We've been practicing Tonglen meditation in our Thursday class. Tonglen meditation, also known as “giving and receiving” meditation, is a transformative practice rooted in the Tibetan tradition. It offers a profound way to cultivate compassion, reduce self-centeredness, and connect deeply with others. This meditative technique involves breathing in...
Thich Nhat Hanh was a renowned Vietnamese Zen master, poet, and peace activist. He has touched the lives of millions with his teachings on mindfulness and meditation. Often referred to as the "father of mindfulness," his approach emphasizes simplicity, presence, and compassion. His meditation practices...
Metta meditation, also known as loving-kindness meditation, emphasises the cultivation of unconditional kindness and compassion towards oneself and others. It's one of my go meditations for cultivating compassion. If you're a carer it can help keep you in a positive mental place during difficult times. Here is...
Allan Wallace is a renowned scholar, teacher, and meditation practitioner who has dedicated his life to exploring the convergence of contemplative traditions, science, and philosophy. With a background in Tibetan Buddhism, cognitive science, and Western philosophy, Wallace offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to meditation....
Shamatha meditation, often referred to as "calm abiding" or "tranquility meditation," is one of the foundational practices in the Buddhist tradition. It offers a pathway to developing a calm, focused, and steady mind, serving as both a standalone practice and a precursor to deeper meditative...
Pema Chödrön’s meditation teachings are deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the principles of lojong (mind training) and tonglen (giving and receiving). Her approach is built on several core principles: 1. Embracing Groundlessness Pema often speaks about the Buddhist concept of groundlessness—the idea that life is uncertain,...
Angelina Jolie, an internationally acclaimed actress, humanitarian, and filmmaker, is no stranger to the demands of a high-profile career and a life constantly in the public eye. Despite the pressures, Jolie has found balance and solace through meditation and mindfulness practices. These tools not only...
The 10 stages of attention, as described by Kamalaśīla in the Bhāvanākrama (The Stages of Meditation), outline a progressive framework for cultivating meditative concentration, or samādhi. These stages guide practitioners from distracted and unfocused states to deep meditative absorption and equanimity. They are primarily associated...
Jon Kabat-Zinn’s groundbreaking book, Full Catastrophe Living, offers a transformative approach to navigating the complexities and challenges of life. Rooted in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), this comprehensive guide provides practical tools and wisdom for cultivating awareness, resilience, and balance in the face of life’s inevitable...
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history, is renowned for his physical prowess, technical skills, and unmatched dedication to the game. But beyond his athleticism and discipline lies a lesser-known aspect of his routine: meditation and mindfulness. These practices have played a pivotal...