Meditation
Classes
in
Southfields
Thursdays 7-8pm
Southfields Exercise Studio
93 Replingham Rd, SW18 5LU
Cost:
₤3
Contact: 07768 233343
About Lama
Lobsang
Ven.Lobsang Dharjy was born in Eastern
Tibet,in 1967. He helped his parents to look after yaks and sheep
until he was sent to Rajah Monastery at the age of 13. He learned
Tibetan Language,Bhudhism and Literature at the monastery, and he
memorized basic scriptures and explanations of those writings by
great ancient Indian and Tibetan masters. At the age of 20, he
became a Chanting Master and continously he organized the
rebuilding of the temple for Medical College of the monastery.
After 7 years, he became the master of Tantric Ritual Practice at
Rajah Monastery. He also studied Tibetan Medicine and Astrology. He
researched the symbols within sand Mandalas and wrote an
explanation for them. One of his recent writings is a comprehensive
history of the Medical school at Rajah Monastery. He also composed
numerous poems and short shories, which published in various
Tibetan newspapers and magazines. In 1999, he came into exile in
India and studied English. He has joined Tibetan Writers Abroad PEN
Centre in 2001 and continued to contribute articles and poems for
TWAPEN's annual publication. In 2003 his autobiography titled "One
Voice" published in London.
Lama Lobsang became a Buddhist monk at age 16 & has been
practicing meditation for 25 years. He has been living in London
for 2 years. He hopes that he can pass on the benefits of his
practice & experiences for increasing vitality, positivity,
relaxation & contentment to people of all walks of life &
interest in meditation in a spirit of warmth & acceptance. It
is not necessary to be Buddhist to benefit from the practices Lama
Lobsang offers
There
are various ways to meditate. Most practices share the common
foundation of developing sustained attention by focusing on one
object during the practice (e.g. the breath, an image, flower or
candle). The ability to concentrate fully on one thing and stay
present in the moment naturally leads to a calm, content and stable
mind where feelings of inner peace and spaciousness can be
experienced.
When the mind wanders during meditation, the practice involves
gently bringing the mind back to re-focus on the object again. Over
time the ability to stay focused for longer, and come back to
concentration more quickly when the mind wanders, becomes easier
which leads to greater relaxation.
Having slowed down the mind to a more stable place, it also becomes
possible to gain insight into the causes of mental, emotional or
physical discomfort. This is because from a clearer mind we can
start to recognize the onset of any triggers and habitual patterns
that result in discomfort. We thus become empowered to choose more
beneficial ways of relating to oneself and the world. This then
creates the possibility to experience less suffering and greater
freedom of mind now and in the future.
Meditation practice is facilitated and strengthened within groups,
you may have noticed you can feel more calm around calm people—this
is why it is initially easier to practice in groups as you benefit
from being around other calm people. However, people whom meditate
find over time that their experiences of greater relaxation within
their practice group starts to extend into their daily life and it
becomes easier to remain relaxed for longer periods of time on
one’s own.
In
this class we will incorporate:
Tibetan breathing and physical exercises to prepare for
meditation;
Focusing on an image (e.g. flowers, candle, tree) or following the
breath to help the mind settle;
Consideration of the causes of discomfort and how to turn them
around to become the causes of contentment.
You are welcome to sit on the floor or on a chair.
Benefits
of Meditation
Relaxes and refreshes the mind and body;
More clear, happy and stable mind;
Reduces headaches, muscular tension & digestive problems,
improves immune system and stabilizes blood pressure;
Better sleep;
Increased flow of oxygen, blood and nutrients throughout the
body;
Improved relationships & self confidence;
Increased resources to deal with stress;
Increased efficiency and productivity;
Clearer decision making;
Increased experience of acceptance & warmth towards oneself
& others;
Increased capacity to find the good in all situations and transform
difficulties into opportunities for growth and greater freedom of
mind.