Meditation a stress reliever
Thu 14 September 2006
Gemma Colvin, Communication
Meditation is an increasingly popular practice, allowing people to escape, relax and discover inner peace and happiness.
Traditionally meditation was practiced by Buddhist monks, however today meditation can be practiced by anyone from any culture, regardless of race, age or gender. The Buddhist way of life, which includes emphasis on peace, loving kindness and wisdom is just as relevant today as it was in ancient India, the Health and Yoga website explains.
Meditation is the idea of focusing attention away from the hazards of every day life. Buddhists believe that by overcoming negative states of mind including anger, jealousy and ignorance by developing positive states of mind including love, compassion and wisdom, people will experience lasting peace and happiness, the Kadampa website reported.
The Chenrezig Institute is a centre for Buddhist study, meditation and retreat, and can be found nestled in the forested hills of the Eudlo hinterland on the Sunshine Coast. It is a community consisting of nuns, monks and numerous volunteers. The goal of Chenrezig Institute is to benefit as many people as possible, helping them to transform their lives so they can benefit others and realise ultimate happiness.
Visitors to Chenrezig Institute are invited to participate in the spiritual program which features courses, retreats, talks, guided meditations and discussions, the Institute's website said.
Head of the Buddhist Nunnery at the Chenrezig Institute is Venerable Jampa Dekyi, who leads the daily meditation classes. She said the reason Buddhists meditate is to reach enlightenment, which is the wisdom that arises from the direct experience of all things being connected and conditional.
“Buddhists essentially study, contemplate and meditate to reach enlightenment,” Ms Dekyi said.
Meditation has countless benefits including deep relaxation, inner-calm, developing insight, increased concentration, releasing anger, easing stress, grief and fear, improved learning ability and memory, healing (both physically and emotionally), improved breathing and inner guidance.
Meditation is therefore a beneficial practice for those who lead stressful lives, such as students. Jampa Dekyi believes students can benefit from meditating when suffering from stress and before exams.
Jampa Dekyi says that breathing techniques developed through meditating can be beneficial.
“Simple breathing can lower your blood pressure, therefore reducing stress. Specific meditations can also help with pain relief,” she said.
To get the most out of meditating, it should be practiced daily.
“You should meditate for at least 20 minutes to get some benefit. Meditation like any discipline should be done daily for it to be beneficial," Ms Dekyi said.
Jampa Dekyi explained that all you need to meditate at home is a good meditation cushion, ideally filled with buckwheat as it molds to your body, and a mat. However, some may find a chair more comfortable. She also recommended using a quiet room away from distractions and noise.
“Simple breathing is a good way to start meditating as concentration of the in an out motion helps the mind focus on the present moment and relaxes your body,” she said.
“By practicing meditation, distracting thoughts gradually subside, and a sense of inner peace and relaxation can be reached.”
Image(s) designed by Chenrezig Institute