Since the launch of the Meditation Rocks! I’ve received hundreds of emails with questions, love letters, suggestions, ideas, offers (to co-author a book!) and even threats, I reply to all of them personally. Majority of you asked about Meditation classes. You asked questions like ‘Do you go to any classes?’ ‘Do you take any classes that I could join?’ ‘Can you recommend any classes/group that I could join?’ So I thought of answering them all together.
Doodles of Meditation
Think of meditation as an art. Well I am not talking about Picasso or Mozart. I am talking about the doodles that kids make… err… everywhere. They just do it for fun and those who keep doing it for fun and explore more places, ideas, methods and mediums (think Dad’s car, modern art with water colours), they develop it into a skilled art and those who connect with their source during the process of creation become masters of the art – they are Picasso and Mozart. It all starts with those cute little doodles.
Meditation is same, we start with simple, funny and sometimes crazy (but cute) ways and important thing is – doing it for fun. And those of us who keep on doing it for the fun of it and enjoy the whole process go deeper or higher (or both!) and become masters of meditation.
So where does groups/classes fit it?
Many of us gifted souls don’t need to go to an art school/college to become Picasso. But some of us might want to, maybe to get more exposure, meet the likes of us and come together to co-create and explore new ideas. That’s what the blog and meditation classes are all about. And it’s a proven fact that meditation, in a group, is more powerful. So if you think you want to meet new people, explore new ideas or maybe just have some fun – go ahead join a group or class or even better, stay on this blog.
Choosing the right class/group
There is modern art, and then there is traditional art and so on… Meditation too comes in many flavours. From Zen meditation to Modern Meditation(that we are exploring here). The important thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Join the class/group where you feel good, where you feel relaxed. Meditation shouldn’t feel like work or burden or just another item in to-do list.
My recommendations
I’ve been practicing meditation consciously since the age of 8 (and probably earlier but I don’t remember). In 10 years of my experience I’ve come across many groups and classes. So here are my recommendations:
The Art of Living
This was a life transforming experience. Their week long YES+ Course (for youngsters) and Basic Course (for elder generation) or maybe Art Excel (if you are a kid, btw congratulations!) are perfect blend of spiritual enlightenment, yoga, meditation and service. They follow 3 principles of Seva (service), Sadhna (meditation) and Satsang (company of truth or guru/mentor or company of people who think alike on spiritual pathway). The main attraction is Sudarshan Kriya. After a week of AOL experience, you will feel that now is when you are living earlier you were just sleeping.
It was founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, you can read more about The Art of Living here.
Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism: Soka Gakkai International
This is a sect of Buddhism based on The Lotus Sutra and teaching of Nichren Daishonin (13th Century Buddhist Monk). The practice includes chanting, learning and exploring. Experiencing the dynamic power that comes from within during (and afterwards) chanting is just amazing. The main chanting is of words ‘Nam Myho Renge Kyo’. The principles of the practice totally agree with the universal Law of Attraction. I won’t be wrong in saying that the way to manifesting Mercedes is the way to Buddhahood.
Find out more about SGI here.
Meditation Rocks!
Yes you herd right, we will be holding online webinars where we will talk about meditation and discuss the problems you are facing. Also we will be soon publishing podcasts with guided meditations that you could download to your iPod or anywhere and meditate along. Most of the stuff will be free!
Your Meditation Corner
Trust me, it’s the best. You alone are enough to be your own mentor here. Do whatever you feel like, that’s how I learned. There is no reason for you to fear, there is no danger on this road and you cannot get it wrong. So let your heart lead you… break free from all thoughts and limitations. Explore your true potential.
Is there anything other meditation group/class that you’d like to add to the list? Do you want to share your experience? You can comment or just drop a mail.
Photo by longtrekhome via Flickr
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