meditation

Meditation is simple and gentle


“Meditation means strength – not from outside, which is where one always tried to get it before – but from the discovery of tremendous strength, calm and gentle, within oneself, which was always there. One cannot fall; the ground cannot be snatched away from beneath the feet. The limiting walls against which one kept banging one’s head before are not there any more. One stands firmly and can look up and out and experience the world as it really is, and laugh – because there is no reason not to – and be free.”

Mother and homekeeper

 

“When forced, as it seems, by thine environment to be utterly disquieted, return with all speed into thy self, staying in discord no longer than thou must.  By constant recurrence to the harmony, thou wilt gain more command over it.”

Marcus Aurelius


“Meditation allows you to be who you are, in yourself and by yourself – a sort of healthy solitude – to enjoy your own company.”

Jonathan, businessman

 

“But what if a man had eyes to see the true beauty – the divine beauty, I mean, pure and clear and unalloyed, not clogged with the pollution of mortality and the colours and vanities of human life – gazing on it, in communion with the true beauty simple and divine; remember how in that communion only, beholding beauty with the eye of the mind, he will be able to bring forth, not shadows of beauty, but its truth, because it is no shadow that he grasps but the truth. And he will give birth to true virtue and nourish it and become the friend of God, and be immortal as far as mortal man may be.”

Plato

 

“Meditation is useful in a crisis.  When I was 21 I was involved in a motorcycle accident which landed me for four hours in A&E with a broken shoulder and in great pain. The mantra came to mind, and carried me through.”

Peter, Architect

 

“Meditation has increased my ability to work better – I seem to be able to focus my attention on the work, from moment to moment. I no longer daydream, nor need to as I enjoy life. Life has become an adventure again, as when one was young.”

Manager of Art Studio

 

“At the still point of the turning world. Neither flesh nor fleshless;
Neither from nor towards; at the still point, there the dance is,
But neither arrest nor movement. And do not call it fixity,
Where past and future are gathered. Neither movement from nor towards,
Neither ascent nor decline. Except for the point, the still point,
There would be no dance, and there is only the dance.”

T S Elliot

title_meditation

Introduction | Talking about meditation | Q&A’s on Meditation



Do I need to be practising meditation to join the introductory classes?
No.


What about later on, if I want to continue studying?
Meditation is generally offered to students wishing continue their studies longer than 2-3 years. This is about the time when the practice starts to become increasingly helpful in the further penetration of the philosophical principles discussed.


What type of Meditation is practised in the School?
The meditation practised in the School is mantra-based. It originates in a centuries-old tradition that arose in India and was adapted to be given to people in the West at the end of the 1950s. It is suitable for people of any age, disposition or background.

In the early 1960s, contact was made with one of the great teachers in the tradition of meditation, the Shankaracharya of northern India, Maharaja Shri Shantananda Saraswati.


Is it a religion?
Meditation is not a religion and involves no set of beliefs or creeds – although meditation techniques are used by many religions. Many who practise meditation often find that with time it leads to a greater appreciation of the true, undifferentiated essence which is expressed in the world’s great teachings, including the religious teachings.


What are the benefits?
The effect of the proper practice of meditation may be seen in an increase of enthusiasm; greater efficiency in work; steadiness in thought and action; strength of character; increased happiness, regardless of success or failure; greater wisdom in all aspects of life.


How is it taught?
Meditation as it is practised in the School is passed on individually, one to one. The individual is given a technique in a single session in a simple traditional ceremony. Then, to start the practice properly it is necessary to meet with a meditation tutor at agreed times for tutorial appointments in the weeks that immediately follow.

These meetings are important to the proper establishment of the practice. They also provide an opportunity to meditate together, discuss your experience and clear any queries or problems with the technique. The meetings last about half an hour and people are asked to book the first three appointments prior to attending the ceremony.

Students often find that the need for such frequent tutorials gradually reduces as experience is gained in the practice.


Where are students introduced to it?
Students are introduced to the practice by the School of Meditation, with whom the School of Economic Science has a close relationship. The School of Meditation is a registered charity funded by donations and its purpose is to make meditation readily available to anyone who wants it. Students wishing to take up the practice are asked to make a donation to it.


What more is available?
The method of meditation is very powerful and effective. It is most effective when it becomes a regular part of life. As the practice deepens you gain greater insight into your self — not just your own individual personality, but the nature of being.

At the School, study days, residential weekends and weeks are available to those who wish to take the practice further and deeper in the company of like-minded people. There is a wealth of experience in the practice of meditation in the School and senior members are able to offer guidance and tutorials to assist those with less experience.