topics which are already being discussed within China, rather than always opposing the government,' says John Fox, until recently a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Mrs Clinton argued she used her trip to broaden discussion about human rights away from just dissidents when she met a group of non-governmental organisations. 'At least as important in building respect for and making progress on human rights are the efforts of civil society institutions, NGOs, women's groups, academic institutions,' she said.
But some campaigners believe that dissidents should remain the focus. 'The best thing that western governments can do is speak out about activists who are in jail,' says Dimon Liu, a veteran activist based in Washington.
The trickiest issue remains how western governments deal with Tibet and Xinjiang, two western provinces that have seen ethnic riots over the past 18 months. The Tibetans in particular have substantial popular support in the west. But these are also the issues where the response from China is usually at its most inflexible.
The Obama administration will set the tone. The Dalai Lama's advisers say he has been assured he will see Mr Obama this year, a proper meeting on the president's official agenda, rather than a 'drop by' in the corridors of the White House. If that meeting takes place, the Dalai Lama can argue that his cause of Tibetan autonomy has not been sacrificed to realpolitik. But if Mr Obama does not confirm, many other leaders may follow suit.
By Daniel Dombey
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
EVENING MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
'Cultivating a Good Heart'
Weekly drop in classes at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. Come and enjoy listening to a talk on buddhist view and experience guided meditations to relax and inspire us in our daily life.
These classes are casual and suitable for anyone; teaching positive thinking and meditation. You do not need to be a buddhist to enjoy them and benefit from them.
Please contact us for further information.
By Cambridge Now
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Weekly drop in classes at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. Come and enjoy listening to a talk on buddhist view and experience guided meditations to relax and inspire us in our daily life.
These classes are casual and suitable for anyone; teaching positive thinking and meditation. You do not need to be a buddhist to enjoy them and benefit from them.
Please contact us for further information.
By Cambridge Now
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND BRAIN CHANGE
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Richard Davidson, one of the world's top brain scientists, believes mental exercise, specifically meditation, can literally change our minds.
'Our data shows mental practice can induce long lasting changes in the brain,' said Davidson, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
His startling scientific research on the impact of meditation on brain function has implications that go beyond the physical.
Buddhist monks believe mental attributes and positive emotions such as compassion, loving, kindness and empathy are skills that can be cultivated.
And science is beginning to back that up.
Davidson started meditating in 1974, when he was a PhD student at Harvard. Back then, meditation was seen as a somewhat faddish eastern import right up there with the dashiki and the Jesus sandal.
'The culture at the time was not so receptive,' Davidson said, 'nor were the scientific methods so well developed.'
It was when he met the Dalai Lama in 1992 that he 'decided to come out of the closet with my interest in meditation.'
He became excited about the possibility of applying rigorous scientific study to the practice of meditation.
'I made a commitment to do my best to take the tools we have so well honed in studying fear and anxiety and apply them to kindness and compassion.'
Davidson began an ongoing study of the brains of Buddhist monks, the so called 'Olympians' of meditation, each of whom had accomplished at least 10,000 hours of meditation.
'The work was framed within the research on neuro plasticity, the understanding that the brain is built to change in response to experience,' Davidson said.
Just as an injured brain can adapt by mapping out new neuron pathways to accomplish tasks, 'brain circuits (for) regulation of emotion and attention are malleable by the environment and are potential targets of training,' he said.
Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imagery (fMRI), Davidson showed that compassion meditation, even in short term practitioners, induced significant changes in patterns of functional activity in the brain.
By Denise Ryan
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
'Our data shows mental practice can induce long lasting changes in the brain,' said Davidson, professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
His startling scientific research on the impact of meditation on brain function has implications that go beyond the physical.
Buddhist monks believe mental attributes and positive emotions such as compassion, loving, kindness and empathy are skills that can be cultivated.
And science is beginning to back that up.
Davidson started meditating in 1974, when he was a PhD student at Harvard. Back then, meditation was seen as a somewhat faddish eastern import right up there with the dashiki and the Jesus sandal.
'The culture at the time was not so receptive,' Davidson said, 'nor were the scientific methods so well developed.'
It was when he met the Dalai Lama in 1992 that he 'decided to come out of the closet with my interest in meditation.'
He became excited about the possibility of applying rigorous scientific study to the practice of meditation.
'I made a commitment to do my best to take the tools we have so well honed in studying fear and anxiety and apply them to kindness and compassion.'
Davidson began an ongoing study of the brains of Buddhist monks, the so called 'Olympians' of meditation, each of whom had accomplished at least 10,000 hours of meditation.
'The work was framed within the research on neuro plasticity, the understanding that the brain is built to change in response to experience,' Davidson said.
Just as an injured brain can adapt by mapping out new neuron pathways to accomplish tasks, 'brain circuits (for) regulation of emotion and attention are malleable by the environment and are potential targets of training,' he said.
Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imagery (fMRI), Davidson showed that compassion meditation, even in short term practitioners, induced significant changes in patterns of functional activity in the brain.
By Denise Ryan
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND CREATIVITY
Friday, 2 October 2009
Your weight can be dangerous! We already know that about our own body weight. If you are exercising and add a weight or two for pumping iron to build bone density, here are some words of caution.
I've lifted 3 pound weights at the Senior Center bone building exercise class three to four times a week for several years. In a session recently, I took two 3 pound weights out of their storage basket and one of them sneakily slipped out of my weaker hand, landing on my right foot's middle toe. Immediately a whole week of plans changed due to my not paying attention for one second.
In spite of applying a frozen pack of hot dogs to the impact area, half my foot promptly turned a rosy violet. The swelling and intense pain only lasted a day, but I resorted to a wheelchair for grocery shopping and stopped my daily two mile walks for a week.
Even though my bones need strengthening, nothing was broken. Perhaps the exercises are even helping to make my toe bones stronger, which would be the best part of my episode. Also, besides learning the lesson that exercise equipment needs to be handled very carefully, during my moment of crisis, I got better acquainted with some very helpful and friendly seniors at the center.
Sara Aeikens
It's been fun comparing notes with other AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project seniors on differences we've noticed. When I staffed a table for our Vitality Project project, as an ambassador for Albert Lea at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair, we were located directly next to the AARP health screening center. I was grateful to learn from them that my 'bad' cholesterol had dropped 30 points and my glucose was lower than my last test.
By Sarah Aeikens
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
I've lifted 3 pound weights at the Senior Center bone building exercise class three to four times a week for several years. In a session recently, I took two 3 pound weights out of their storage basket and one of them sneakily slipped out of my weaker hand, landing on my right foot's middle toe. Immediately a whole week of plans changed due to my not paying attention for one second.
In spite of applying a frozen pack of hot dogs to the impact area, half my foot promptly turned a rosy violet. The swelling and intense pain only lasted a day, but I resorted to a wheelchair for grocery shopping and stopped my daily two mile walks for a week.
Even though my bones need strengthening, nothing was broken. Perhaps the exercises are even helping to make my toe bones stronger, which would be the best part of my episode. Also, besides learning the lesson that exercise equipment needs to be handled very carefully, during my moment of crisis, I got better acquainted with some very helpful and friendly seniors at the center.
Sara Aeikens
It's been fun comparing notes with other AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project seniors on differences we've noticed. When I staffed a table for our Vitality Project project, as an ambassador for Albert Lea at the 2009 Minnesota State Fair, we were located directly next to the AARP health screening center. I was grateful to learn from them that my 'bad' cholesterol had dropped 30 points and my glucose was lower than my last test.
By Sarah Aeikens
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MUSIC AND MEDITATION
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Would you like an experience of expressing happiness, gratitude and joy every week? Maybe throw in hand clapping, dancing and moving to the beat? How about silent meditation and contemplation on a question or an issue?
How about a community in unity?
Beginning Thursday, come over to Hey Jude! Music and Meditation at St. Jude's Episcopal Church (the one with the labyrinth in the floor and near SUU on 200 West and Harding Street in Cedar City) and join a new expression of joy and togetherness.
Thursday, Melanie Paulk-Abderrahman, E-RYT, leads the group in a Guided Meditation.
Oct. 8, The Tibetan Monks will lead a prayer service for peace and well being.
No requirements, dress code or guilt allowed. Local musicians.
This event is supported by the Cedar Area Interfaith Alliance. Call Rev. Susan at 559 3623 or email stjudes@netutah.com for more information.
By The Spectrum
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
How about a community in unity?
Beginning Thursday, come over to Hey Jude! Music and Meditation at St. Jude's Episcopal Church (the one with the labyrinth in the floor and near SUU on 200 West and Harding Street in Cedar City) and join a new expression of joy and togetherness.
Thursday, Melanie Paulk-Abderrahman, E-RYT, leads the group in a Guided Meditation.
Oct. 8, The Tibetan Monks will lead a prayer service for peace and well being.
No requirements, dress code or guilt allowed. Local musicians.
This event is supported by the Cedar Area Interfaith Alliance. Call Rev. Susan at 559 3623 or email stjudes@netutah.com for more information.
By The Spectrum
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND HEALTH
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Someone I know well began waking up around 3 a.m. and had difficulty getting back to sleep. He has a history of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which many people begin to experience in late August as the days get shorter, and he suspected this was the first sign.
The sleep disturbance didn't bother him that much because at least he wasn't feeling depressed yet. He has a history of clinical depression, too.
But just last week, those symptoms started. Although his mood wasn't yet depressed (that's just one of many symptoms for the condition), he was still experiencing a lot of related problems. He was feeling less secure about his thoughts and judgments, more tentative in some social interactions, and feeling an increase in his baseline anxiety. And he said his mind sometimes felt like chipmunks on steroids!
He does his work but is much more tired than usual. A part time writer, he sometimes feels his work isn't quite the quality it was before all this started. Of course that is probably just a negative perception because I know his work and think it has been excellent.
I know this guy so well because it's me.
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many people to varying degrees. Although we don't know why some people get it and others don't, we know it has a genetic link and that people with a history of depression are at increased risk.
I have had three previous episodes of clinical depression and currently take a maintenance dose of medication. What I am feeling is in the mild range of depression, but for some, depression can be quite severe, triggering thoughts of hopelessness and despair.
The experience of even moderate depression is to live with a mind that feels out of control. Thoughts race; everything feels worrisome, hopeless and never ending. Depressed people have a tendency to be terribly self critical and blame themselves for their problems, which only adds to the shame.
The experience of depression is not well known by the general public. Of course I was partly being light when I talked about chipmunks on steroids, but depression does make one much more self-conscious. And because of the shame and stigma attached, many feel alone and afraid to talk about what's happening for fear of being harshly judged.
By Dan Gottlieb
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The sleep disturbance didn't bother him that much because at least he wasn't feeling depressed yet. He has a history of clinical depression, too.
But just last week, those symptoms started. Although his mood wasn't yet depressed (that's just one of many symptoms for the condition), he was still experiencing a lot of related problems. He was feeling less secure about his thoughts and judgments, more tentative in some social interactions, and feeling an increase in his baseline anxiety. And he said his mind sometimes felt like chipmunks on steroids!
He does his work but is much more tired than usual. A part time writer, he sometimes feels his work isn't quite the quality it was before all this started. Of course that is probably just a negative perception because I know his work and think it has been excellent.
I know this guy so well because it's me.
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many people to varying degrees. Although we don't know why some people get it and others don't, we know it has a genetic link and that people with a history of depression are at increased risk.
I have had three previous episodes of clinical depression and currently take a maintenance dose of medication. What I am feeling is in the mild range of depression, but for some, depression can be quite severe, triggering thoughts of hopelessness and despair.
The experience of even moderate depression is to live with a mind that feels out of control. Thoughts race; everything feels worrisome, hopeless and never ending. Depressed people have a tendency to be terribly self critical and blame themselves for their problems, which only adds to the shame.
The experience of depression is not well known by the general public. Of course I was partly being light when I talked about chipmunks on steroids, but depression does make one much more self-conscious. And because of the shame and stigma attached, many feel alone and afraid to talk about what's happening for fear of being harshly judged.
By Dan Gottlieb
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Thursday, 6 August 2009
With an increasing suspicion that our jobs and retirement accounts will not provide for our well being, more and more people are working toward something with deeper meaning. While our financial markets dance without hope of settling in the near future, a growing number of critical minds have been coming to the Diamond Way Buddhist Center to invest in the one thing that remains constant in our lives: the Mind.
Three times every week, (Sundays at 5:45 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:45 p.m.) the Diamond Way Buddhist Center of Minneapolis provides public meditations for the community at 1701 W. Lake Street, 3rd floor. This particular style of Buddhism has been proven to work for modern, Western lay people. The price also works well for a society in a recession: free.
For over 2,500 years, Buddha and those who study his teachings have been helping individuals recognize that their joy and mental well being do not have to be dependent on the conditions of one's life. By meditating and enhancing one's view and attitude, the result is increasing joy and usefulness. Once we understand that it isn't the house, car or other luxury that makes us happy, we are free to enjoy whatever arises in our lives.
On a more tangible level, the Diamond Way Buddhist Centers USA is financially investing its resources into a retreat property in Western Wisconsin. This place will offer a venue for meditators to go deeper into their practice, as well as a space to host large courses with distinguished teachers. One such teacher, Lama Ole Nydahl, will visit Minneapolis on November 10, 2009, and give a lecture about Buddhism at the Minneapolis Central Library. 'We are a very old company,' he says, 'and we only make one product: human development.'
The Diamond Way Center practices in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Under the spiritual guidance of H.H. the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje, it offers teachings and meditation instruction to lay people. The center welcomes newcomers at any and all public meditations.
By South Side Pride
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Three times every week, (Sundays at 5:45 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:45 p.m.) the Diamond Way Buddhist Center of Minneapolis provides public meditations for the community at 1701 W. Lake Street, 3rd floor. This particular style of Buddhism has been proven to work for modern, Western lay people. The price also works well for a society in a recession: free.
For over 2,500 years, Buddha and those who study his teachings have been helping individuals recognize that their joy and mental well being do not have to be dependent on the conditions of one's life. By meditating and enhancing one's view and attitude, the result is increasing joy and usefulness. Once we understand that it isn't the house, car or other luxury that makes us happy, we are free to enjoy whatever arises in our lives.
On a more tangible level, the Diamond Way Buddhist Centers USA is financially investing its resources into a retreat property in Western Wisconsin. This place will offer a venue for meditators to go deeper into their practice, as well as a space to host large courses with distinguished teachers. One such teacher, Lama Ole Nydahl, will visit Minneapolis on November 10, 2009, and give a lecture about Buddhism at the Minneapolis Central Library. 'We are a very old company,' he says, 'and we only make one product: human development.'
The Diamond Way Center practices in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Under the spiritual guidance of H.H. the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje, it offers teachings and meditation instruction to lay people. The center welcomes newcomers at any and all public meditations.
By South Side Pride
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND THE LAW
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
The image of workaholic lawyers slowing down to silently meditate strikes many people as incongruous.
Eric Bentley, litigation partner at Holme Roberts & Owen's Colorado Springs office, would like to change that.
'Last year, when I went to a meditation retreat for lawyers, I got several laughs,' he said. 'A very typical response is that meditation for lawyers is an oxymoron.'
In April, Bentley and about a dozen other meditating lawyers held the first meeting of the Colorado Contemplative Lawyers Society. Their goal, Bentley says, is to give lawyers a place to discuss the unique ways meditation can help lawyers practice law, as well as spread the word to those who don’t currently meditate.
One of the first things the Contemplative Lawyers emphasize is that lawyers who meditate do their jobs better.
'It's not just a New Age fad,' said Stephanie West Allen, Contemplative Lawyers' founder. 'It's very much a mechanism for improving your professional skills and your professional performance.'
Allen is a professional mediator (one 't') and also a strong proponent of meditation (two 't's') for lawyers. She sees signs that meditation is becoming more accepted in the legal profession, though she acknowledges that most lawyers are still wary.
