In our busy, complicated lives, we focus most of our attention outward as we constantly interact with the complex world around us. Much of the time, we leave our minds on automatic pilot and take their inner workings for granted. Meditation allows us to turn our attention inward and gain perspective on our lives and priorities.
Spend a Saturday learning and practicing shamatha meditation, also known as “tranquillity meditation” or “calm abiding” in the Buddhist tradition. Shamatha promotes mindfulness, stability, and calmness, helps reduce both physical and mental stress, and lays a foundation for more advanced meditation practices such as vipassana or “insight meditation.”
Led by Lama Nancy, resident teacher at the Ann Arbor KTC Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center, the day will alternate instruction with periods of practice and discussion. Participants will learn basic methods of shamatha meditation, techniques to deepen the meditation experience, and tips for overcoming various obstacles that might arise.
Suitable for those who have not meditated before as well as experienced meditators seeking to deepen their practice. Bring your own vegetarian lunch if you wish. Please register by emailing Lama Nancy at nburks.61053@yahoo.com.
Schedule: 10:00-12:30 Morning session
12:30-1:30 Lunch break
1:30-4:00 Afternoon session
Free; donations welcomed.