Meditation Course

10 Week Meditation Course

To Receive Zoom link for Meditation Course please subscribe to the Buddhist Society of Canada

Course Overview:

This 10-week meditation course is designed for both beginners and experienced meditators, offering a comprehensive approach to meditation practice. Each session will feature clear instruction on various meditation techniques, followed by guided meditations to help you apply what you've learned in a supportive environment. Whether you're just starting out or have been meditating for years, this course provides valuable insights and opportunities for growth. There will also be dedicated time at the end of each session for questions and discussions, allowing participants to deepen their understanding and share experiences.

You can either participate in-person or online

Details:

  • Start Date: Thursday September 26th

  • Duration: 10 Weeks

  • Time: Every Thursday, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Central Standard Time)

  • Location: Fort Rouge Leisure Centre, 625 Osborne Street (In the Games Room)

  • Cost: Free of Charge

  • Open to: Beginners and Experienced Meditators

  • Teacher: Ajahn Nando

On-line Participants

  • For people wishing to participate online, please subscribe to receive the zoom link.

Note:

  • Please arrive 5-10 mins before the start time and please enter quietly so as not to disturb other participants

  • If you are attending in-person, chairs will be provided but meditation cushion will not be provided so if you would like to use a meditation cushion, please bring your own

Come join us and discover the transformative power of meditation with our free 10-week course, designed to support both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Whether you're new to meditation or looking to deepen your existing practice, this course offers a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

Schedule

Introduction and Breath Meditation

Week 1) Introduction and Basic Method of Meditation

In this first session we will focus on understanding what meditation is and why we should meditate. We will also explore some of the foundational principals of meditation, including posture, right attitude and the basic method of meditation.

Week 2) More Breath Meditation Techniques

In this session, we will build on the foundation we established during our first meeting. Our focus will be on deepening our understanding of breath meditation and introducing additional techniques for practicing breath meditation. We will also learn techniques for working with a distracted mind.

Week 3) Body Scanning

In this session, we will explore using our bodies to help ground our mindfulness in the present moment and learn the technique of Body Scanning.

Week 4) Overcoming Difficulties in Meditation, Dealing with the Five Hinderances

Through the course of our meditation practice, we will meet with unforeseen difficulties, chief of which are the Five Hinderances (Nivarana). In this session we will learn about the hinderances that prevent us from achieving success in our meditation practice and practical advice on how to overcome them.

Metta Meditation

Week 5) Introduction to Metta Meditation

In this session, we will introduce Metta Meditation, also known as loving-kindness meditation. We will explore what Metta is and the basic method for developing Metta.

Week 6) More Metta Meditation Techniques

In this session we will delve deeper into Metta Meditation and explore more techniques for developing Metta Meditation and developing Metta in our daily lives.

Body Contemplation

Week 7) Introduction to Body Contemplation

In this session we will explore the often overlooked practice of Body Contemplation. We will learn about the importance given to Body Contemplation by the Buddha and the Thai Forest Tradition along with a basic technique for body contemplation.

Death Contemplation

Week 8) Death Contemplation

In this session of our meditation course, we will explore the profound practice of death contemplation, a meditation that encourages us to reflect on the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. This practice, while often challenging, can bring about a deeper appreciation for life, a clearer sense of priorities, and a more compassionate and mindful way of living.

Deepening Our Meditation

Week 9) How to Deepen our Meditation, The Apannaka Dhammas

At the heart of the of the Thai Forest Tradition are a set of practices known as the “Apannaka Dhammas” or practices that are never wrong. These practices allow us to maximize the results of our meditation.  In this session, we will learn about the Apannaka Dhammas and how to develop them in our daily lives.

Week 10) Maintaining Our Practice and Meeting with Success, The Iddhipadas

We all wish to achieve success in our lives and in our practice. The Buddha taught us a way to achieve this success though a set of practices known as the “Iddhipadas” commonly known as the “bases of success”. In this session, we will explore the Iddhipadas and learn how to develop them so we can meet with success in any goals we set for ourselves.