'One of the reasons lawyers are often resistant to meditation is that they think it would put out the fire in their belly,' Allen said. 'It's not going to put it out at all, it's going to focus it.'
By Matt Masich
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Eric Bentley, litigation partner at Holme Roberts & Owen's Colorado Springs office, would like to change that.
'Last year, when I went to a meditation retreat for lawyers, I got several laughs,' he said. 'A very typical response is that meditation for lawyers is an oxymoron.'
In April, Bentley and about a dozen other meditating lawyers held the first meeting of the Colorado Contemplative Lawyers Society. Their goal, Bentley says, is to give lawyers a place to discuss the unique ways meditation can help lawyers practice law, as well as spread the word to those who don’t currently meditate.
One of the first things the Contemplative Lawyers emphasize is that lawyers who meditate do their jobs better.
'It's not just a New Age fad,' said Stephanie West Allen, Contemplative Lawyers' founder. 'It's very much a mechanism for improving your professional skills and your professional performance.'
Allen is a professional mediator (one 't') and also a strong proponent of meditation (two 't's') for lawyers. She sees signs that meditation is becoming more accepted in the legal profession, though she acknowledges that most lawyers are still wary.
'One of the reasons lawyers are often resistant to meditation is that they think it would put out the fire in their belly,' Allen said. 'It's not going to put it out at all, it's going to focus it.'
By Matt Masich
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION FOR POLITICIANS
Monday, 3 August 2009
n a unique exercise, members of the ruling and Opposition parties in Chhattisgarh Assembly have begun a four day Raj Yog meditation from Sunday at Mount Abu to seek spiritual wisdom for effective running of the administration.
Among those who are attending the meditation camp are chief minister Raman Singh, his 14 cabinet colleagues, speaker Dharam Lal Kaushik and Opposition Congress party leader Ravindra Chaubey.
Addressing the dignitaries at Gyan Sarovar, the Chhattisgarh chief minister stressed on the need for transparency in the administration and lauded the Brahmakumaris for their work to promote peace in the world. "One can learn how to run the administration spiritually from the Brahmakumaris and their institution," he added.
Talking to TOI, Ravindra Chaubey said, "This will help change the perception of people towards politics and politicians. We may have ideological differences but here we think thinking about how to improve the working system for the welfare of people."
Earlier, Raman Singh was accorded a warm welcome by the Brahmakumaris at Manpur Airport on Abu Road when he landed in a chartered aircraft in the afternoon.
Brahmakumaris' media spokesman BK Karuna said, "The Chattisgarh chief minister earlier offered a floral tribute at the samadhi of Dadi Prakash Mani." The chief minister also sought the blessings of Raj Yogini Dadi Janki, the present chief administrator of the sect, for the welfare of people of Chhattisgarh.
By Times Of India
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Among those who are attending the meditation camp are chief minister Raman Singh, his 14 cabinet colleagues, speaker Dharam Lal Kaushik and Opposition Congress party leader Ravindra Chaubey.
Addressing the dignitaries at Gyan Sarovar, the Chhattisgarh chief minister stressed on the need for transparency in the administration and lauded the Brahmakumaris for their work to promote peace in the world. "One can learn how to run the administration spiritually from the Brahmakumaris and their institution," he added.
Talking to TOI, Ravindra Chaubey said, "This will help change the perception of people towards politics and politicians. We may have ideological differences but here we think thinking about how to improve the working system for the welfare of people."
Earlier, Raman Singh was accorded a warm welcome by the Brahmakumaris at Manpur Airport on Abu Road when he landed in a chartered aircraft in the afternoon.
Brahmakumaris' media spokesman BK Karuna said, "The Chattisgarh chief minister earlier offered a floral tribute at the samadhi of Dadi Prakash Mani." The chief minister also sought the blessings of Raj Yogini Dadi Janki, the present chief administrator of the sect, for the welfare of people of Chhattisgarh.
By Times Of India
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND RITUAL
Friday, 31 July 2009
Swamiji, while we are on the topic of rituals, can you please tell us something about the path of rituals and the path of meditation?
See, with rituals, there is something definite about them. It is structured and you know when exactly it is going to start, when it is going to finish, where you are going to do it, what for you are doing it etc. With rituals, you go into them, and come out as the same person. There is so much of security in the whole process. That is why it has spread so much. Anything that is definite spreads.
But what happens in meditation? First of all, meditation seems too simple to produce any benefits when compared to rituals. People always ask me why I do rituals at the ashram. I tell them, if I tell people to simply come to the ashram and sit under the banyan tree and meditate, which is actually enough, will they listen?
If I did not have the Dakshinamurthy idol and the Nataraja idol, if they did not see these idols there, would they come to just see open space and a banyan tree? Probably only I will be sitting under the banyan tree and meditating!
By Paramahamsa Nithyananda
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
See, with rituals, there is something definite about them. It is structured and you know when exactly it is going to start, when it is going to finish, where you are going to do it, what for you are doing it etc. With rituals, you go into them, and come out as the same person. There is so much of security in the whole process. That is why it has spread so much. Anything that is definite spreads.
But what happens in meditation? First of all, meditation seems too simple to produce any benefits when compared to rituals. People always ask me why I do rituals at the ashram. I tell them, if I tell people to simply come to the ashram and sit under the banyan tree and meditate, which is actually enough, will they listen?
If I did not have the Dakshinamurthy idol and the Nataraja idol, if they did not see these idols there, would they come to just see open space and a banyan tree? Probably only I will be sitting under the banyan tree and meditating!
By Paramahamsa Nithyananda
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION LOGIC
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Meditation is a contemplative flight. Contemplation is not a mere intellection or a sheer emotional sentimentalism. We can say that contemplative flight is sustained only when we come to spread in full both our head and heart as wings to keep our balance during this inward pilgrimage. It is necessary, therefore, that we must have the confidence in a Protecting Power that guides, wields, and sustains our subtle efforts in this unknown field. Therefore, every seeker is advised first to invoke the blessings of the Lord of his heart.
Your Prophet, your Lord, or your guru can be the deity of your mental worship. It is not at all of importance what form symbolises our concept of the Higher. There is absolute freedom for you to conceive and consider the Supreme through any symbolism. And, symbolism cannot be avoided, as, at this moment of our development, we are still living in the plane of the mind. The mind cannot conceive the formless and the infinite.
By Vedanta Vani
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Your Prophet, your Lord, or your guru can be the deity of your mental worship. It is not at all of importance what form symbolises our concept of the Higher. There is absolute freedom for you to conceive and consider the Supreme through any symbolism. And, symbolism cannot be avoided, as, at this moment of our development, we are still living in the plane of the mind. The mind cannot conceive the formless and the infinite.
By Vedanta Vani
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
AN UNUSUAL MEDITATION
Monday, 27 July 2009
So, when I learned a few weeks ago, that I would have to have knee surgery, I began searching for bird or animal spirits that might be of assistance.
I felt stumped for a while, until I remembered the mountain goats I had observed out West a couple of years ago. On a visit to Glacier National Park with my sister and brother in law, I had witnessed mountain goats executing the most phenomenal jumps and stops on almost sheer-faced rocky outcroppings.
It turns out mountain goats are more likely to plunge to their death executing just the kinds of feats I witnessed than they are to fall to predators, according to "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals."
So several days before my surgery, I began meditating on mountain goats. And the evening after the procedure, I fell asleep under the influence of not merely the drowse of lingering anesthesia and substantial painkillers but also the dream of climbing with the compact goat antelopes of the western mountains.
It was not until a couple of days later when real discomfort set in that I also noticed an odd synchronicity in my life. I had gone looking through the detritus of my closets for a walking stick or cane to help me get around and discovered one given to me many years ago by a nephew. It was a hefty walking stick, topped with a goat's horn. It is probably not a mountain goat's, since it has a somewhat corkscrew like turn in its coil (those of a mountain goat tend to curve only slightly), but in a pinch, this manifestation of a goat will do.
By Cape Cod Times
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
I felt stumped for a while, until I remembered the mountain goats I had observed out West a couple of years ago. On a visit to Glacier National Park with my sister and brother in law, I had witnessed mountain goats executing the most phenomenal jumps and stops on almost sheer-faced rocky outcroppings.
It turns out mountain goats are more likely to plunge to their death executing just the kinds of feats I witnessed than they are to fall to predators, according to "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals."
So several days before my surgery, I began meditating on mountain goats. And the evening after the procedure, I fell asleep under the influence of not merely the drowse of lingering anesthesia and substantial painkillers but also the dream of climbing with the compact goat antelopes of the western mountains.
It was not until a couple of days later when real discomfort set in that I also noticed an odd synchronicity in my life. I had gone looking through the detritus of my closets for a walking stick or cane to help me get around and discovered one given to me many years ago by a nephew. It was a hefty walking stick, topped with a goat's horn. It is probably not a mountain goat's, since it has a somewhat corkscrew like turn in its coil (those of a mountain goat tend to curve only slightly), but in a pinch, this manifestation of a goat will do.
By Cape Cod Times
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND SCIENCE
Friday, 24 July 2009
Swami Mukundananda, the founder of Jagadguru Kripalu Yog, is to organize week long Sessions on Yoga, Meditation & Lecture Series on 'The Science of the Soul & God Realization' in eleven cities across the US; one of which will be organized between 1st/7th August, at Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 5645 Hillcroft Avenue; Ste 701, Houston, TX 77036
Swami Mukundananda, after obtaining Engineering & Management degrees from two of Asia's premier institutes (IIT & IIM resp.), renounced a high profile corporate career to embrace Spirituality. He is one of the foremost Disciples of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, and has been preaching the Divine Vedic Wisdom across the Globe for more than past twenty five years.
'Wellness for life: Reach the Treasure Within' is a holistic Life style revealed by the 'Jagadguru Kripalu Yog'. This Complete Life style has been intelligently designed by synthesizing different schools of ancient Yoga such as Ashtang Yoga, Samkhya Yoga etc., rejuvenating the body, mind and soul.
The Pioneer of this Unique Art is the Fifth Principal & Original Jagadguru or the Universal Guru, Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj is only the Fifth Such Divine Personality in past five thousand years to have been honored with this prestigious Title.
There will be conducted Two Separate Events One after the other. The First being The Lectures on 'The Science of Soul and the God realization', followed by Sessions on Yog Meditation.
By SB Wire
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Swami Mukundananda, after obtaining Engineering & Management degrees from two of Asia's premier institutes (IIT & IIM resp.), renounced a high profile corporate career to embrace Spirituality. He is one of the foremost Disciples of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, and has been preaching the Divine Vedic Wisdom across the Globe for more than past twenty five years.
'Wellness for life: Reach the Treasure Within' is a holistic Life style revealed by the 'Jagadguru Kripalu Yog'. This Complete Life style has been intelligently designed by synthesizing different schools of ancient Yoga such as Ashtang Yoga, Samkhya Yoga etc., rejuvenating the body, mind and soul.
The Pioneer of this Unique Art is the Fifth Principal & Original Jagadguru or the Universal Guru, Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj is only the Fifth Such Divine Personality in past five thousand years to have been honored with this prestigious Title.
There will be conducted Two Separate Events One after the other. The First being The Lectures on 'The Science of Soul and the God realization', followed by Sessions on Yog Meditation.
By SB Wire
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
GATHERING MEDITATION TIME
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Facing the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall, scores of meditating and praying individuals were earnestly trying to build up 'capital' of positive energy to end the 10 year persecution of the spiritual practice of Falun Gong. Held on Sunday, July 19, it was one day before July 20, when 10 years ago, the communist Chinese regime initiated a campaign of imprisonment, defamation, torture and death of adherents of the ancient spiritual practice.
Following the meditation portion of the event was a rally, 'Freedom For Falun Gong,' where original songs were sung on the persecution of Faun Gong. Two invited speakers urged the U.S. government to put human rights before trade, and demand that the communist regime bring an end to the killing of innocent people.
During the interludes between musical acts, one of the event's organizers Caylan Ford read annual summaries of the Chinese Communist Party's brutal persecution, year by year from 1999 to 2008. Her factual account of the history of the persecution defies the notion that human rights were improving in China. The record shows over the years, more arrests, more torture, practitioners dead within days, sometimes within hours, after being taken into police custody, thousands still sent to re education through labor (RTL) camps, and practitioners' organs heart, liver, kidney and corneas taken from live practitioners.
By Ronny Dory & Gary Feuerberg
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Following the meditation portion of the event was a rally, 'Freedom For Falun Gong,' where original songs were sung on the persecution of Faun Gong. Two invited speakers urged the U.S. government to put human rights before trade, and demand that the communist regime bring an end to the killing of innocent people.
During the interludes between musical acts, one of the event's organizers Caylan Ford read annual summaries of the Chinese Communist Party's brutal persecution, year by year from 1999 to 2008. Her factual account of the history of the persecution defies the notion that human rights were improving in China. The record shows over the years, more arrests, more torture, practitioners dead within days, sometimes within hours, after being taken into police custody, thousands still sent to re education through labor (RTL) camps, and practitioners' organs heart, liver, kidney and corneas taken from live practitioners.
By Ronny Dory & Gary Feuerberg
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MORNING MEDITATION
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Commentary by Pir o Murshid Inayat Khan:
'If the soul is awakened, how does it awake, and who awakens it?' We see that the time for nature to awake is the spring. It is asleep all winter and it awakes in the spring. There is a time for the sea, when the wind blows and brings good tidings, as if it awakes from sleep; then the waves rise. All this shows struggle, it shows that something has touched it and makes it uneasy, restless; it makes it want liberation, release. Every atom, every object, every condition and every living being has a time of awakening.
Sometimes there is a gradual awakening, and sometimes there is a sudden awakening. To some persons it comes in a moment's time, by a blow, by a disappointment, or because their heart has broken through something that happened suddenly. It seemed cruel, but at the same time the result was a sudden awakening and this awakening brought a blessing beyond praise. The outlook changed, the insight deepened; joy, quiet, independence and freedom were felt, and compassion showed in the attitude.
It is the thoughts that spring from the depths of the heart which become inspirations and revelations, and these come from the hearts of awakened souls, called by the Sufis, Sahib-i Dil. The bringers of joy are the children of sorrow. Every blow we get in life pierces the heart and awakens our feelings to sympathize with others, and every swing of comfort lulls us to sleep, and we become unaware of all. This proves the truth of these words, 'Blessed are they that mourn.''
BY Saladin
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
'If the soul is awakened, how does it awake, and who awakens it?' We see that the time for nature to awake is the spring. It is asleep all winter and it awakes in the spring. There is a time for the sea, when the wind blows and brings good tidings, as if it awakes from sleep; then the waves rise. All this shows struggle, it shows that something has touched it and makes it uneasy, restless; it makes it want liberation, release. Every atom, every object, every condition and every living being has a time of awakening.
Sometimes there is a gradual awakening, and sometimes there is a sudden awakening. To some persons it comes in a moment's time, by a blow, by a disappointment, or because their heart has broken through something that happened suddenly. It seemed cruel, but at the same time the result was a sudden awakening and this awakening brought a blessing beyond praise. The outlook changed, the insight deepened; joy, quiet, independence and freedom were felt, and compassion showed in the attitude.
It is the thoughts that spring from the depths of the heart which become inspirations and revelations, and these come from the hearts of awakened souls, called by the Sufis, Sahib-i Dil. The bringers of joy are the children of sorrow. Every blow we get in life pierces the heart and awakens our feelings to sympathize with others, and every swing of comfort lulls us to sleep, and we become unaware of all. This proves the truth of these words, 'Blessed are they that mourn.''
BY Saladin
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION EXERCISES
Monday, 20 July 2009
Meditation exercises are offered for those who want to learn how to meditate, and free demos are available. Starting with meditation for beginners as well as focusing on the different aspects of meditation exercises to bolster creativity, focus and concentration, stress relief and better sleep are some of the services offered by Holothink Lifestyle.
