Learn to Meditate

The following will guide you through the basic technique of meditation and how to prepare a place to practice at home. You will also find additional resources and a listing of Karmê Chöling programs suited for beginners.

Why Meditate?

Through meditation, you can begin to discover the mind’s inherent stability and strength. When you tap into this stability, your experience of the world becomes more vivid and clear, and you become less swept away by the ebb and flow of life. Sitting quietly and working with your mind is one of the most radical and practical activities in which you could engage.

Setting Up a Space

First, find a quiet and comfortable area of your home where you can relax. You may wish to set up a table with objects that are meaningful to you, including pictures of teachers or loved ones, candles, some incense, or whatever touches your heart. Set a cushion or pillow on the floor that is a proper height and density for you to sit on for a period of time without strain. You may also want to set another cushion or blanket underneath you to cushion your knees or ankles as they rest on the floor. It is also appropriate to sit in a chair.

The Technique of Sitting Meditation

Meditation Instruction: Shamatha Meditation

About Shamatha Meditation

with Ashe Acharya John Rockwell

Suggested Books

Ruling Your World by Sakyong Mipham
Order

Turning the Mind Into an Ally by Sakyong Mipham
Order

Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chögyam Trungpa
Order

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön
Order

Additional Resources

Samadhi Cushions Store offers articles on meditation posture, starting a meditation practice at home, and setting up a shrine, as well as videos on choosing the right meditation cushion.

The Shambhala website offers offers free video teachings designed to be accessible to all audiences.

Programs for Beginning Meditators

If you are interested in beginning or strengthening your meditation practice, Karmê Chöling offers several programs to get you started. Many of our programs have been designed for new meditators, The Shambhala Training® Heart of Warriorship programs (Levels I-V) introduces teachings on “warriorship” that cultivate genuineness, confidence, humor, and dignity in daily life. Our Simplicity: Meditation for Real Life retreats offer a thorough introduction to sitting and walking meditation.

Weekthüns and dathüns provide a very powerful introduction to and deepening of mindfulness-awareness meditation.

View a listing of upcoming programs and pick the time that is best for you to join us, or contact us with any questions. We’ll be happy to help!