What type of meditation is practised?
Meditation is both universal and very old. In various forms it has been practised for thousands of years. This mantra-based method of meditation originates in a centuries-old tradition. It is suitable for people of any age or background. In the early 1960s contact was made with one of the custodians of the tradition of meditation, the Shankaracharya of Northern India. It is from him and his predecessors that the method of meditation comes, together with guidance on its practice. The technique is very simple. It is practised for two short periods a day sitting on a chair in one’s own home or other quiet place.
How is it taught?
Meditation is passed on individually, one to one. The technique is given in a single session during a simple traditional ceremony. The time taken for the practice to become established varies with each individual and much depends on the regularity of the practice. As with learning a musical instrument, deepening and refining the practice is a life-long process. Once given the technique, assistance will always be available, free of charge, to those who sincerely wish to meditate.
How do I start?
If you are attending a Practical Philosophy group speak to your tutor. If not, get in touch by email at this address: info@practicalphilosophy.co.uk or use our contact page http://practicalphilosophy.co.uk/contact/
The introduction to meditation lasts about one and a half hours. Meditation is freely given but there has always been a practice of making a donation to the School of Meditation. For many years the guideline was one week’s net income, but it is recognized that this amount may not be possible. People are therefore asked to make a generous donation, which does not cause any hardship but which recognises their own value and commitment to the practice. Your donation does not go to any individual, it is used by the School of Meditation to make the way of meditation available for others. No further payment is ever required, and individual life-long guidance and support is provided free of charge.
Where can I learn to meditate?
The method of mantra meditation is given through the School of Meditation, with whom the Practical Philosophy School has a long-standing relationship. In the North West students are introduced to meditation at our rural retreat house, Brinscall Hall in Chorley, Lancashire, under the auspices of the School of Meditation in London. The School of Meditation is a registered charity funded by donations and its purpose is to make meditation readily available to anyone who wants it.