One of the programs by Holothink, Digital Sandman, is a better sleep meditation tool.
"We created this product package for anyone who has trouble sleeping, who didn't sleep well last night or who could use a 2 hour nap when only have 20 minutes time," said Randolph Edward, Holothink technician. "It is for those who simply have trouble calming their mind in order to sleep."
By Power Home Biz
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
One of the programs by Holothink, Digital Sandman, is a better sleep meditation tool.
"We created this product package for anyone who has trouble sleeping, who didn't sleep well last night or who could use a 2 hour nap when only have 20 minutes time," said Randolph Edward, Holothink technician. "It is for those who simply have trouble calming their mind in order to sleep."
By Power Home Biz
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION METHODS
Friday, 17 July 2009
A good program of meditation is, in many ways, quite similar to a good program of physical exercise. Both require repeated hard work. In both the exercise is for the effect on the person doing it rather than for the goal of counting breaths.
Both programs should be adapted to the particular person using them with the clear understanding that there is no one 'right' program for everyone.
One of the reasons the formal schools of meditational practice have such a high percentage of failures among their students is that most schools tend to believe that there is one right way to meditate for everyone and it happens to be the one they use.
Both physical and meditational programs have, as a primary goal, the tuning and training of the person so that he can effectively move toward his goals.
Does meditation also change these goals? Certainly the increased competence and knowledge of this competence, the increased ability to act wholeheartedly, the wider perception of reality and the more coherent personality organisation that it brings do change the individual's actions and goals as much as good psychotherapy is likely to change actions and goals for the same reason.
The analogy between physical and meditational programs cannot be carried too far, but it seems reasonable here to point out that a person who has trained his body and is confident of it feels far less vulnerable and therefore behaves differently in many situations than a person with an untrained and uncoordinated body.
By DNA India
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Both programs should be adapted to the particular person using them with the clear understanding that there is no one 'right' program for everyone.
One of the reasons the formal schools of meditational practice have such a high percentage of failures among their students is that most schools tend to believe that there is one right way to meditate for everyone and it happens to be the one they use.
Both physical and meditational programs have, as a primary goal, the tuning and training of the person so that he can effectively move toward his goals.
Does meditation also change these goals? Certainly the increased competence and knowledge of this competence, the increased ability to act wholeheartedly, the wider perception of reality and the more coherent personality organisation that it brings do change the individual's actions and goals as much as good psychotherapy is likely to change actions and goals for the same reason.
The analogy between physical and meditational programs cannot be carried too far, but it seems reasonable here to point out that a person who has trained his body and is confident of it feels far less vulnerable and therefore behaves differently in many situations than a person with an untrained and uncoordinated body.
By DNA India
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND YOGA
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Swami Mukundananda, the founder of Jagadguru Kripalu Yog, will organize week-long Sessions on Yoga, Meditation & Lecture Series on 'The Science of the Soul & God Realization' in eleven cities across the US; one of which will be organized between 19th/26th July, at The Holiday Inn, 700 Central Parkway East, Plano, TX 75074.
Swami Mukundananda, after obtaining Engineering & Management degrees from two of Asia's premier institutes (IIT & IIM resp.), renounced a high profile corporate career to embrace Spirituality. He is one of the foremost Disciples of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, and has been preaching the Divine Vedic Wisdom across the Globe for more than past twenty-five years.
'Wellness for life: Reach the Treasure Within' is a holistic Life style revealed by the 'Jagadguru Kripalu Yog'. This Complete Life style has been intelligently designed by synthesizing different schools of ancient Yoga such as Ashtang Yoga, Samkhya Yoga etc., rejuvenating the body, mind and soul.
The Pioneer of this Unique Art is the Fifth Principal & Original Jagadguru or the Universal Guru, Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj is only the Fifth Such Divine Personality in past five-thousand years to have been honored with this prestigious Title.
By PR USA
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Swami Mukundananda, after obtaining Engineering & Management degrees from two of Asia's premier institutes (IIT & IIM resp.), renounced a high profile corporate career to embrace Spirituality. He is one of the foremost Disciples of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, and has been preaching the Divine Vedic Wisdom across the Globe for more than past twenty-five years.
'Wellness for life: Reach the Treasure Within' is a holistic Life style revealed by the 'Jagadguru Kripalu Yog'. This Complete Life style has been intelligently designed by synthesizing different schools of ancient Yoga such as Ashtang Yoga, Samkhya Yoga etc., rejuvenating the body, mind and soul.
The Pioneer of this Unique Art is the Fifth Principal & Original Jagadguru or the Universal Guru, Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj is only the Fifth Such Divine Personality in past five-thousand years to have been honored with this prestigious Title.
By PR USA
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION IS NOT ORDINARY
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Meditation, in today's time is more of a necessity, for our mind continues to work, and we are not able to calm it. Meditation helps us do that and as a result, we eat, sleep and work better,' Swami Pragyapad, a member of the international faculty, The Art of Living International Foundation, Bangalore, talks about the Sehaj Samadhi Course of Art of Living, which he conducted here. Dhyan, says Pragyapad, who's been with the foundation for the last 15 years, is the most simple and natural way to calm oneself. Most people, adds Pragyapad, have not understood the real meaning of the word dhyan and that's why are intimidated by it. Dyan, he explains, comes from two words 'dha', which denotes concentration and 'n', which means no. 'It's a process where there is no concentration, only then there is benefit. You have to de concentrate and concentration happens because of meditation,' the essence of the three day Sehaj Samadhi course is that it's a basic understanding of the process and anyone can do it.
By India Express
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
By India Express
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
IT IS TIME FOR MEDITATION
Monday, 13 July 2009
Based on 3D technology, OEM does not require a person to close his/her eyes, nor is it time consuming. "You need to look at a chart printed using 3 D techniques. After a few seconds, a hidden religious symbol will appear on the chart. Your meditation is complete and you will be relieved by just seeing the symbol for five minutes a day,'' says Ramesh Kamath, a consultant of open eye meditation for the last eight years.
Aura meter technology is used to assess the intensity and kind of problems a person faces, he added. The medium can be used to deal with anxiety, stress related problems and depression.
By Times of India
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Aura meter technology is used to assess the intensity and kind of problems a person faces, he added. The medium can be used to deal with anxiety, stress related problems and depression.
By Times of India
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MEDITATION AND LIFE
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Meditation is the ancient practice of relaxing and centering oneself in a more expanded, loving state of consciousness. It allows individuals to free their minds of scattered thoughts and bring awareness to their deeper inner being. David Harshada Wagner, through simple teaching techniques, helps individuals in the modern world reap the benefits of this ancient practice.
Many people experience an excessive amount of stress, which prevents them from enjoying life 100%. People are under pressure from work, from school, with money and in relationships. Mediation is a simple and easy way for people to steady their minds and unwind the stress in their body. It is an easy, do it yourself way to let go of stress and experience lasting inner peace.
According to meditation student Wendy Credle, "Harshada's unique and simple way of teaching meditation makes it much easier to relax and connect with the Inner Self. Harshada will help you learn to enjoy the company of your own heart, bask in your own love, and connect with your own divinity. If everyone started their day from this space of love and ease we would all be more kind, compassionate, and caring to one another and to ourselves.'
Harshada's approach differs from many other teachers. He makes it as easy as possible, emphasizing comfort over discipline. He teaches people to meditate in their own way in their own culture. 'My method is not about becoming good at meditation. It's about becoming happy and free in your life. Meditation opens your heart and makes you sensitive to the goodness that is inside of you and the grace that is all around you,' says Harshada. He teaches meditation not as an end in itself but as a means to an end as a means to a more connected, contented and spirit centered life. Harshada is currently visiting cities around the US offering a workshop entitled Meditation and Awakened Living.
By Health News digest
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Many people experience an excessive amount of stress, which prevents them from enjoying life 100%. People are under pressure from work, from school, with money and in relationships. Mediation is a simple and easy way for people to steady their minds and unwind the stress in their body. It is an easy, do it yourself way to let go of stress and experience lasting inner peace.
According to meditation student Wendy Credle, "Harshada's unique and simple way of teaching meditation makes it much easier to relax and connect with the Inner Self. Harshada will help you learn to enjoy the company of your own heart, bask in your own love, and connect with your own divinity. If everyone started their day from this space of love and ease we would all be more kind, compassionate, and caring to one another and to ourselves.'
Harshada's approach differs from many other teachers. He makes it as easy as possible, emphasizing comfort over discipline. He teaches people to meditate in their own way in their own culture. 'My method is not about becoming good at meditation. It's about becoming happy and free in your life. Meditation opens your heart and makes you sensitive to the goodness that is inside of you and the grace that is all around you,' says Harshada. He teaches meditation not as an end in itself but as a means to an end as a means to a more connected, contented and spirit centered life. Harshada is currently visiting cities around the US offering a workshop entitled Meditation and Awakened Living.
By Health News digest
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
TM UPDATES
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a mutli billion dollar Indian (Vedic) meditation sect introduced into Western culture by its founder, "Guru Maharishi Yogi". It best known for having recruited members of the Beatles. Currently the film maker David Lynch is TM's most recognizable proponent. See Suggestibility, the Rick Ross Institute's TM page, and TM Free for additional critical background on this organization. Don't forget to see the the other parts of this WikiLeaks series. (This archive uses the popular ZIP compression program. If your computer does not have this program already, see http://www.7-zip.org/ or http://www.winzip.com/ ).
Part 3 of 11.
These are minutes of meetings of the directors of the Atlanta, Georgia regional organization that teaches the Transcendental Meditation program. Participants at these meetings include the "Raja of Atlanta," or head administrator, who during this period was Rogers Badgett, and the directors of local facilities, called "Peace Palaces."
Large parts of these meeting notes report on discussions on efforts to promote the TM program as well as other products in this region. Frequently mentioned are the need to build buildings to house "Peace Palaces" and working with builders to construct "Stapathya Veda" homes based on their particular architectural specifications. Also discussed are various activities associated with the David Lynch Foundation, including efforts to introduce the TM program into public schools. A number of specific instances of contacts made by TM organization leaders with media and authorities (courts, schools, etc.) in the process of promoting the TM program are documented in these notes.
By Wiki Leaks
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Part 3 of 11.
These are minutes of meetings of the directors of the Atlanta, Georgia regional organization that teaches the Transcendental Meditation program. Participants at these meetings include the "Raja of Atlanta," or head administrator, who during this period was Rogers Badgett, and the directors of local facilities, called "Peace Palaces."
Large parts of these meeting notes report on discussions on efforts to promote the TM program as well as other products in this region. Frequently mentioned are the need to build buildings to house "Peace Palaces" and working with builders to construct "Stapathya Veda" homes based on their particular architectural specifications. Also discussed are various activities associated with the David Lynch Foundation, including efforts to introduce the TM program into public schools. A number of specific instances of contacts made by TM organization leaders with media and authorities (courts, schools, etc.) in the process of promoting the TM program are documented in these notes.
By Wiki Leaks
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A DAILY MEDITATION
Monday, 6 July 2009
It all started with an orange piece of paper and a pair of scissors. It grew into an artistic obsession, an award winning blog with an international following, a book, speaking engagements, solo art shows, a gig on "The Martha Stewart Show," and merchandising opportunities.
The day was June 4, 2007. Sitting in his office, local artist/activist Noah Scalin acted on a casual idea he'd had a couple of days earlier. He grabbed some scissors, cut a skull into a piece of paper and gave birth to a project based on death. For an entire year, he decided, he would create a skull a day.
"I think that inevitably when you make a skull every day, it's a daily reflection on death and a reminder of it," said the 37 year old Scalin. Trouble was, the daily reflection and accompanying artistic output started getting decidedly harder about 100 skulls into the project. "I was making something new and unique every day," creating skulls out of everything from organic vegetables, shoes, keyboard keys and bubble wrap to condoms, Band-Aids, a bed sheet and holiday lights strung in his yard. "I burned through all of my skills and resources very quickly, so I started collaborating with friends."
He also started posting his skulls on a blog at http://www.SkullADay.com. Overnight, people from around the world started submitting ideas for skulls, as well as creating their own and sharing the images.
"I got this interaction with an international audience that became very engaged and was encouraging me. There was this continual back and forth that created a lot of positive energy and really exciting creativity," he said.
Eventually, the publishing industry came calling. "At a certain point in the project, I realized that it had the potential to be something bigger," said Scalin, who thought a picture book would be a natural evolution. He didn't know how to go about getting one published, so he put a note on his blog asking readers for help. Around the same time, he got an email from a New York City publishing agent. The book, titled "Skulls," hit bookshelves in October.
By JO LORD
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The day was June 4, 2007. Sitting in his office, local artist/activist Noah Scalin acted on a casual idea he'd had a couple of days earlier. He grabbed some scissors, cut a skull into a piece of paper and gave birth to a project based on death. For an entire year, he decided, he would create a skull a day.
"I think that inevitably when you make a skull every day, it's a daily reflection on death and a reminder of it," said the 37 year old Scalin. Trouble was, the daily reflection and accompanying artistic output started getting decidedly harder about 100 skulls into the project. "I was making something new and unique every day," creating skulls out of everything from organic vegetables, shoes, keyboard keys and bubble wrap to condoms, Band-Aids, a bed sheet and holiday lights strung in his yard. "I burned through all of my skills and resources very quickly, so I started collaborating with friends."
He also started posting his skulls on a blog at http://www.SkullADay.com. Overnight, people from around the world started submitting ideas for skulls, as well as creating their own and sharing the images.
"I got this interaction with an international audience that became very engaged and was encouraging me. There was this continual back and forth that created a lot of positive energy and really exciting creativity," he said.
Eventually, the publishing industry came calling. "At a certain point in the project, I realized that it had the potential to be something bigger," said Scalin, who thought a picture book would be a natural evolution. He didn't know how to go about getting one published, so he put a note on his blog asking readers for help. Around the same time, he got an email from a New York City publishing agent. The book, titled "Skulls," hit bookshelves in October.
By JO LORD
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND PRAISE
Friday, 3 July 2009
SUKTAMS are chants in the Vedas that sing the praise of a deity. There is the Purusha Suktam, the Narayana Suktam, the Sri Suktam, Bhu Suktam, Durga Suktam, Saraswati Suktam and even Ratri Suktam. It is a eulogy on a particular principle in creation.
Swami Akshara, founder of a socio spiritual organisation called the Akshara Foundations is here in Chennai to conduct a five day meditation programme on the Narayana Suktam.
Is there any particular context to Narayana Suktam today? I asked him and he said that this is a hymn on Narayana who represents the creation aspect of the Hindu trinity. It is relevant not just today, but on any day because everything that is created is directly attributed to Narayana. The creativity in oneself on any given day is enhanced when one realises the hidden forces of creativity in oneself. The life sustaining element of creation is solely responsible for running this universe henceknowing Narayana or the creativity principle in oneself is necessary, he says.
By Swahilya
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Swami Akshara, founder of a socio spiritual organisation called the Akshara Foundations is here in Chennai to conduct a five day meditation programme on the Narayana Suktam.
Is there any particular context to Narayana Suktam today? I asked him and he said that this is a hymn on Narayana who represents the creation aspect of the Hindu trinity. It is relevant not just today, but on any day because everything that is created is directly attributed to Narayana. The creativity in oneself on any given day is enhanced when one realises the hidden forces of creativity in oneself. The life sustaining element of creation is solely responsible for running this universe henceknowing Narayana or the creativity principle in oneself is necessary, he says.
By Swahilya
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION BENEFITS
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Meditation is a practice of mind. During meditation process practitioners learns to transcend the mind with the help of mind. The more advanced is the practitioner, the more calm and happier he become.
There are different techniques of meditation and normally all starts with withdrawing the attention from outside world and leads towards concentration before entering the meditative state.
Meditation according to a noble teacher Shri S.N. Goenka Ji, 'From the gross external apparent truth, one penetrates to the ultimate truth of mind and matter. Then one transcends that and experiences a truth which is beyond mind and matter, beyond time and space, the truth of total liberation from all suffering. It is the final goal of everyone'.
