Many new people want to know more about meditation. We’ve heard about it and would like to understand how meditation works. Let’s begin with a definition:

Meditation is a method for acquainting our mind with virtue.

Virtue is anything that causes our mind to become calm and peaceful. Acquainting our mind with the attitude of loving-kindness for example will cause our mind to relax and let go of worries and mental discomfort.

If we train our mind to become peaceful we will be happy all the time, even in the most adverse conditions. But if our mind is not peaceful, even if we have the most pleasant external conditions we will not be happy. Therefore it is important to train our mind through meditation.

There are two types of meditation: analytical meditation and placement meditation. When we contemplate the meaning of a teaching that we have heard or read we are doing analytical meditation. By deeply contemplating the instruction, eventually we reach a conclusion or cause a specific virtuous state of mind to arise. This is the object of placement meditation.

Having found our object through analytical meditation, we then concentrate on it single-pointedly for as long as possible to become deeply acquainted with it. This single-pointed concentration is placement meditation. Often, analytical meditation is called simply ‘contemplation’, and placement meditation simply ‘meditation’.

Placement meditation depends upon contemplation, and contemplation depends upon listening to or reading Dharma instructions.

The best way to learn about meditation is to drop in to one of the Centre’s classes. The drop in program is available in many areas (Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener/Waterloo, Elora, Creemore, and Stratford). Prayers for World Peace on Sunday mornings is a great way to get started.

There are also many books and CDs available on the subject of meditation. You can visit Tharpa Publications and order directly to your home.

Best wishes for your successful practice,

Kelsang Yonten