Meditation
Shamata and Vipassana
The word Meditation refers to many things, like being aware, having balance, relaxing, concentrating, becoming absorbed in certain special states of mind, reflecting, pondering, being silent, etc. All these words give us a taste of what it might be like to meditate.
To describe the process of meditation, the Buddha uses the word bhāvana, which conveys the meaning of "cultivation”. The idea is that the cultivating process requires time and a consistent awareness of the development itself.
So to meditate signifies to cultivate various aspects of our being. We meditate in order to develop our awareness, loving-kindness, understanding, concentration, mindfulness, wisdom, etc.
Most of the meditation methods can be grouped into two categories: Shamata and Vipassana.
Shamata refers to methods that are useful to stabilize and calm the mind, shamata means "calm abiding".
Vipassana refers to methods which help us gain a deeper understanding about life and reality. Vipassana means "higher insight".
In my meditation classes we train both Shamata and Vipassana. However, we concentrate more on Shamata.
The meditation classes in Montreal
We meet every Friday at 18:00 for 2 hours. The classes are itinerant, with the location of each session being decided on that. If you'd like to learn more, please send us an email and we can keep in touch.
The classes are taught by Sebastiano and Gabrielle, who will be present for both most of the time.
Please write to me for more information.
In rememberance of memories made teaching at the Manjushri Buddhist Center
Shamata meditation
The course has three levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Beginner: these are based on developing a calm, abiding mind through listening to and learning the fundamentals. (Level 1)
Intermediate: these are based on deepening the understanding of the fundamentals through reflection, explanation and more detailed instructions. (Level 1-2)
Advanced: these are based on stabilizing and familiarizing ourselves with what has matured in the previous levels. (Level 2)
All the trainees participate in the same class because there is no difference. in terms of instructions, for all three levels. The levels are not formal divisions, but they define differences in awareness, understanding, and familiarization with the instructions as well as the students capacity of stabilizing the mind.
First two levels of Shamata:
Topics:
5 questions to get to know if we are meditating
Why meditate?
Who is meditating?
What meditate on?
How to meditate?
What are the effects?
The 6 preconditions for practice
An appropriate place
Reducing desires
Establishing satisfaction parameters
Abandoning numerous activities
Establishing functional limits
Abandoning prejudices about the desirable ect.
Balancing emotions
Love VS Attachment. Meditation on Disenchantment.
Anger VS Strength. Meditation on Love.
Ignorance VS Reality. Meditation on Interdependence.
Pride VS Openness. Meditation on the 5 elements.
Jealousy, Envy, Discursiveness VS Action. Breathing Meditation.