By PR Inside
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
There are different techniques of meditation and normally all starts with withdrawing the attention from outside world and leads towards concentration before entering the meditative state.
Meditation according to a noble teacher Shri S.N. Goenka Ji, 'From the gross external apparent truth, one penetrates to the ultimate truth of mind and matter. Then one transcends that and experiences a truth which is beyond mind and matter, beyond time and space, the truth of total liberation from all suffering. It is the final goal of everyone'.
By PR Inside
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND THE LAW
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
We all know that the practice of law is stressful. We have client demands coming at us through phone, cell phone, CrackBerrys, fax and (even) post. Clients want more, quicker. We may have pressures in our partnerships, money worries and attempts at having a life outside the office. We try to meet these needs that, in the process, take a toll on ourselves. We may develop health problems such as high blood pressure, anxiety disorders and panic attacks. We may see personal relationships suffer. We may feel unhappy and discontent with the practice of law.
I have a suggestion of what to do to deal with the immediate symptoms of stress.
Practising a simple and short meditation may help give you some short term relief that may help you in the long run if you decide to incorporate meditation into your daily routine.
Mindful meditation is a friendly gesture toward yourself in which you take time to sit for 10 to 15 minutes or longer. You can meditate in your office, sitting in your chair. It's easy. Just make sure you will not be disturbed by your phone, electronic devices or someone knocking at your door. It might be better to do this before or after regular office hours when you are not likely to be interrupted.
Sit upright, relaxed, yet alert. Drop your shoulders as you relax. Take three deep breaths and exhale to get the tension out of your body.
By John Starzynski
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
I have a suggestion of what to do to deal with the immediate symptoms of stress.
Practising a simple and short meditation may help give you some short term relief that may help you in the long run if you decide to incorporate meditation into your daily routine.
Mindful meditation is a friendly gesture toward yourself in which you take time to sit for 10 to 15 minutes or longer. You can meditate in your office, sitting in your chair. It's easy. Just make sure you will not be disturbed by your phone, electronic devices or someone knocking at your door. It might be better to do this before or after regular office hours when you are not likely to be interrupted.
Sit upright, relaxed, yet alert. Drop your shoulders as you relax. Take three deep breaths and exhale to get the tension out of your body.
By John Starzynski
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MIXING MEDITATIONS
Monday, 29 June 2009
I began my study of meditation decades ago when I read Dion Fortune's book Training and Work of an Initiate. In that book she explains that there are two types of meditation, which she ascribes as the difference between Eastern and Western cultures. She says that Eastern cultures try to reach the soul up to the heavens, whereas Western cultures try to bring the heavens to Earth. As I look at the behaviors of these cultures (in a less blended form than perhaps we have now), I see her point. Anyway, to accomplish the cultural goals, which are expressed person by person, the Eastern approach is passive, uniting ones self with the "oversoul," the Western approach is active, pulling the beauty of the 'oversoul" to enrich the individual. Subtle difference, but it manifests strongly in the meditative approach. You can see the stark differences when you look at the Deepak Chopra approach (Eastern) vs Franz Bardon's approach as discussed in Initiation into Hermetics.
By Daily Kos
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
By Daily Kos
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION FOR INNER PEACE
Friday, 26 June 2009
Thinley Ningpo became a monk at a Buddhist monastery in northern Tibet. He has made pilgrimages to the sacred places of western Tibet, studied under the eminent scholars of his faith and earned the title of Drupon ("retreat teacher") and the honorific Rinpoche ("precious one") for the years he has spent teaching and seeking enlightenment.
So when he was asked Tuesday evening if he has ever given in to his "afflictive emotions", such as anger and fear, he surprised the crowd at Pasco Hernando Community College by responding in English:
"Oh, all the time!"
Ningpo explained that he spent six years in a monastery, which included working with young children. They could be very difficult, he said, and he would have to continuously practice his meditation.
The Buddhist monk spoke largely through an interpreter for two hours at the New Port Richey campus about the goal of finding inner peace, and the obstacles along the way.
By Mindy Rubenstein
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
So when he was asked Tuesday evening if he has ever given in to his "afflictive emotions", such as anger and fear, he surprised the crowd at Pasco Hernando Community College by responding in English:
"Oh, all the time!"
Ningpo explained that he spent six years in a monastery, which included working with young children. They could be very difficult, he said, and he would have to continuously practice his meditation.
The Buddhist monk spoke largely through an interpreter for two hours at the New Port Richey campus about the goal of finding inner peace, and the obstacles along the way.
By Mindy Rubenstein
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION FOR WORLD PEACE
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Around 3000 people gathered in front of the White House to meditate for world peace. The event 'Take a Breath, D.C.', organized by Art of Living youth leaders, aimed at spreading the message of a stress free and violence free society for change and peace in any community.
'The root cause of violence is stress in the individual. By addressing and removing the stress, there is peace in the individual, the environment and society,' said Rasher Patel, Senior Faculty and Director of Training and Development for the Art of Living Foundation.
Around 125 graduates of the Yes+ program marched along 10 city blocks, waving orange and white flags. Their march ended on the lawn of Lafayette Park, located in front of the White House. In an area that attracts demonstrations, often with loud speakers and graphic images, tranquility and an unusual stillness marked the twenty minute meditation.
Following the meditation, the United Nations Millennium Group's Mission Green Earth project lauded the Art of Living's commitment to environmental sustainability. The Foundation has spearheaded the plantation of over 100 million trees globally ahead of their July 2009 mission date. Locally in D.C., the Art of Living community planted 1800 trees, adding to 1 million across the U.S. and many more around the world, including 35 million in India.
The event included a special proclamation from Councilman Jim Graham, recognizing the efforts of the Art of Living volunteers and their commitment to human values and service. He congratulated the 125 graduates of the YES+ Course that took place over the four days preceding and leading into the peace meditation.
The young volunteers and students who also organized the YES + course have already been implementing a comprehensive awareness campaign, hosting over 150 introductory stress reduction sessions for people from different backgrounds. The group also kicked off a worldwide initiative to spread a smile on a million faces. They began by collecting over5,000 photos of smiling residents in less than 24 hours. Youth leaders planned the 'Take a Breath, D.C.' campaign to extend the Art of Living Foundation's 'Violence Free, Stress Free America' initiative, launched in March 2007 by global humanitarian and founder of Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
'The root cause of violence is stress in the individual. By addressing and removing the stress, there is peace in the individual, the environment and society,' said Rasher Patel, Senior Faculty and Director of Training and Development for the Art of Living Foundation.
Around 125 graduates of the Yes+ program marched along 10 city blocks, waving orange and white flags. Their march ended on the lawn of Lafayette Park, located in front of the White House. In an area that attracts demonstrations, often with loud speakers and graphic images, tranquility and an unusual stillness marked the twenty minute meditation.
Following the meditation, the United Nations Millennium Group's Mission Green Earth project lauded the Art of Living's commitment to environmental sustainability. The Foundation has spearheaded the plantation of over 100 million trees globally ahead of their July 2009 mission date. Locally in D.C., the Art of Living community planted 1800 trees, adding to 1 million across the U.S. and many more around the world, including 35 million in India.
The event included a special proclamation from Councilman Jim Graham, recognizing the efforts of the Art of Living volunteers and their commitment to human values and service. He congratulated the 125 graduates of the YES+ Course that took place over the four days preceding and leading into the peace meditation.
The young volunteers and students who also organized the YES + course have already been implementing a comprehensive awareness campaign, hosting over 150 introductory stress reduction sessions for people from different backgrounds. The group also kicked off a worldwide initiative to spread a smile on a million faces. They began by collecting over5,000 photos of smiling residents in less than 24 hours. Youth leaders planned the 'Take a Breath, D.C.' campaign to extend the Art of Living Foundation's 'Violence Free, Stress Free America' initiative, launched in March 2007 by global humanitarian and founder of Art of Living, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND PHYSICS
Monday, 22 June 2009
Whether meditation can be brought under the purview of physics has rattled many. But common belief holds that meditation has a lot of mumbo jumbo. The book starts with several assertions of all time compelling physicists like Albert Einstein, Neils Bohr, Louis Broglie, Sir Arthur Eddington, Stephen Hawking and philosophers like Karl Popper. The book does not elaborate on meditation but instead dwells on four cardinal precepts of physics the special theory of relativity, the general theory of relativity, the observer in quantum theory and non locality in quantum theory to conform 'oneness' coalition of physics and meditation. 'The technique of meditation is entirely scientific and is devoid of any mysticism, irrationality or hocus pocus. It is scientific in the purest sense of the world', establishes the author Dr Glen P Kezwer. The mind and the body of the meditator are the apparatus.
The author believes, 'The description of reality which emerges through the practice of meditation matches a knowledge which many people have already understood at some deep, essential level of their being' a deja vu effect indeed. About what goaded and intrigued into writing this book, Glen says, 'I somehow sensed that behind the multitude of phenomena which the physicist investigates there must be some essential underlying reality that is unchanging and all encompassing.....I believed that an understanding of the deeper knowledge whose existence I sensed, would bring with it an end to the pain and suffering I perceived both within myself and all around me. Here I was not considering physical pain, but rather unhappiness brought about by the thinking process, which seemed to me to be the predominant type of pain from which people suffered'. The writer and his wife reeled under wanderlust 'October of the following year found us in northern India where we happened upon the laboratory of meditation and its chief scientist, Swami Shyam.'
By Ratnadeep Banerji
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The author believes, 'The description of reality which emerges through the practice of meditation matches a knowledge which many people have already understood at some deep, essential level of their being' a deja vu effect indeed. About what goaded and intrigued into writing this book, Glen says, 'I somehow sensed that behind the multitude of phenomena which the physicist investigates there must be some essential underlying reality that is unchanging and all encompassing.....I believed that an understanding of the deeper knowledge whose existence I sensed, would bring with it an end to the pain and suffering I perceived both within myself and all around me. Here I was not considering physical pain, but rather unhappiness brought about by the thinking process, which seemed to me to be the predominant type of pain from which people suffered'. The writer and his wife reeled under wanderlust 'October of the following year found us in northern India where we happened upon the laboratory of meditation and its chief scientist, Swami Shyam.'
By Ratnadeep Banerji
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND INSOMNIA
Friday, 19 June 2009
Meditation may be an effective remedy in treating insomnia, latest research suggests.
According to Ramadevi Gourineni, principal study investigator and director of the insomnia programme at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Illinois, insomnia is thought to be a 24 hour problem of hyper arousal. Moreover, elevated measures of arousal are seen throughout the day.
The study collected data from 11 healthy subjects between the ages of 25 and 45 years who suffered from chronic primary insomnia. Participants were divided into two intervention groups for two months.
The first group was taught Kriya Yoga, a form of meditation that is used to focus internalized attention and has been shown to reduce measures of arousal. The second group received health education.
Participants of the health education group also received information about health related topics and how to improve health through nutrition, exercise, weight loss and stress management.
Results suggested that patients saw improvements in subjective sleep quality and sleep diary parameters while practicing meditation. Patients who practiced meditation saw improvements in sleep latency, total sleep time, total wake time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency and sleep quality.
Findings of this study were presented at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.
Dr. Ramadevi Gourineni completed her medical school at Kurnool Medical College in Andhra Pradesh, India. She was raised in the United States prior to this. Dr. Gourineni's has a special interest in behavioural treatment of insomnia and currently is involved in research studying the effects of meditation on stress and sleep in individuals with chronic insomnia.
By IANS
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
According to Ramadevi Gourineni, principal study investigator and director of the insomnia programme at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Illinois, insomnia is thought to be a 24 hour problem of hyper arousal. Moreover, elevated measures of arousal are seen throughout the day.
The study collected data from 11 healthy subjects between the ages of 25 and 45 years who suffered from chronic primary insomnia. Participants were divided into two intervention groups for two months.
The first group was taught Kriya Yoga, a form of meditation that is used to focus internalized attention and has been shown to reduce measures of arousal. The second group received health education.
Participants of the health education group also received information about health related topics and how to improve health through nutrition, exercise, weight loss and stress management.
Results suggested that patients saw improvements in subjective sleep quality and sleep diary parameters while practicing meditation. Patients who practiced meditation saw improvements in sleep latency, total sleep time, total wake time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency and sleep quality.
Findings of this study were presented at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.
Dr. Ramadevi Gourineni completed her medical school at Kurnool Medical College in Andhra Pradesh, India. She was raised in the United States prior to this. Dr. Gourineni's has a special interest in behavioural treatment of insomnia and currently is involved in research studying the effects of meditation on stress and sleep in individuals with chronic insomnia.
By IANS
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND INSOMNIA
Thursday, 18 June 2009
If you're having trouble getting to sleep at night, closing your eyes and saying 'ohm' just might help.
A small study from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Illinois found the meditation used in Kriya yoga helped people suffering from insomnia.
Of the 11 participants in the project, those who meditated slept better and longer, than those who were only given information about their health.
Symptoms of depression also improved in the meditation group.
By WSLS
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A small study from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Illinois found the meditation used in Kriya yoga helped people suffering from insomnia.
Of the 11 participants in the project, those who meditated slept better and longer, than those who were only given information about their health.
Symptoms of depression also improved in the meditation group.
By WSLS
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND LIFE
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Karen Onny, 45, yoga teacher, massage therapist, Spring Forest Qigong practitioner, Minneapolis:
Admirable routine
I practice an hour and a half of yoga every morning, six days a week. I practice Qigong and meditation about five days a week for about an hour. And I usually walk around Lake Harriet at least once a day and sometimes twice a day. I don’t think of it as exercise, it's my peace of mind.
Contemplative lifestyle runs deep
I don't carry any stress. The biggest thing is being content. I'm really doing what I love. I'm being who I am. It's not even that I'm supposed to be a massage therapist, it's that I can be the best of who I am doing massage. I can be the best of who I am when I teach yoga. I'm putting my gifts into action, and that's really what all of this has taught me.
Tuned into nourishment
What's really amazing and what I tell my students is, don't worry about changing your diet right away. When you keep doing yoga you get more tuned into your body, so you just fall away from preservatives and things your body doesn't want anymore. They just gradually drop out of your life.
Former smoker found ground
I was a smoker, and I saw an article in a magazine that said, 'Tai chi helped me stop smoking.' I knew I wanted to stop smoking, but I didn't want to make myself crazy, so I said if I could just do tai chi and let it fall away I would. I stepped into that first tai chi class and when I left I felt like I was so grounded, and I said, 'This is it.' I just loved it. Within a year the cigarettes fell away. I woke up one morning and just could not smoke.
By SARAH MORAN
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Admirable routine
I practice an hour and a half of yoga every morning, six days a week. I practice Qigong and meditation about five days a week for about an hour. And I usually walk around Lake Harriet at least once a day and sometimes twice a day. I don’t think of it as exercise, it's my peace of mind.
Contemplative lifestyle runs deep
I don't carry any stress. The biggest thing is being content. I'm really doing what I love. I'm being who I am. It's not even that I'm supposed to be a massage therapist, it's that I can be the best of who I am doing massage. I can be the best of who I am when I teach yoga. I'm putting my gifts into action, and that's really what all of this has taught me.
Tuned into nourishment
What's really amazing and what I tell my students is, don't worry about changing your diet right away. When you keep doing yoga you get more tuned into your body, so you just fall away from preservatives and things your body doesn't want anymore. They just gradually drop out of your life.
Former smoker found ground
I was a smoker, and I saw an article in a magazine that said, 'Tai chi helped me stop smoking.' I knew I wanted to stop smoking, but I didn't want to make myself crazy, so I said if I could just do tai chi and let it fall away I would. I stepped into that first tai chi class and when I left I felt like I was so grounded, and I said, 'This is it.' I just loved it. Within a year the cigarettes fell away. I woke up one morning and just could not smoke.
