Introducing Buddhist Meditation: A Course for Beginners
This is an introductory course to Buddhist meditation. It is suitable for people encountering both meditation and Buddhism for the first time, as well as for people who have done some meditation in other traditions but would like to know more about how meditation is practiced in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition
This weekend course is suitable for complete beginners with no prior experience of meditation needed.
Where should I start with Meditation?
This Meditation for beginners course provides an overview of meditation and basic meditation techniques, including breathing meditation, mindfulness meditation, visualization meditation, and analytical meditation, in the context of the Tibetan Mahayana tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa (Gelug). It includes an explanation of what kinds of skills are developed in meditation and how to apply them in daily life.
Discover What Meditation Is
The benefits of meditation on our mental and physical health are now well documented by the science, and the online resources available for people who want to explore meditation have never been more widely available. But identifying the genuine sources and instructions on meditation can be difficult amid the abundance of information. Introducing Meditation draws on the authentic Buddhist teachings to get students started on their journey towards understanding the theory of Buddhist meditation and establishing a meditation practice with confidence.
While meditation is a very subjective experience, exploring that experience with fellow practitioners and receiving guidance from more experienced meditators can be extremely worthwhile, not least a community to support you when you encounter struggles with your practice.
Over this taster weekend, you’ll learn a variety of meditation techniques passed down through the ages from teacher to disciple, going all the way back to the Buddha himself. This is a practice-led course with meditation itself forming the basis of each session, supplemented by instruction from the teacher and informal discussion with fellow learners.
Who developed the course?
This an introductory course provided by FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition). The FPTM is an international affiliated network of centers, projects, and services of which Jamyang London is affiliated with.
FPTM provides integrated education through which people’s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility and service.
FPMT is committed to creating harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of infinite wisdom and compassion. The organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet, as taught to us by the founders Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Recommended reading
How to Meditate by Kathleen McDonald (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1984, 2006)
What’s next?
Before or after Introducing Buddhist Meditation is suggested to follow the short course Buddhism in a Nutshell.
For a solid footing in the understanding and practice of Mahayana Buddhism as taught in the Tibetan tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa, Discovering Buddhism it is a 2-year course on the fundamental aspects of the Buddhist path.
Find the right course for you
For personalised recommendations based on your interests or for any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Spiritual Programme Coordinator at [email protected]
