Mastering the method of meditation
Between classes, homework, exams,
work, friends, parties and all the
other pandemonium that college
life can bring, you're probably
looking for a way to relax. If so,
meditation might just be for you.
The art of meditation has a long history with an inception that is diffi cult to pinpoint, but historians do know that around the year 500 B.C., Buddhist teachers latched onto the concept and meditation quickly became an integral part of their way of life. Meditation spread over the centuries, but it wasn't until relatively recently (over the last century or so) that meditation arrived full force into mainstream western society.
The act of meditation is defi ned by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as a way of increasing calmness and physical relaxation by having a quiet space, a comfortable posture, a focus of attention and an open attitude. In layman's terms, meditation is, at its most basic level sitting quietly, focusing and relaxing, although with training and guidance it can go much deeper than that.
Meditation is "about freeing the mind and connecting with your life," said Guy, who works at the London Zen Centre, and it can also have numerous positive physical effects. According to the CDC, "It is not fully known what changes occur in the body during meditation," but the relaxation one can experience while practicing meditation can contribute to overall good health.
The London Zen Centre, located at 923 Waterloo St., offers Londoners a refuge from the craziness of modern life and a place to learn and practice the ancient art of meditation. The Centre features various morning and evening sessions including seated and walking meditations as well as tea and talks.
An Introduction to Zen workshop is offered once a month for those just beginning with meditation. The course is two and a half hours long and costs $45. The course teaches Zen meditation, walking meditation and zendo etiquette, and students receive a copy of the books Buddhism Plain and Simple and Meditation Now or Never, both by Steve Hagen, a teacher at the London Zen Centre.
The London Zen Centre also offers a number of other courses such as Introduction to Buddhism, Dependent Arising and the Unlocatable Self, The Six Perfections and The Dawn of Zen. The courses cost around $40 each.
So if you're stressed out, worn down and looking for a way to get away for a while and chill out, or if you're already calm, cool and collected but want to explore your self a little deeper, meditation has a lot to offer even for the most inexperienced beginners.
For more information, visit londonzencentre.org and cdc.gov.
The art of meditation has a long history with an inception that is diffi cult to pinpoint, but historians do know that around the year 500 B.C., Buddhist teachers latched onto the concept and meditation quickly became an integral part of their way of life. Meditation spread over the centuries, but it wasn't until relatively recently (over the last century or so) that meditation arrived full force into mainstream western society.
The act of meditation is defi ned by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as a way of increasing calmness and physical relaxation by having a quiet space, a comfortable posture, a focus of attention and an open attitude. In layman's terms, meditation is, at its most basic level sitting quietly, focusing and relaxing, although with training and guidance it can go much deeper than that.
Meditation is "about freeing the mind and connecting with your life," said Guy, who works at the London Zen Centre, and it can also have numerous positive physical effects. According to the CDC, "It is not fully known what changes occur in the body during meditation," but the relaxation one can experience while practicing meditation can contribute to overall good health.
The London Zen Centre, located at 923 Waterloo St., offers Londoners a refuge from the craziness of modern life and a place to learn and practice the ancient art of meditation. The Centre features various morning and evening sessions including seated and walking meditations as well as tea and talks.
An Introduction to Zen workshop is offered once a month for those just beginning with meditation. The course is two and a half hours long and costs $45. The course teaches Zen meditation, walking meditation and zendo etiquette, and students receive a copy of the books Buddhism Plain and Simple and Meditation Now or Never, both by Steve Hagen, a teacher at the London Zen Centre.
The London Zen Centre also offers a number of other courses such as Introduction to Buddhism, Dependent Arising and the Unlocatable Self, The Six Perfections and The Dawn of Zen. The courses cost around $40 each.
So if you're stressed out, worn down and looking for a way to get away for a while and chill out, or if you're already calm, cool and collected but want to explore your self a little deeper, meditation has a lot to offer even for the most inexperienced beginners.
For more information, visit londonzencentre.org and cdc.gov.