By SARAH MORAN
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND POLITICS
Monday, 15 June 2009
For a politician whose stock in trade is language and communication, staying silent for 10 days might seem like a nearly impossible task.
But silence and professionally guided meditation is something Del. Elizabeth Bobo has learned to love and use in recent years, she said, and she feels it helps her, both as a person and an elected official.
A strong personality and liberal Democrat well known as a vigorous advocate for causes she believes in, Bobo, who represents a single member district mostly covering West Columbia, said she may not seem that different on the outside, but she's feeling more peaceful on the inside.
Bobo recently returned from her fourth annual sojourn into Vipassana meditation at a retreat near Richmond, Va., refreshed and ready again to plunge back into the environmental, health and progressive government issues she's specialized in for years, she said.
"It is really not at all difficult," the former Howard County executive said about keeping quiet all day for 10 days. She tried it after a neighbor's repeated recommendations, though she was skeptical at first.
"I just eased into it," she said.
Vipassana meditation is an ancient technique from India that is led by a Buddhist monk, though it is not a religious practice, according to the group's Web site. It's a form of mental training intended to develop a more healthy mental state leading people to become calmer and more focused.
Bobo said the retreat day runs from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and includes three vegetarian meals a day, meditation and some instruction, but mainly a calming silence. Once back in their rooms at night, participants are allowed to speak or make occasional phone calls, she said.
By Larry Carson
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
But silence and professionally guided meditation is something Del. Elizabeth Bobo has learned to love and use in recent years, she said, and she feels it helps her, both as a person and an elected official.
A strong personality and liberal Democrat well known as a vigorous advocate for causes she believes in, Bobo, who represents a single member district mostly covering West Columbia, said she may not seem that different on the outside, but she's feeling more peaceful on the inside.
Bobo recently returned from her fourth annual sojourn into Vipassana meditation at a retreat near Richmond, Va., refreshed and ready again to plunge back into the environmental, health and progressive government issues she's specialized in for years, she said.
"It is really not at all difficult," the former Howard County executive said about keeping quiet all day for 10 days. She tried it after a neighbor's repeated recommendations, though she was skeptical at first.
"I just eased into it," she said.
Vipassana meditation is an ancient technique from India that is led by a Buddhist monk, though it is not a religious practice, according to the group's Web site. It's a form of mental training intended to develop a more healthy mental state leading people to become calmer and more focused.
Bobo said the retreat day runs from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and includes three vegetarian meals a day, meditation and some instruction, but mainly a calming silence. Once back in their rooms at night, participants are allowed to speak or make occasional phone calls, she said.
By Larry Carson
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
LEARNING MEDITATION
Friday, 12 June 2009
The hardest part of meditation isn't quieting the mind or tolerating sore knees or explaining to your family what the heck you're doing.
The hardest part of meditation is actually sitting down and beginning. Then, to get the benefits of meditation, the instructions become simple: Repeat for a lifetime.
That's why "Commit to Sit" is such a valuable new manual. It gets to the basics, including the initial problem of commitment, without a lot of intellectual chit chat. Its contributors are many of the best, and best known, meditation teachers in the West.
The three dozen or so short essays have been compiled from the magazine Tricycle, a quarterly Buddhist review. Although this book has its roots in Buddhist meditation (after all, they are experts), this guidance would be useful to anyone of any religion who wants to explore the fertile territory of silence and contemplation. While its language and metaphors are Buddhist, "Commit to Sit" isn't pushing Buddhist religion. It is teaching the ecumenical fundamentals of meditation practice. Meditation isn't something you accomplish, like writing a novel; it's something you practice, like playing the piano. It's a physical and a mental activity, and it is widely misunderstood.
"Meditation is not about getting away from it all, numbing out, or stopping thoughts," writes Lama Surya Das in the opening essay, "The Heart of Meditation."
"Meditation, simply defined, is a way of being aware ... Meditation masters teach us how to be precisely present and focused on this one breath, the only breath; this moment, the only moment. Whether we're aware of it or not, we are quite naturally present to this moment, where else could we be? Meditation is simply a way of knowing this."
His guided meditation follows, gentle instructions on how to sit comfortably, settle down, use the breath as an anchor to the moment, and then, "Enjoy the buoyant peace, harmony, and delight of natural meditation."
By Ann Allen
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The hardest part of meditation is actually sitting down and beginning. Then, to get the benefits of meditation, the instructions become simple: Repeat for a lifetime.
That's why "Commit to Sit" is such a valuable new manual. It gets to the basics, including the initial problem of commitment, without a lot of intellectual chit chat. Its contributors are many of the best, and best known, meditation teachers in the West.
The three dozen or so short essays have been compiled from the magazine Tricycle, a quarterly Buddhist review. Although this book has its roots in Buddhist meditation (after all, they are experts), this guidance would be useful to anyone of any religion who wants to explore the fertile territory of silence and contemplation. While its language and metaphors are Buddhist, "Commit to Sit" isn't pushing Buddhist religion. It is teaching the ecumenical fundamentals of meditation practice. Meditation isn't something you accomplish, like writing a novel; it's something you practice, like playing the piano. It's a physical and a mental activity, and it is widely misunderstood.
"Meditation is not about getting away from it all, numbing out, or stopping thoughts," writes Lama Surya Das in the opening essay, "The Heart of Meditation."
"Meditation, simply defined, is a way of being aware ... Meditation masters teach us how to be precisely present and focused on this one breath, the only breath; this moment, the only moment. Whether we're aware of it or not, we are quite naturally present to this moment, where else could we be? Meditation is simply a way of knowing this."
His guided meditation follows, gentle instructions on how to sit comfortably, settle down, use the breath as an anchor to the moment, and then, "Enjoy the buoyant peace, harmony, and delight of natural meditation."
By Ann Allen
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION IN HOSPITALS
Tuesday, 9 June 2009
Alternative medicine is growing increasingly more mainstream, and is now accepted by most doctors, insurers and hospitals.
People use unconventional methods and herbal therapy for many reasons. Often they do not trust big drug companies or the government, and they have more faith in the natural remedies.
Dietary supplements do not have to pass any safety tests before being sold. Some contain lead and arsenic, and some obstruct other medicines from working, like birth control pills.
"Herbals are medicines," and have both good and bad effects, noted Bruce Silverglade from the consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest.
The Associated Press evaluated dozens of studies and interviews of 100 different sources and discovered that an entire underground medical system existed, with an entirely different standard to follow than the rest of the medical industry.
Fifteen years ago, Congress started allowing dietary and herbal supplements go to market without federal Food and Drug Administration consent. In these 15 years, the amount of products available has increased ten fold, from 4,000 to 40,000.
Around this time, Congress formed a federal agency to review herbal supplements and unconventional treatments. However, after spending $2.5 billion on research, nothing monumental has been discovered, aside from the use of acupuncture and ginger for chemotherapy associated nausea. Nevertheless, these unconventional therapies are being used more and more.
Several hospitals offer alternative methods of recovery, like meditation, yoga and massages. Other hospitals make profits from offering acupuncture, which insurance does not pay for if the reason is not explicitly stated.
Some medical schools have alternative medicine classes, sometimes paid for with federal grants. A University of Minnesota program allows the study of nontraditional healing therapies in Hawaii.
By Red Orbit
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
People use unconventional methods and herbal therapy for many reasons. Often they do not trust big drug companies or the government, and they have more faith in the natural remedies.
Dietary supplements do not have to pass any safety tests before being sold. Some contain lead and arsenic, and some obstruct other medicines from working, like birth control pills.
"Herbals are medicines," and have both good and bad effects, noted Bruce Silverglade from the consumer group Center for Science in the Public Interest.
The Associated Press evaluated dozens of studies and interviews of 100 different sources and discovered that an entire underground medical system existed, with an entirely different standard to follow than the rest of the medical industry.
Fifteen years ago, Congress started allowing dietary and herbal supplements go to market without federal Food and Drug Administration consent. In these 15 years, the amount of products available has increased ten fold, from 4,000 to 40,000.
Around this time, Congress formed a federal agency to review herbal supplements and unconventional treatments. However, after spending $2.5 billion on research, nothing monumental has been discovered, aside from the use of acupuncture and ginger for chemotherapy associated nausea. Nevertheless, these unconventional therapies are being used more and more.
Several hospitals offer alternative methods of recovery, like meditation, yoga and massages. Other hospitals make profits from offering acupuncture, which insurance does not pay for if the reason is not explicitly stated.
Some medical schools have alternative medicine classes, sometimes paid for with federal grants. A University of Minnesota program allows the study of nontraditional healing therapies in Hawaii.
By Red Orbit
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION FOR SELF IMPROVEMENT
Monday, 8 June 2009
WHEN JAYANTI TAMM was a child, there was only one piece of furniture in her living room, and nobody in her family was allowed to touch it.
It was a throne reserved for their guru, Sri Chinmoy, a Bangladeshi who moved to Queens, N.Y., in 1964 and declared himself to be God on Earth. He claimed to be the highest avatar, holier than Vishnu, the Buddha, Muhammad or Jesus Christ. Her parents believed that, and raised Jayanti and her older half brother accordingly.
What's more, Jayanti herself was special. She was the Chosen One, a soul created to be Chinmoy's perfect disciple. Guru gave Jayanti her name at birth, and, because her parents deferred to Chinmoy absolutely, he essentially raised her.From early on, however, Jayanti Tamm felt unworthy of this elevated status. She was bored and fidgety during hours of meditation each day. She didn't like the daily commute between her family's house in Norwalk, Conn., owned by Guru, and the ashram in Queens, N.Y., also owned by Guru. She wanted a pet bunny, which she got, and a normal childhood, which she most certainly did not get.
"I had a restless mind," said Tamm, 38, in the comfortable living room of her Monmouth County home. "I kind of thought there was a problem. If I were the Chosen One, why wasn't I perfectly built for this discipleship? Either he didn't do a good job choosing me, or something was wrong with me. More likely, something was wrong with me."Meanwhile, the genial and charismatic Chinmoy was attracting disciples throughout the world. He led meditation groups, including one at the United Nations, where he had helped many of his disciples find employment, and he sponsored "peace concerts."
First came the hippies, like Tamm's parents, and then came the celebrities, such as Carlos Santana, Clarence Clemons and Roberta Flack. Even world leaders appeared to endorse Chinmoy's spiritual ideals, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa and Princess Diana all agreed to meet with Chinmoy.
"He was a master of public relations," Tamm said. "You go to his Web site, it looks so polished and fantastic. Here is a man who is about peace, and there's a quote from Nelson Mandela. What could be wrong with that?"
By Kelly-Jane Cotter
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
It was a throne reserved for their guru, Sri Chinmoy, a Bangladeshi who moved to Queens, N.Y., in 1964 and declared himself to be God on Earth. He claimed to be the highest avatar, holier than Vishnu, the Buddha, Muhammad or Jesus Christ. Her parents believed that, and raised Jayanti and her older half brother accordingly.
What's more, Jayanti herself was special. She was the Chosen One, a soul created to be Chinmoy's perfect disciple. Guru gave Jayanti her name at birth, and, because her parents deferred to Chinmoy absolutely, he essentially raised her.From early on, however, Jayanti Tamm felt unworthy of this elevated status. She was bored and fidgety during hours of meditation each day. She didn't like the daily commute between her family's house in Norwalk, Conn., owned by Guru, and the ashram in Queens, N.Y., also owned by Guru. She wanted a pet bunny, which she got, and a normal childhood, which she most certainly did not get.
"I had a restless mind," said Tamm, 38, in the comfortable living room of her Monmouth County home. "I kind of thought there was a problem. If I were the Chosen One, why wasn't I perfectly built for this discipleship? Either he didn't do a good job choosing me, or something was wrong with me. More likely, something was wrong with me."Meanwhile, the genial and charismatic Chinmoy was attracting disciples throughout the world. He led meditation groups, including one at the United Nations, where he had helped many of his disciples find employment, and he sponsored "peace concerts."
First came the hippies, like Tamm's parents, and then came the celebrities, such as Carlos Santana, Clarence Clemons and Roberta Flack. Even world leaders appeared to endorse Chinmoy's spiritual ideals, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa and Princess Diana all agreed to meet with Chinmoy.
"He was a master of public relations," Tamm said. "You go to his Web site, it looks so polished and fantastic. Here is a man who is about peace, and there's a quote from Nelson Mandela. What could be wrong with that?"
By Kelly-Jane Cotter
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND COMPASSION
Friday, 5 June 2009
When we have money we tend to build a bigger house and then we have to put a fence around it to keep people out, and then we have to become wary of anyone who wants to be our friend. The minute we have something we become very guarded and protective, and reluctant to share.
Does success make us any more likely to care? Does buying more make us happier or more generous? Or does it just make us want more? As Ed Begley Jr. says in our new book, Be the Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and the World (published Nov 3, 2009): "If stuff made us happy there would be nothing but happy people living in Bell Air and unhappy people living in Fiji where they have nothing, but I have been to Fiji and there are plenty of happy people there. I have never seen a hearse with a luggage rack on top!"
We were having tea with our good friend Marc Barasch. He is the author of many books, but his latest, The Compassionate Life, got us questioning what influence a recession has on our natural ability to be compassionate and caring about others. Does a failing economy make us less compassionate? Or can it actually make us more generous, kind and caring?
In response to our questioning, Marc asked, "Perhaps the first question we have to ask is, are people really compassionate in a so called successful economy? Does affluence make us any kinder or more caring?"
By Ed & Deb Shapiro
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Does success make us any more likely to care? Does buying more make us happier or more generous? Or does it just make us want more? As Ed Begley Jr. says in our new book, Be the Change: How Meditation Can Transform You and the World (published Nov 3, 2009): "If stuff made us happy there would be nothing but happy people living in Bell Air and unhappy people living in Fiji where they have nothing, but I have been to Fiji and there are plenty of happy people there. I have never seen a hearse with a luggage rack on top!"
We were having tea with our good friend Marc Barasch. He is the author of many books, but his latest, The Compassionate Life, got us questioning what influence a recession has on our natural ability to be compassionate and caring about others. Does a failing economy make us less compassionate? Or can it actually make us more generous, kind and caring?
In response to our questioning, Marc asked, "Perhaps the first question we have to ask is, are people really compassionate in a so called successful economy? Does affluence make us any kinder or more caring?"
By Ed & Deb Shapiro
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
RUNNING MEDITATION
Thursday, 4 June 2009
I've been a runner on and off for the last fifteen years. Last year I (slowly) ran the New York City Marathon. Today is national running day, and as a Buddhist Meditator I thought it would be appropriate to tackle the question "Is running meditation?" here at beliefnet. Folks who run will often say running is their meditation, or that running is zen, and I think it's worth examining these statements in light of what we know to be the benefits of a regular practice of sitting meditation. Since I have run hundreds if not thousands of miles, and I meditate daily, I feel that I can speak about this from a position of experience rather than speculation on this most holy of days, national running day.
I'm going to over generalize and say there are two things that are referered to as meditation, only one of which is truly meditation. There's a kind of "clear your head and bliss out" meditation- which is really a relaxation technique. Then there's meditation with the purpose of revealing the truth of interconnectedness and compassion. Blissing out and feeling good is not the same thing as removing crusty ego structures in pursuit of greater compassion. The kind of meditation espoused by Buddha (and really, the only thing he said you gotta do) is the "sit down, shut up, and pay attention without getting stuck in your thoughts" kind.
Sometimes after sitting, I do have kind of a chill, mellow feeling; but sometimes some pretty fearsome stuff comes up that does not leave me feeling at all blissed out. I have no expectation of one or the other, and merely try to be present with whatever comes up and to not follow too many distracting thoughts before returning to my breath. If I were sitting to bliss out, relax, or make myself feel chilled out, that would not only be a different kind of meditation it would also not do much to make me a more compassionate and "interdependent aware" person. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not what true contemplative practice is about, and should be thought of more as a relexation technique.
