Benefits

Why Meditate?

THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

The purpose of meditation is to cultivate positive mental states and overcome negative habits. Through meditation we learn that happiness is a state of mind and that the real source of happiness lies within, not in external situations. When our mind is peaceful we are free from worries and mental discomfort, and we experience true happiness. Meditation is the method to make our mind peaceful and can be practiced by anyone.

REDUCE STRESS

Experience a calm mind & reduce mental tension and anxiety.

CREATE A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Meet all of life’s ups and downs with a peaceful, positive mind.

BENEFIT OTHERS

Learn how to keep a peaceful, positive mind towards other people.

“If we want to experience true, lasting happiness, we need to learn the secret of inner peace by meditating.”

- VENERABLE GESHE KELSANG GYATSO

A Simple Breathing Meditation

Step 1

Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight and relaxed. Rest your hands in your lap, partially close your eyes and let all your stress and tension fall away.

Step 2

Turn your attention inwards and become aware of your breathing. Don’t try to control your breathing – just follow the inhalation and exhalation of your breath.

Step 3

Gradually become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. Focus on the sensation of the breath and try to forget about everything else.

Step 4

Remain focused on the sensation of the breath. If your mind wanders away from the breath, immediately let go of the distraction and come back to the breath.

Step 5

Gradually your distracting thoughts will subside and you will begin to experience inner peace and relaxation. Stay with this feeling of mental calm for a while.

Step 6

When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. Enjoy!

A Daily Practice

DISCOVER YOUR INNER PEACE

As with any skill, the more consistently we practice, the better we become. Making meditation part of our daily routine is the key to making progress. By initially setting aside just ten minutes each day, you can gradually develop the skills you need to generate a peaceful mind and experience happiness from within.

Once we have become familiar with settling our mind, we are ready to practice contemplative meditation, which focuses on “an object of meditation” such as love or compassion.

Once we have found our meditation object, we allow ourselves to move deeply into the insight or the experience itself. This is called placement meditation and results in insight and authentic experience through continued practice. All of the classes at Tara KMC, as well as the books and audio products in our bookstore, are wonderful resources to help you become familiar with these states of mind.

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