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MEDITATION
A mindful way for inner growth
Meditation, when practised regularly, is an efficient tool for enhancing our psychophysical well-being. Recent scientific research has confirmed that a regular meditation practice has a deep balancing effect both on the body and the mind. The gradual development of inner peace and positive emotions helps neutralise the negative effects of stress and can help to deal with previously existing problems, such as hypertension, migraine, gastro-intestinal
disorders, anxiety, depression, insomnia…
Thanks to meditation we can connect with our deeper parts, learning how to understand our minds, letting our vital energies flow and finding more tranquillity and peace. Helping to awaken awareness of our spiritual being, meditation allows us to discover a deeper sense of our existence. Its immediate effects, such as a new relaxation and a psychophysical well-being, are only the beginning of a deeper inner search for transformation and the liberation of conscience. Nowadays, even the Western world is discovering the benefits of this ancient practice that gives a fascinating vision of life.
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The best scholar is the one who realises the meaning of non-self
The best practitioner is one who has tamed their own mind
The best quality is a great desire to benefit others
The best instruction is to always watch the mind
The best remedy is to know that nothing has any inherent reality
The best way of life is one that does not fit with worldly ways
The best accomplishment is a steady lessening of negative emotions
The best sign is a steady decrease of desires
The best generosity is non-attachment
The best discipline is a peaceful mind
The best patience is to take the lowest place
The best diligence is to give up activities
The best concentration is to not alter the mind
The best wisdom is not to grasp at anything at all
Atisha – 982 – 1054 ce
The Indian scholar from the university of Vikramashila who spent the last ten years of his life in Tibet, where his teachings emphasized the basic practices of taking refuge and training the mind in love & compassion.
Buddhist Meditation
When we approach a meditative practice, it is very important to know its historical, religious, and cultural roots. If we consider just the technical aspect of meditation, eventually the meditative practice will become sterile. We must not forget that meditation and its practices belong to a much wider body of teachings. Without this consideration, our meditation would be inefficient.
Buddhist Meditation has its roots in the philosophical thought of ancient India. The traditions I refer to and which I was brought up in, are early Christianity and the great spiritual traditions of the East, particularly Buddhism. According to the teaching of Buddha Sakyamuni, meditation is a basic tool in the path that leads to the Awakening. To tread this path means finding the “Middle Way”.
Thanks to meditation we can follow this path and discover serenity and peace by learning to understand the mind. During the retreat the participants must respect silence; they will receive guidance, teachings, and attention. On request, it will be possible to talk to the teacher privately. The meditative exercises practised will involve the participants pleasantly and efficiently at different levels (physical, mental, and emotional), with the aim of stimulating the meditators’ spiritual potential. Alternating sitting meditation and walking meditation will provide a balance of energies, thanks to the interplay of tension and relaxation at all levels. The practice of Samatha, Concentration, will allow us to reach “concentrated calm”, while Vipassana, Insight meditation, will help us to reach the “Profound Vision of the Buddha”, through the observation of the psycho-physical aggregate. Buddha Shakyamuni encourages the practice of Vipassana meditation, since this is a fundamental instrument to eliminate the three poisons that trouble our lives, craving, hatred and ignorance.
The fruits of Buddhist meditation are increasing awareness, generosity, altruism, wisdom and love. These are the qualities every one of us can contribute in order to promote peace and create a better world.
The word Bhavana, in Pali, means a Buddhist meditative practice aiming at cultivating the mind to “bring into being”, to the light, one’s innate spiritual qualities.
The principal methods of Buddhist meditation are divided into samatha (concentration), and vipassana (insight meditation). The samatha meditations include anapana (mindfulness of breathing) and the four Brahma-Viharas, of which mettā bhāvanā is the most widely practised. The vipassana meditations include the contemplation of impermanence, the practice of the six elements, and the contemplation of conditionality.
The Samatha meditations usually precede and prepare for the Vipassana meditations.
Each of the basic methods is an antidote to one of the five mental poisons.
MEDITATION RETREATS
with Mario Thanavaro
The retreats will be taught in the traditional Theravadin framework,
cultivating the simplicity and clarity of right understanding and loving kindness.
The retreats will also cover a rich spectrum of Buddhist teachings including:
o Taking Refuge and its meaning
o The Four Noble Truths
o Cultivating the right attitude toward meditation
o Samatha and Vipassana meditation
o Walking meditation
Mario Thanavaro is an Italian lay meditation teacher trained in the Theravada tradition, with its roots going back to the Forest tradition of Thailand. He was trained in England under the guidance of Venerable Ajahn Sumedho and has spent time training and teaching in various monasteries in England and New Zealand.
In March of 1990 he established the first Theravada monastery in Italy, giving Italians the opportunity to share in the richness of this ancient tradition.
GUIDE LINES FOR MEDITATORS ON RETREATS
In order to establish the most conducive physical and psychological environment for study and meditation, retreatants are asked to adhere to the following moral principles and precepts:
1. Harmlessness: not intentionally harming any living being.
2. Trustworthiness: not taking anything which is not given.
3. Chastity: refraining from any sexual activity.
4. Proper speech: avoiding false, abusive or malicious speech.
5. Sobriety: not taking intoxicating drink or drugs.
6. Renunciation: not eating too much.
7. Restraint: refraining from attending games and shows, and from self-adornment.
(Meditators are asked to dress modestly, and not to play radios, musical recordings or instruments).
8. Alertness: to refrain from over-indulgence in sleep
The observance of the Buddhist Precepts enable the meditators to have happiness, progress and peace in their practice and daily life.
In addition to the observance of the precepts, the following guidelines are recommended:
1- Meditators should maintain si1ence at all times. not on1y during group meditation periods.
2 - Reading, watching television, spending time in long conversations on the phone, P.C, or listening to radios is prohibited.
3 - Writing should be kept to an absolute minimum although making short notes in preparation for meditation reports is allowed.
4 - Please be on time for meditation reports.
5 - Meditators should stay at the centre for the entire retreat .
6 - Meditators should be respectful and considerate of other meditators.
7 - Please help keep the meditation centre clean and tidy.
8 - On longer retreats the meditators may be asked to do some simple chores.
9 - Registration should be made at the start of a retreat.
10 - Please do not sit on the pillow provided for sleeping. You may use a rolled up blanket or a cushion instead.
11 - If you have any problems please do not hesitate to discuss them with the teachers.
It is customary to make donations for the teachers at the end of a retreat
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