BY Beliefnet
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
I'm going to over generalize and say there are two things that are referered to as meditation, only one of which is truly meditation. There's a kind of "clear your head and bliss out" meditation- which is really a relaxation technique. Then there's meditation with the purpose of revealing the truth of interconnectedness and compassion. Blissing out and feeling good is not the same thing as removing crusty ego structures in pursuit of greater compassion. The kind of meditation espoused by Buddha (and really, the only thing he said you gotta do) is the "sit down, shut up, and pay attention without getting stuck in your thoughts" kind.
Sometimes after sitting, I do have kind of a chill, mellow feeling; but sometimes some pretty fearsome stuff comes up that does not leave me feeling at all blissed out. I have no expectation of one or the other, and merely try to be present with whatever comes up and to not follow too many distracting thoughts before returning to my breath. If I were sitting to bliss out, relax, or make myself feel chilled out, that would not only be a different kind of meditation it would also not do much to make me a more compassionate and "interdependent aware" person. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not what true contemplative practice is about, and should be thought of more as a relexation technique.
BY Beliefnet
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
ZEN MEDITATION CLASSES
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Monday evenings at Castle Rock AIKIDO in June!
These 30 minute, intensive Zen meditation classes are intended to succinctly cultivate a stronger sense of self awareness and rejuvenate one's spirit for the week ahead.
Here's what you'll get in these short bursts of intense Zen practice:
1. 10 min of sitting meditation (includes brief instruction)
2. 10 min of the ancient movement meditation of Qi Gong
3. 10 minutes of conscious mindfulness with discussion
Classes are led by "Kensho" Len Silverston. Len has been practicing, studying and applying various styles of meditation for 20 years, which has transformed his life. He is an authorized teacher of Zen through his instructor, Roshi Jun Po, a Zen master and lineage holder.
Len has co taught and led spiritual group sessions at numerous Zen retreats sponsored by Hollow Bones.org, attended nearly twenty, week long silent meditation retreats, and participated in dozens more multi day workshops and retreats.
By Sean Hannon
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
These 30 minute, intensive Zen meditation classes are intended to succinctly cultivate a stronger sense of self awareness and rejuvenate one's spirit for the week ahead.
Here's what you'll get in these short bursts of intense Zen practice:
1. 10 min of sitting meditation (includes brief instruction)
2. 10 min of the ancient movement meditation of Qi Gong
3. 10 minutes of conscious mindfulness with discussion
Classes are led by "Kensho" Len Silverston. Len has been practicing, studying and applying various styles of meditation for 20 years, which has transformed his life. He is an authorized teacher of Zen through his instructor, Roshi Jun Po, a Zen master and lineage holder.
Len has co taught and led spiritual group sessions at numerous Zen retreats sponsored by Hollow Bones.org, attended nearly twenty, week long silent meditation retreats, and participated in dozens more multi day workshops and retreats.
By Sean Hannon
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
ENERGY MEDITATIONS
Monday, 1 June 2009
Gordy Metcalf was puzzled.
After he and his wife returned to their Village of Tall Trees home from wellness sessions, his wife would tap specific areas of her body.
Nancy Metcalf said the taps served a purpose.
'She explained what she's doing and that she feels better,' Gordy said.
Gordy was intrigued, and decided a couple of months ago he would accompany his wife to Energy/Meditation Group gatherings.
'Anything that can make you feel better,' he said, 'is worth the effort.'
The Metcalfs were among about 35 people who took part Wednesday in the weekly Energy/Meditation Group session at Lake Miona Recreation Center.
Leader Nancie Leon said the sessions have a lot to do with harnessing the power of positive thinking.
'We happen to life. We are never victims of anything,' Leon said. 'We choose how we want to feel'.
'All of this knowledge has always been there,' Leon said, 'but now we are bringing it to our awareness.'
The two hour Energy/Meditation sessions are made up of two parts. The first part focuses on energy medicine.
'(We explore how to) be present and understand how to go about our day,' said Leon, a Village of Winifred resident.
For example, on Wednesday the group did muscle testing using kinesiology.
By JILL SHERMAN
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
After he and his wife returned to their Village of Tall Trees home from wellness sessions, his wife would tap specific areas of her body.
Nancy Metcalf said the taps served a purpose.
'She explained what she's doing and that she feels better,' Gordy said.
Gordy was intrigued, and decided a couple of months ago he would accompany his wife to Energy/Meditation Group gatherings.
'Anything that can make you feel better,' he said, 'is worth the effort.'
The Metcalfs were among about 35 people who took part Wednesday in the weekly Energy/Meditation Group session at Lake Miona Recreation Center.
Leader Nancie Leon said the sessions have a lot to do with harnessing the power of positive thinking.
'We happen to life. We are never victims of anything,' Leon said. 'We choose how we want to feel'.
'All of this knowledge has always been there,' Leon said, 'but now we are bringing it to our awareness.'
The two hour Energy/Meditation sessions are made up of two parts. The first part focuses on energy medicine.
'(We explore how to) be present and understand how to go about our day,' said Leon, a Village of Winifred resident.
For example, on Wednesday the group did muscle testing using kinesiology.
By JILL SHERMAN
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND CHILDREN
Friday, 29 May 2009
And now we bring you a lighthearted story about how one Russian family became closer after taking up one popular Chinese meditation practice. Our Moscow bureau files this report.
Kristina learned about Falun Dafa from her mom, she's been practicing for three years now.
[Kristina Usvyazova, Falun Dafa Practitioner]:
'Before, I had a difficult time in school, everyone picked on me. When I live according to the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance I can handle it all, and I'm able to not be mad at them. I began noticing that I get picked on less.'
Kristina's brother says that because of Falun Dafa there has been a positive change in his relationship with his sister.
[Artem Usvyazov, Falun Dafa Practitioner]:
'Our relationship used to be bad, but it became better. We began helping each other. My sister and I started to treat each other better and help one another.'
Kristina gladly performs Falun Dafa exercises. Her grandmother talks about their effect.
[Fenia Pak, Grandmother]:
'It helps to maintain health, she almost never gets ill. According to her, she has a strong immunity. But really, it is because she practices Falun Dafa and each day tries to be better and kinder.'
Demonstration of the exercises attracts attention of the passerbys. Some like repeating the slow movements.
[Ivan Potary, Student]:
'I think that they will improve your health, especially since it all takes place outside. I would like to participate, but first I need to learn.'
It seems that one can practice self improvement at any age. The youngest participant of this event is 4 year old Asya who performs the exercises along with the grown-ups.
[Asya Tsigun, Falun Dafa Practitioner]:
'Because there is kindness, because they are good.'
Currently, Falun Dafa is being practiced in over 100 countries around the world.
By NTD
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Kristina learned about Falun Dafa from her mom, she's been practicing for three years now.
[Kristina Usvyazova, Falun Dafa Practitioner]:
'Before, I had a difficult time in school, everyone picked on me. When I live according to the principles of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance I can handle it all, and I'm able to not be mad at them. I began noticing that I get picked on less.'
Kristina's brother says that because of Falun Dafa there has been a positive change in his relationship with his sister.
[Artem Usvyazov, Falun Dafa Practitioner]:
'Our relationship used to be bad, but it became better. We began helping each other. My sister and I started to treat each other better and help one another.'
Kristina gladly performs Falun Dafa exercises. Her grandmother talks about their effect.
[Fenia Pak, Grandmother]:
'It helps to maintain health, she almost never gets ill. According to her, she has a strong immunity. But really, it is because she practices Falun Dafa and each day tries to be better and kinder.'
Demonstration of the exercises attracts attention of the passerbys. Some like repeating the slow movements.
[Ivan Potary, Student]:
'I think that they will improve your health, especially since it all takes place outside. I would like to participate, but first I need to learn.'
It seems that one can practice self improvement at any age. The youngest participant of this event is 4 year old Asya who performs the exercises along with the grown-ups.
[Asya Tsigun, Falun Dafa Practitioner]:
'Because there is kindness, because they are good.'
Currently, Falun Dafa is being practiced in over 100 countries around the world.
By NTD
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND YOGA CLASSES
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Sri Shakti Mahila Yoga Centre will conduct yogasana, pranayama and meditation classes for women at Sri Ganapathi Temple in Kuvempunagar from June 4 between 4 pm and 5 pm. Call 9008139297.
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A MEDITATION APP
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Ian Bogost, developer and video game theory blogger, brought an iPhone port of his retro inspired Guru Meditation [link] to the App Store. In an unusual twist, it's a port of his Atari 2600 based original title…that is also a new release. While Guru Meditation is a relaxation/meditation game designed to offer the player an opportunity for clarity of mind, the inspiration of the title is largely to pay homage to the Amiga lore of the early 1980s.
Backstory in a nutshell: In 1982 Larry Kaplan of Activision formed a team to create the ultimate video game machine. His choice for chief engineer was Jay Miner, creator of the (then) highly advanced custom graphics chipset used in the Atari 8-bit line of computers. Due to the videogame crash of 1983, the strategy shifted and the (then) enormously powerful Amiga custom hardware was adapted for release as a computer, the Amiga 1000. A decade ahead of its time, the amazing Amiga knew no peer as far as its price/performance ratio.
boardofjoyDuring development of the system, Amiga released several joystick products for the Atari 2600 line to fund the project and get the Amiga name out there. One of these was the Joyboard, a device the player would stand on to control games by shifting body weight. Think Wii Balance Board, 25 years earlier. The Amiga programmers developed an internal game called Zen Meditation that challenged the player to sit perfectly still upon the Joyboard. If the player moved, a "Guru Meditation error" would occurr. Inspired by this game, the Amiga team labelled the Amiga computer's equivalent of the Blue Screen of Death "Guru Meditation."
By Blake Patterson
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Backstory in a nutshell: In 1982 Larry Kaplan of Activision formed a team to create the ultimate video game machine. His choice for chief engineer was Jay Miner, creator of the (then) highly advanced custom graphics chipset used in the Atari 8-bit line of computers. Due to the videogame crash of 1983, the strategy shifted and the (then) enormously powerful Amiga custom hardware was adapted for release as a computer, the Amiga 1000. A decade ahead of its time, the amazing Amiga knew no peer as far as its price/performance ratio.
boardofjoyDuring development of the system, Amiga released several joystick products for the Atari 2600 line to fund the project and get the Amiga name out there. One of these was the Joyboard, a device the player would stand on to control games by shifting body weight. Think Wii Balance Board, 25 years earlier. The Amiga programmers developed an internal game called Zen Meditation that challenged the player to sit perfectly still upon the Joyboard. If the player moved, a "Guru Meditation error" would occurr. Inspired by this game, the Amiga team labelled the Amiga computer's equivalent of the Blue Screen of Death "Guru Meditation."
By Blake Patterson
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
SHOULD CHILDREN MEDITATE?
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Are children too young to meditate? Not if they're instructed properly in just the basics of meditation and with techniques that are in keeping with the mental developments of their respective ages, say experts. Dr Nirmala Ganla, one such Vipassana instructor says, "The Anapana meditation which is a prelude to Vipassana is meant specifically for children. Anapana is all about breath observance and is a calming technique for children who get into stressful situations on a day to day basis."
Numbo jumboAccording to estimates from the Vipassana Foundation, approximately 60,000 children in nearly 20 countries learned Anapana meditation in 2008.
Says Ramnath Shenoy co ordinator for children's courses in Mumbai, "The Anapana course is meant for those between the ages of eight and 18 years and we try to keep the course as simple as possible." While the course is a capsule of six hours spread from morning to evening, children are encouraged to follow up by meditatating on their own every day for 10 minutes in the morning and evening.
Says Aditya Tejpal a Vipassana practitioner who has sent his nine and a half year old son Saatvik for several such courses, "All that it takes for my son is to spend a few minutes in the morning and evening. The immediate effect is to make him a bit more relaxed, calm and aware. It is a mental exercise that like physical exercise, has to be repeated day after day for a noticeable and long term effect."
Concludes Ganla "Meditation for children is a delicate issue. Since it deals with the mind it can harm children if they don't learn it properly. Hence we take every precaution to see that the course techniques are properly communicated to them."
By Ashish Virmani
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Numbo jumboAccording to estimates from the Vipassana Foundation, approximately 60,000 children in nearly 20 countries learned Anapana meditation in 2008.
Says Ramnath Shenoy co ordinator for children's courses in Mumbai, "The Anapana course is meant for those between the ages of eight and 18 years and we try to keep the course as simple as possible." While the course is a capsule of six hours spread from morning to evening, children are encouraged to follow up by meditatating on their own every day for 10 minutes in the morning and evening.
Says Aditya Tejpal a Vipassana practitioner who has sent his nine and a half year old son Saatvik for several such courses, "All that it takes for my son is to spend a few minutes in the morning and evening. The immediate effect is to make him a bit more relaxed, calm and aware. It is a mental exercise that like physical exercise, has to be repeated day after day for a noticeable and long term effect."
Concludes Ganla "Meditation for children is a delicate issue. Since it deals with the mind it can harm children if they don't learn it properly. Hence we take every precaution to see that the course techniques are properly communicated to them."
By Ashish Virmani
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
BIBLE MEDITATIONS
Friday, 22 May 2009
Depending on what version of the Bible you use, the word meditate appears about fifteen times in the Old Testament. (It's not used at all in the New Testament.) Fourteen of the Old Testament uses are in the Psalms, six in Psalm 119.
The one reference to meditate not in a psalm is a famous line from the opening of the book of Joshua. Moses has just died, and God speaks to Joshua, who will be leading the people of Israel into their Promised Land:
"Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. . . . I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! . . . Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed." (Joshua 1:2 8)
We can learn some things about the concept of meditation from this passage. To meditate means to keep something in mind, in fact, to keep it in the front of your mind. God tells Joshua that his success at leading the people into Canaan is tied to his meditation on the books of Moses (commonly understood to be Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
By Beliefnet
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The one reference to meditate not in a psalm is a famous line from the opening of the book of Joshua. Moses has just died, and God speaks to Joshua, who will be leading the people of Israel into their Promised Land:
"Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. . . . I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! . . . Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed." (Joshua 1:2 8)
We can learn some things about the concept of meditation from this passage. To meditate means to keep something in mind, in fact, to keep it in the front of your mind. God tells Joshua that his success at leading the people into Canaan is tied to his meditation on the books of Moses (commonly understood to be Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
By Beliefnet
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION RETREAT IN SPAIN
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Now what's the golden nugget in today's busy, overly stimulated, hyper connected society?
Neo believes silence is golden and can help to lead one to finding solutions to personal challenges, whether presented by economic stress, relationship discord, life change.
May 20th 2009, New York, Neo's Silence, Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Andalucia, Spain, July 5th/12th 2009, features two days of guided silence and meditation to help people deal with stressful or transitory situations, such as those thrown up by the current economic crisis.
An experienced yoga teacher who runs yoga retreats in various worldwide locations, Neo believes that the combination of guided silence, meditation and yoga is highly effective in gaining insight:
'In turbulent times stress can cause the mind to go into survival mode which, ironically, often prevents it from finding a way out of a difficult situation. Insight and solutions can be revealed in moments of quiet contemplation, reflection and deep relaxation acquired through silence, yoga and meditation.'
The path to achieving insight, or what many call the 'Aha!' moment, is an area of interest for many psychologists and scientists including cognitive neuroscientist John Kounios who states:
'If you want to encourage insights, then you've got to also encourage people to relax'.
Through a number of studies, published in 2004 and 2006, Kounios and Mark Jung-Beeman, a cognitive neuroscientist at Northwestern University, observed that focusing on letting the mind 'wander' in a relaxed state is the real key to achieving insight. Neo incorporates this philosophy in his teaching and uses silence and meditation to facilitate this kind of 'brain wandering' to access insight and solutions.
