Meditation provides us with the opportunity to go beyond the study of Buddhism, enter the arena of experience, and develop a direct understanding of our mind and the world we live in.
Calm abiding meditation provides us with stability to help us stay present. Practices focused on discovering our own natural kindness and compassion bring ease to our hearts, and deeper meaning to our relationships. With meditations that emphasize the development of clear insight, we gain an open and unbiased mind that can see limitless possibilities in ourselves and our world.
The path of meditation provides progressive stages of practice for working with one’s mind. From foundational calm abiding meditation to the profound practices of the Vajrayana, including Mahamudra and Dzogchen, this path covers all stages of teaching in our tradition. This systematic approach creates a welcoming, transformative environment for people of all levels and with different interests. All Nalandabodhi members have the opportunity to work with a trained Practice Instructor, who can help guide and support each member as they progress along the Path of Meditation.
Online students have many opportunities to practice meditation together, including our regular Sunday morning shamatha practice, which is usually followed by a lively discussion of a Buddhist topic. Other web-based practices are offered to Akasha members throughout the year. Online practices connect members who are unable to get to a physical center, creating an experience of sangha support as we travel on the path.
The practice of meditation is basically a process of getting to know yourself by becoming familiar with your mind. The Buddhist view of the mind is that it’s always awake. Its nature is awareness and compassion. Whatever meditation practices we may do, they are all intended to increase our mindfulness and awareness, strengthen our sense of inner peace, and improve our ability to deal with our emotions as well.
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche