What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a practical method for developing a calm, clear and peaceful mind.
Meditation is a simple and practical method for developing a calm, clear and peaceful mind.
At Ganden Kadampa Buddhist Centre on the Gold Coast, we teach meditation in a practical and accessible way so anyone can learn how to reduce stress and experience greater inner peace.
Everyone is welcome to attend our meditation classes, whether you are new to meditation or already have some experience.
What Is Meditation?
Meditation is a method for training the mind.
Through meditation we learn how to:
- calm distracting thoughts
- develop concentration
- cultivate positive states of mind such as patience, compassion and wisdom
Over time meditation helps us experience a deeper and more stable sense of peace and happiness.
A Common Misunderstanding About Meditation
Many people feel that they cannot meditate because their mind is too busy. It’s very common to hear people say, “I’ve tried meditation, but my mind won’t stop thinking.”
In reality, everyone’s mind is busy. Our thoughts constantly move from one thing to another, and it can seem difficult to keep the mind still even for a short time. This is completely normal.
Meditation is not about forcing the mind to become blank or stopping all thoughts. Instead, it is a gentle process of training the mind. Each time we practise meditation we gradually become more familiar with states of calm, clarity and positivity.
In the beginning the mind may wander many times during meditation, but this does not mean we are doing it incorrectly. Each time we notice our mind has wandered and gently bring it back to the object of meditation, we are strengthening our concentration.
Over time, with regular practice, the mind naturally becomes calmer and more stable. In this way meditation is very much like training the body through exercise — the benefits develop gradually through familiarity and practice.
For this reason, having a busy mind is not a reason to avoid meditation. In fact, it is one of the main reasons why meditation is so helpful.
Meditation and Buddhist Wisdom
Meditation and Buddhist teachings work together to transform our mind.
By combining meditation with these teachings we gradually develop qualities such as patience, compassion and wisdom
How Meditation Can Help
Reduce Stress
Meditation helps us relax, let go of tension and respond to challenges more calmly.
Develop Clarity
Meditation trains the mind to become more focused and aware.
Greater Happiness
By developing inner peace we can experience deeper and more stable happiness.
Many people begin meditation simply wanting to feel less stressed, but through regular practice meditation can gradually transform the way we experience life
Our Meditation Classes
Our classes combine:
- guided meditation
- practical teachings drawn from Buddhist wisdom
- advice on applying meditation in daily life
Everyone is welcome, whether you are new to meditation or have some previous experience.