With the global recession now hitting hard, many people are finding themselves in unforeseen transitory situations which can be extremely unsettling and difficult to navigate unaided. Neo's retreat gently guides its participants and equips them with useful strategies to relax, re evaluate their goals, find clarity and their own individual path to contentment.
By YogaWithNeo.com
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Neo believes silence is golden and can help to lead one to finding solutions to personal challenges, whether presented by economic stress, relationship discord, life change.
May 20th 2009, New York, Neo's Silence, Meditation and Yoga Retreat in Andalucia, Spain, July 5th/12th 2009, features two days of guided silence and meditation to help people deal with stressful or transitory situations, such as those thrown up by the current economic crisis.
An experienced yoga teacher who runs yoga retreats in various worldwide locations, Neo believes that the combination of guided silence, meditation and yoga is highly effective in gaining insight:
'In turbulent times stress can cause the mind to go into survival mode which, ironically, often prevents it from finding a way out of a difficult situation. Insight and solutions can be revealed in moments of quiet contemplation, reflection and deep relaxation acquired through silence, yoga and meditation.'
The path to achieving insight, or what many call the 'Aha!' moment, is an area of interest for many psychologists and scientists including cognitive neuroscientist John Kounios who states:
'If you want to encourage insights, then you've got to also encourage people to relax'.
Through a number of studies, published in 2004 and 2006, Kounios and Mark Jung-Beeman, a cognitive neuroscientist at Northwestern University, observed that focusing on letting the mind 'wander' in a relaxed state is the real key to achieving insight. Neo incorporates this philosophy in his teaching and uses silence and meditation to facilitate this kind of 'brain wandering' to access insight and solutions.
With the global recession now hitting hard, many people are finding themselves in unforeseen transitory situations which can be extremely unsettling and difficult to navigate unaided. Neo's retreat gently guides its participants and equips them with useful strategies to relax, re evaluate their goals, find clarity and their own individual path to contentment.
By YogaWithNeo.com
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
SAD NEWS....
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
A yoga legend, Pattabhi Jois, just passed away. He was 93 years old, and was an icon in the yoga community, and especially the ashtanga yoga community of which he is considered the modern founder.
Personally, I had the great opportunity to teach meditation at the Yoga Journal conference this past weekend, and I am constantly reminded of the mutual interdependence of meditation and yoga practice. They have both been of such benefit to me, and one of the great lions of the yoga world has passed.
Did you ever study with Pattabhi Jois (aka Guruji)? Do you practice yoga? Do you meditate? How have they influenced you?
I know something of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, as one of my main yoga teachers considers him a big influence, but if anyone has any remembrances or factual tidbits about the man, please post in the comments section.
By http://blog.beliefnet.com
Personally, I had the great opportunity to teach meditation at the Yoga Journal conference this past weekend, and I am constantly reminded of the mutual interdependence of meditation and yoga practice. They have both been of such benefit to me, and one of the great lions of the yoga world has passed.
Did you ever study with Pattabhi Jois (aka Guruji)? Do you practice yoga? Do you meditate? How have they influenced you?
I know something of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, as one of my main yoga teachers considers him a big influence, but if anyone has any remembrances or factual tidbits about the man, please post in the comments section.
By http://blog.beliefnet.com
MEDITATION AS A PHONE GAME....
Monday, 18 May 2009
As a rule we try to keep to iPhone news here at iPhone Otaku, but Guru Meditation transcends platforms old and new. Meet the iPhone's first hybrid of the Amiga, Atari 2600, Wii and WiiFit.
If you're an old Amiga gamer, as I am, the term 'guru meditation' will bring back memories good and bad. Good, because it reminds you of a wonderful age of gaming focused on the Commodore Amiga, and bad because seeing a guru meditation flash up on the screen meant your awesome Amiga had just crashed.
So, what does a game called Guru Meditation have to do with all these classic and new gaming platforms? Well, it's an ambitious project by developer Ian Bogost, which brings an Atari 2600 game of the same name to the iPhone. Yet the Atari 2600 game is actually a new game that Ian's put together and installed on a cartridge for those of us who still their beautiful wood veneer consoles.
On top of all this Guru Meditation revives an Amiga made peripheral released in 1982 for the Atari 2600 called the Joyboard (this is before Commodore bought Amiga and released its wonderful gaming home computer), which is essentially a more primitive version of the WiiFit. Basically a joystick that you stand on, Guru Meditation puts this woefully underused peripheral into action in a rather surreal yoga-based game. The game involves sitting cross legged on the Joyboard while remaining as motionless as possible. By keeping still, the yogi on screen begins to float, move, and his concentration is broken and he floats back to Earth.Still with me? Good.
So, Ian's actually selling a limited number of complete Atari 2600 kits, complete with Guru Meditation on a cartridge, and bundled with the Joyboard, over on his site. And to help drum up a little extra interest in Guru Meditation, he's released an adaptation for the iPhone. Developing any iPhone game is no small task, but there aren't many that can boast quite such a fascinating and convoluted lineage as Guru Meditation. The iPhone version works in the same way; requiring you to sit in motionless meditation to allow the yogi to rise to video game enlightenment, and, on the iPhone only, also includes keeping as quiet as possible so as not to break his contemplation of the emptiness of cyberspace.
By Hattori Hanzo
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
If you're an old Amiga gamer, as I am, the term 'guru meditation' will bring back memories good and bad. Good, because it reminds you of a wonderful age of gaming focused on the Commodore Amiga, and bad because seeing a guru meditation flash up on the screen meant your awesome Amiga had just crashed.
So, what does a game called Guru Meditation have to do with all these classic and new gaming platforms? Well, it's an ambitious project by developer Ian Bogost, which brings an Atari 2600 game of the same name to the iPhone. Yet the Atari 2600 game is actually a new game that Ian's put together and installed on a cartridge for those of us who still their beautiful wood veneer consoles.
On top of all this Guru Meditation revives an Amiga made peripheral released in 1982 for the Atari 2600 called the Joyboard (this is before Commodore bought Amiga and released its wonderful gaming home computer), which is essentially a more primitive version of the WiiFit. Basically a joystick that you stand on, Guru Meditation puts this woefully underused peripheral into action in a rather surreal yoga-based game. The game involves sitting cross legged on the Joyboard while remaining as motionless as possible. By keeping still, the yogi on screen begins to float, move, and his concentration is broken and he floats back to Earth.Still with me? Good.
So, Ian's actually selling a limited number of complete Atari 2600 kits, complete with Guru Meditation on a cartridge, and bundled with the Joyboard, over on his site. And to help drum up a little extra interest in Guru Meditation, he's released an adaptation for the iPhone. Developing any iPhone game is no small task, but there aren't many that can boast quite such a fascinating and convoluted lineage as Guru Meditation. The iPhone version works in the same way; requiring you to sit in motionless meditation to allow the yogi to rise to video game enlightenment, and, on the iPhone only, also includes keeping as quiet as possible so as not to break his contemplation of the emptiness of cyberspace.
By Hattori Hanzo
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
THE BRAIN AND MEDITATION
Saturday, 16 May 2009
New research claims that 'meditation could make you more intelligent as it boosts the size of your brain', reported The Daily Telegraph. It said that research found that brain scans revealed 'significantly larger' amounts of grey matter in long term meditators.
This small study compared the brain anatomy of 22 people who meditated with 22 people who didn't (controls). Although it did find some small differences in some parts of the brain, there were also many non-significant results. Overall brain size was not any larger in the meditators.
Importantly, the researchers themselves acknowledge that to establish if meditation actually causes changes in brain anatomy, it would be necessary to look at the brains of meditators and non-meditators over a period of time.
Where did the story come from?
The study was carried out by Dr Eileen Luders and colleagues from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine and the University of Jena. The research was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal NeuroImage.
What kind of scientific study was this?
This brain imaging study investigated whether people who meditate have different brain anatomy to those who do not.
In total, 44 people were recruited to the study. The researchers recruited 25 active meditation practitioners through referrals and adverts at various meditation venues. Three practitioners were excluded for having brain abnormalities, leaving 22 people in the meditation group. This group was then matched for age and gender with 22 adults sourced through a database of normal adults called the International Consortium for Brain Mapping (ICBM).
By http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/05May/Pages/Meditationandbraingrowth.aspx
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
This small study compared the brain anatomy of 22 people who meditated with 22 people who didn't (controls). Although it did find some small differences in some parts of the brain, there were also many non-significant results. Overall brain size was not any larger in the meditators.
Importantly, the researchers themselves acknowledge that to establish if meditation actually causes changes in brain anatomy, it would be necessary to look at the brains of meditators and non-meditators over a period of time.
Where did the story come from?
The study was carried out by Dr Eileen Luders and colleagues from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine and the University of Jena. The research was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal NeuroImage.
What kind of scientific study was this?
This brain imaging study investigated whether people who meditate have different brain anatomy to those who do not.
In total, 44 people were recruited to the study. The researchers recruited 25 active meditation practitioners through referrals and adverts at various meditation venues. Three practitioners were excluded for having brain abnormalities, leaving 22 people in the meditation group. This group was then matched for age and gender with 22 adults sourced through a database of normal adults called the International Consortium for Brain Mapping (ICBM).
By http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/05May/Pages/Meditationandbraingrowth.aspx
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
WINE AS A MEDITATION?
Friday, 15 May 2009
Yoga is great for meditation but wine tasting can be meditative too when carried out in a proper room setting with certain types of wines in a conducive atmosphere as I found out during tasting of Barbaresco and Roero docg wines in Alba as a part of the Alba Wine Festival organised by Albeisa recently.
It is well established that after tasting 30 to 40 wines, the motor activity shifts to a lower gear despite the swishing and spitting of wine, as every sip does entail a few drops of the liquid getting into the system with tannins refusing to leave the palate and alcohol doing its dirty tricks.
But visualise a tasting room setting with a comfortable room temperature of 22 to 25º C and a room with bare white walls, white table cloth and most of the wines which are being tasted blind, wrapped in a silver foil with each taster having his own personal desk for tasting by himself. Also imagine that the wines to be tasted are similar in style and grapes, say a Barbaresco 1999 or a Roero docg 1999. The room is quiet where the only sound is made by the sommeliers bringing in new flights of wines or the spittoons are being emptied with fresh replacements.
You are just a few steps from getting into a meditative state provided you don't have to score the wines for medals to be awarded by a jury of multiple numbers and you don't have to worry if the wines are to be awarded any medals. The wines are not irritatingly tannic or astringent. In short, you taste a set of similar wines for your personal pleasure and rating.
You don't even have to score or star rate the wines if you don't want to because the score or the points are meant only for helping you to understand the style, wine, grapes and other relevant characteristics of wine.
Under such circumstances and in an atmosphere like the ambience created by the organisers of Alba Wine Festival hosted by Albeisa to taste Barbaresco and Roero reds, the state of mind was really in a focussed zone where one felt quite meditative a condition when the alpha level of mind dominates, when all your troubles seem so far away, when you seem to concentrate on wines but not stressing yourselves.
That's when you are meditating. That, at least, is what I felt tasting the 70 odd wines one morning when the wines from both regions were generally fine and well rounded with ripe tannins. With more than a few drops of alcohol finding their way in the belly with every spitting ritual, the brain could focus more easily on the job at hand with a relaxed mind and I felt in a zone, the meditative zone.
Alas, the same did not repeat the next day when I was to perform the pleasant chore of rating Barolos which were fuller bodied, more powerful and still quite tannic and that interfered with my meditative mood.
By Subhash Arora
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
It is well established that after tasting 30 to 40 wines, the motor activity shifts to a lower gear despite the swishing and spitting of wine, as every sip does entail a few drops of the liquid getting into the system with tannins refusing to leave the palate and alcohol doing its dirty tricks.
But visualise a tasting room setting with a comfortable room temperature of 22 to 25º C and a room with bare white walls, white table cloth and most of the wines which are being tasted blind, wrapped in a silver foil with each taster having his own personal desk for tasting by himself. Also imagine that the wines to be tasted are similar in style and grapes, say a Barbaresco 1999 or a Roero docg 1999. The room is quiet where the only sound is made by the sommeliers bringing in new flights of wines or the spittoons are being emptied with fresh replacements.
You are just a few steps from getting into a meditative state provided you don't have to score the wines for medals to be awarded by a jury of multiple numbers and you don't have to worry if the wines are to be awarded any medals. The wines are not irritatingly tannic or astringent. In short, you taste a set of similar wines for your personal pleasure and rating.
You don't even have to score or star rate the wines if you don't want to because the score or the points are meant only for helping you to understand the style, wine, grapes and other relevant characteristics of wine.
Under such circumstances and in an atmosphere like the ambience created by the organisers of Alba Wine Festival hosted by Albeisa to taste Barbaresco and Roero reds, the state of mind was really in a focussed zone where one felt quite meditative a condition when the alpha level of mind dominates, when all your troubles seem so far away, when you seem to concentrate on wines but not stressing yourselves.
That's when you are meditating. That, at least, is what I felt tasting the 70 odd wines one morning when the wines from both regions were generally fine and well rounded with ripe tannins. With more than a few drops of alcohol finding their way in the belly with every spitting ritual, the brain could focus more easily on the job at hand with a relaxed mind and I felt in a zone, the meditative zone.
Alas, the same did not repeat the next day when I was to perform the pleasant chore of rating Barolos which were fuller bodied, more powerful and still quite tannic and that interfered with my meditative mood.
By Subhash Arora
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
TESTING MEDITATION
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Dear Editor,
Meditation as a crime fighting tool? Why not?
Back in 1993, the Transcendental Meditation folks conducted a closely scrutinized scientific experiment to determine whether TM (and, by extension, any form of meditation) has an effect on violent crime (homicides, rapes and assaults). Over the course of eight weeks, TMers from all over the country started arriving and meditating in the nation's capital. By the last week, the maximum number of meditators was reached with a count of 3,800 in a city with 550,000 residents at the time. (For us math buffs, that is only .7 percent of the population.) Violent crime levels had been dropping throughout the test period. During that last week, violent crime was down almost 25 percent. Pretty good results from simple deliberate sitting. Learn more at http://istpp.org/crime_prevention/.
In these rapidly changing times, it may make sense to divert some police funding (dealing with problems) to a meditation program (preventing problems). For example, we could create a program of incentives that encourages 2 percent of Milpitas residents (70,000 x 2 percent = 1,400) to meditate on a regular basis. The expected crime reduction should be enough to reduce our police force by one position (at least) that would free $100,000 to fund the program.
Or, how about teaching our students to meditate? If we could cool down the hot tempers of some of our at risk students, we would all benefit. Sounds like the low hanging fruit to me. It must also appear that way to the school district that has already instituted a new meditation program at Milpitas High School and plans a nine week seminar at Cal Hills. Entitled Youth Empowerment Seminar, the program teaches our students the tools and techniques to increase their learning and coping capacity. For a touchy feely guy like me, the subjects mentioned on their Web site are good skills to teach young people Social Emotional Learning, Service Learning, and Value of Silence. Learn more, and be inspired, at http://youthempowermentseminar.org.
The problem with including this kind of meditation/human values training as part of a regular school curriculum is that the state doesn't provide money for it. So, the YES folks must seek funding. In addition to the grant application approach, they are sponsoring a yogathon. Here's their opening statement: "Runners run together for marathons; musicians band together for benefit concerts, it's time for us to stretch together for the Bay Area's first ever mega Yogathon event!" From their Web site, the event sounds like a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and evening. The IAHV Yogathon happens on Saturday, May 30 at Baylands Park, 999 E Caribbean Drive, Sunnyvale. Get details at http://yogathon.iahv.org/ As they say "Beginners to Seasoned Yogis everyone can participate!"
I think this YES program is so important that, even if I can't attend, I will sponsor a Yogathoner. I hope you will too.
By Rob Means
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Meditation as a crime fighting tool? Why not?
Back in 1993, the Transcendental Meditation folks conducted a closely scrutinized scientific experiment to determine whether TM (and, by extension, any form of meditation) has an effect on violent crime (homicides, rapes and assaults). Over the course of eight weeks, TMers from all over the country started arriving and meditating in the nation's capital. By the last week, the maximum number of meditators was reached with a count of 3,800 in a city with 550,000 residents at the time. (For us math buffs, that is only .7 percent of the population.) Violent crime levels had been dropping throughout the test period. During that last week, violent crime was down almost 25 percent. Pretty good results from simple deliberate sitting. Learn more at http://istpp.org/crime_prevention/.
In these rapidly changing times, it may make sense to divert some police funding (dealing with problems) to a meditation program (preventing problems). For example, we could create a program of incentives that encourages 2 percent of Milpitas residents (70,000 x 2 percent = 1,400) to meditate on a regular basis. The expected crime reduction should be enough to reduce our police force by one position (at least) that would free $100,000 to fund the program.
Or, how about teaching our students to meditate? If we could cool down the hot tempers of some of our at risk students, we would all benefit. Sounds like the low hanging fruit to me. It must also appear that way to the school district that has already instituted a new meditation program at Milpitas High School and plans a nine week seminar at Cal Hills. Entitled Youth Empowerment Seminar, the program teaches our students the tools and techniques to increase their learning and coping capacity. For a touchy feely guy like me, the subjects mentioned on their Web site are good skills to teach young people Social Emotional Learning, Service Learning, and Value of Silence. Learn more, and be inspired, at http://youthempowermentseminar.org.
The problem with including this kind of meditation/human values training as part of a regular school curriculum is that the state doesn't provide money for it. So, the YES folks must seek funding. In addition to the grant application approach, they are sponsoring a yogathon. Here's their opening statement: "Runners run together for marathons; musicians band together for benefit concerts, it's time for us to stretch together for the Bay Area's first ever mega Yogathon event!" From their Web site, the event sounds like a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and evening. The IAHV Yogathon happens on Saturday, May 30 at Baylands Park, 999 E Caribbean Drive, Sunnyvale. Get details at http://yogathon.iahv.org/ As they say "Beginners to Seasoned Yogis everyone can participate!"
I think this YES program is so important that, even if I can't attend, I will sponsor a Yogathoner. I hope you will too.
By Rob Means
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
TYPES OF MEDITATION
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
There are so many different types of meditation. How many? Who knows, but enough so that you can find the one that's right for you. To get your search started, here are six types of meditation you can try.
1. Breath watching. Can meditating be as simple as paying attention to your breath for a few minutes? You bet. Relax in whatever position works best for you, close your eyes and start to pay attention to your breathing. Breathing through your nose gets your diaphragm involved and gets oxygen all the way to the bottom of your lungs. As your mind wanders, just re focus your attention on the air going in and out of your nose. Just do this for several minutes, or longer as you get used to it.
2. An empty mind meditation. Meditating can create a kind of "awareness without object," an emptying of all thoughts from your mind. The techniques for doing this involve sitting still, often in a "full lotus" or cross legged position, and letting the mind go silent on its own. It can be difficult, particularly since any effort seems to just cause more business in the mind.
3. Walking meditations. This one gets the body involved. It can be outside or simply as a back and forth pacing in a room. Pay attention to the movement of your legs and breathing and body as you walk, and to the feeling of your feet contacting the ground. When your mind wanders, just keep bringing it back to the process of walking and breathing. Meditating outside in this way can be difficult because of the distractions. If you do it outside, find a quiet place with level ground.
4. Mindfulness meditation. A practice Buddhists call vipassana or insight meditation, mindfulness is the art of becoming deeply aware of what is here right now. You focus on what's happening in and around you at this very moment, and become aware of all the thoughts and feelings that are taking your energy from moment to moment. You can start by watching your breath, and then move your attention to the thoughts going through your mind, the feelings in your body, and even the sounds and sights around you. The key is to watch without judging or analyzing.
5. Simple mantra meditation. Many people find it easier to keep their mind from wandering if they concentrate on something specific. A mantra can help. This is a word or phrase you repeat as you sit in meditation, and is chosen for you by an experienced master in some traditions. If you are working on this alone, you can use any word or phrase that works for you, and can choose to either repeat it aloud or in your head as you meditate.
6. Meditating on a concept. Some meditative practices involve contemplation of an idea or scenario. An example is the "meditation on impermanence," in which you focus on the impermanent nature of all things, starting with your thoughts and feelings as they come and go. In the Buddhist "meditation on the corpse," you think about a body in the ground, as it slowly rots away and is fed on by worms. The technique is used to guide you to an understanding that your rationalizing mind might not bring you to.
There are many other meditations you can try, such as the "meditation on loving kindness" or "object" meditation, and even meditating using brain wave entrainment products. Each type has its own advantages and effects. For this reason, you may find that at different times and for different purposes you want to use several different types of meditation.
By Dnyanesh Sonawane
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
1. Breath watching. Can meditating be as simple as paying attention to your breath for a few minutes? You bet. Relax in whatever position works best for you, close your eyes and start to pay attention to your breathing. Breathing through your nose gets your diaphragm involved and gets oxygen all the way to the bottom of your lungs. As your mind wanders, just re focus your attention on the air going in and out of your nose. Just do this for several minutes, or longer as you get used to it.
2. An empty mind meditation. Meditating can create a kind of "awareness without object," an emptying of all thoughts from your mind. The techniques for doing this involve sitting still, often in a "full lotus" or cross legged position, and letting the mind go silent on its own. It can be difficult, particularly since any effort seems to just cause more business in the mind.
3. Walking meditations. This one gets the body involved. It can be outside or simply as a back and forth pacing in a room. Pay attention to the movement of your legs and breathing and body as you walk, and to the feeling of your feet contacting the ground. When your mind wanders, just keep bringing it back to the process of walking and breathing. Meditating outside in this way can be difficult because of the distractions. If you do it outside, find a quiet place with level ground.
4. Mindfulness meditation. A practice Buddhists call vipassana or insight meditation, mindfulness is the art of becoming deeply aware of what is here right now. You focus on what's happening in and around you at this very moment, and become aware of all the thoughts and feelings that are taking your energy from moment to moment. You can start by watching your breath, and then move your attention to the thoughts going through your mind, the feelings in your body, and even the sounds and sights around you. The key is to watch without judging or analyzing.
5. Simple mantra meditation. Many people find it easier to keep their mind from wandering if they concentrate on something specific. A mantra can help. This is a word or phrase you repeat as you sit in meditation, and is chosen for you by an experienced master in some traditions. If you are working on this alone, you can use any word or phrase that works for you, and can choose to either repeat it aloud or in your head as you meditate.
6. Meditating on a concept. Some meditative practices involve contemplation of an idea or scenario. An example is the "meditation on impermanence," in which you focus on the impermanent nature of all things, starting with your thoughts and feelings as they come and go. In the Buddhist "meditation on the corpse," you think about a body in the ground, as it slowly rots away and is fed on by worms. The technique is used to guide you to an understanding that your rationalizing mind might not bring you to.
There are many other meditations you can try, such as the "meditation on loving kindness" or "object" meditation, and even meditating using brain wave entrainment products. Each type has its own advantages and effects. For this reason, you may find that at different times and for different purposes you want to use several different types of meditation.
By Dnyanesh Sonawane
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
A STANDING MEDITATION
Monday, 11 May 2009
Under colorful bouquets of balloons and bright yellow banners proclaiming 'World Falun Dafa Day,' New York area practitioners of the meditation and exercise practice Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, sat quietly in meditation on Saturday morning in Union Square Park. The several hundred meditators some young, some old, many Chinese, and also many of other ethnicities then stood up and practiced the slow moving Falun Gong exercises in unison.
World Falun Dafa Day, which is officially on May 13, has been a day of celebration for Falun Gong practitioners around the world for the past 10 years.
As gentle music floated through the air, the practitioners moved slowly in unison, with their arms moving gracefully up and down. For a standing meditation exercise, they stood still, with their arms in a circular 'wheel holding' position.
Following the exercise demonstration, two cheerful emcees welcomed people to join the celebration and learn more about the practice, which originated in China and is now practiced in many countries around the world.
According to Falun Dafa Information Center representative Levi Browde, Mr. Li Hongzhi first introduced the practice to the public in 1992 in the Northeast region of China. Mr. Browde said that the practice has its roots in ancient China, extending thousands of years in Chinese history.
Mr. Li, or 'Master Li' as he is called by practitioners, held free seminars around China for two years and the practice quickly gained widespread popularity. The practice consists of slow and gentle exercise, meditation, and the daily practice of 'cultivating' oneself according to three core principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance.
Millions of Chinese people reported experiencing positive results in their lives, including improved health, happiness, and harmony in their families. By early 1999, there were an estimated 70 million to 100 million practitioners in China alone.
By Tim McDevitt
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
World Falun Dafa Day, which is officially on May 13, has been a day of celebration for Falun Gong practitioners around the world for the past 10 years.
As gentle music floated through the air, the practitioners moved slowly in unison, with their arms moving gracefully up and down. For a standing meditation exercise, they stood still, with their arms in a circular 'wheel holding' position.
Following the exercise demonstration, two cheerful emcees welcomed people to join the celebration and learn more about the practice, which originated in China and is now practiced in many countries around the world.
According to Falun Dafa Information Center representative Levi Browde, Mr. Li Hongzhi first introduced the practice to the public in 1992 in the Northeast region of China. Mr. Browde said that the practice has its roots in ancient China, extending thousands of years in Chinese history.
Mr. Li, or 'Master Li' as he is called by practitioners, held free seminars around China for two years and the practice quickly gained widespread popularity. The practice consists of slow and gentle exercise, meditation, and the daily practice of 'cultivating' oneself according to three core principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance.
Millions of Chinese people reported experiencing positive results in their lives, including improved health, happiness, and harmony in their families. By early 1999, there were an estimated 70 million to 100 million practitioners in China alone.
By Tim McDevitt
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND THE BODY
Saturday, 9 May 2009
There's a reason 'adult diapers' like Depends and costly prescription medications such as Ditropan and Detrol are multi million dollar industries. According to the National Association for Continence (NAFC), bladder control problems afflict about 25 million Americans, and the uncontrollable leaking of urine can be such a miserable, embarrassing problem that it drives people to try not only side effect laden drugs but even surgery. But now a new Loyola University Health System (LUHS) study shows therapy based on natural and ancient meditation techniques can train the brain to control the bladder without medication or operations.
The research findings, just published in the latest issue of the Journal of Urology conclude cognitive therapy which incorporates meditation based deep breathing, relaxation and visualization is an effective management strategy for the strong and uncontrollable need to urinate frequently dubbed 'urge incontinence'. That's especially good news for women, who experience this kind of incontinence more often than men.
'The mind body connection has proven to be particularly valuable for women suffering from incontinence,' said study investigator Aaron Michelfelder, MD, vice chair of Loyola's division of family medicine and department of family medicine associate professor, in a statement to the media. "Cognitive therapy is effective with these women, because they are motivated to make a change and regain control over their body."
The research team studied 10 patients with an average age of 62. All had been diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB), the sudden and unstoppable need to urinate. The research subjects listened to an audio recording with a series of relaxation and visualization exercises at home twice each day for two weeks. By tracking the number of times they accidentally passed urine daily before and after participating in the meditation based therapy, the majority of research subjects were able to clearly see a dramatic improvement in symptoms. In fact, the number of weekly incontinence episodes decreased from almost 40 to 12.
By Natural News
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
The research findings, just published in the latest issue of the Journal of Urology conclude cognitive therapy which incorporates meditation based deep breathing, relaxation and visualization is an effective management strategy for the strong and uncontrollable need to urinate frequently dubbed 'urge incontinence'. That's especially good news for women, who experience this kind of incontinence more often than men.
'The mind body connection has proven to be particularly valuable for women suffering from incontinence,' said study investigator Aaron Michelfelder, MD, vice chair of Loyola's division of family medicine and department of family medicine associate professor, in a statement to the media. "Cognitive therapy is effective with these women, because they are motivated to make a change and regain control over their body."
The research team studied 10 patients with an average age of 62. All had been diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB), the sudden and unstoppable need to urinate. The research subjects listened to an audio recording with a series of relaxation and visualization exercises at home twice each day for two weeks. By tracking the number of times they accidentally passed urine daily before and after participating in the meditation based therapy, the majority of research subjects were able to clearly see a dramatic improvement in symptoms. In fact, the number of weekly incontinence episodes decreased from almost 40 to 12.
By Natural News
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday, 8 May 2009
Explore photography and meditation in a workshop series that combines the two. Trained meditation instructor and photographer Elana Levy and photographer Willson Cummer join to offer the classes.
Each class will include a short period of meditation. There will also be time spent photographing while maintaining silence.
Participants' photography will be shared in each class. The workshops are open to photographers and meditators of all ability levels.
The workshops meet Saturdays, June 6 and 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The location is the parish hall of Trinity Episcopal Church, at 106 Chapel St., in the village of Fayetteville.
Register by calling Willson Cummer at 863 3487. A $30 fee covers both classes.
By CNYlink
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Each class will include a short period of meditation. There will also be time spent photographing while maintaining silence.
Participants' photography will be shared in each class. The workshops are open to photographers and meditators of all ability levels.
The workshops meet Saturdays, June 6 and 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The location is the parish hall of Trinity Episcopal Church, at 106 Chapel St., in the village of Fayetteville.
Register by calling Willson Cummer at 863 3487. A $30 fee covers both classes.
By CNYlink
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION AND EXAMS
Thursday, 7 May 2009
During finals, anxiety among college students skyrockets, no doubt due to the pressures of . Instead of stressing out, students may find meditation could be the key to making it through finals week as well as to prevent a future of anxiety disorders.
Author and Tibetan meditation master, Yongey Mingyur, spoke to readers at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz., on May 1st, about his new book 'Joyful Wisdom: Embracing Change and Finding Freedom,' which focuses on applying insights and practices of Buddhism to the challenges of everyday life.
Mingyur said his book is based on his findings through his own experience with panic attacks. He discussed how he found that meditation taught him to face his problems and treat them more as an 'opportunity rather than an obstacle.' Through meditation, he was able to prevent a future of panic attacks.
The author referred to the time period we live in as the 'age of anxiety.' According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), 40 million American adults suffer from an anxiety disorder each year; this is over 18 percent of the total population.
College is said to be the time when most anxiety disorders take form. According to an ADAA report, 75 percent of all individuals will experience symptoms before age 22 and universities and colleges have seen 'a significant increase in students seeking services for anxiety disorders.'
By Kalli Avila
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
Author and Tibetan meditation master, Yongey Mingyur, spoke to readers at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz., on May 1st, about his new book 'Joyful Wisdom: Embracing Change and Finding Freedom,' which focuses on applying insights and practices of Buddhism to the challenges of everyday life.
Mingyur said his book is based on his findings through his own experience with panic attacks. He discussed how he found that meditation taught him to face his problems and treat them more as an 'opportunity rather than an obstacle.' Through meditation, he was able to prevent a future of panic attacks.
The author referred to the time period we live in as the 'age of anxiety.' According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), 40 million American adults suffer from an anxiety disorder each year; this is over 18 percent of the total population.
College is said to be the time when most anxiety disorders take form. According to an ADAA report, 75 percent of all individuals will experience symptoms before age 22 and universities and colleges have seen 'a significant increase in students seeking services for anxiety disorders.'
By Kalli Avila
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
MEDITATION FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
A few of our students have been laid off in the past year and we encouraged them to continue their training free of charge. In times of stress are when Aikido and meditation training can be the greatest benefit to people. We have room for more people in our classes, and have decided to offer our training to anyone who has been laid off and is unemployed, free.
See the details at http://kiforums.stlki.org/index.php/topic,358.0.html
By www.stltoday.com
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
See the details at http://kiforums.stlki.org/index.php/topic,358.0.html
By www.stltoday.com
THE LATEST MEDITATION NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT
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