What I learned from an introduction to Buddhist meditation course
One area I wanted to consolidate this year was re-establishing my mindfulness practice. Back in 2017 I did a 365 day meditation challenge and learned more about the different types of meditations.
I happened to pop into the Manchester Buddhist centre in the Northern Quarter over the summer to get some mindful inspiration. That’s when I found out they were running an introduction to Buddhist meditation course. As I was headed into a quieter work period I knew I’d have the headspace to commit to 6 weeks of evenings between 7–9.30pm.
I want to share some of my key reflections from the 6 week course. Partly because writing about what I learn helps me to reflect and remember what resonated.
But also in the spirit of wanting to open up a discussion on meditation. As we all recognise the side effects of distraction, struggling to focus and shying away from sitting with our feelings. It’s part of our human experience. And meditation is something I think we’re all longing to get better at.
Central Themes of Buddhism
The course was well structured and thoughtful in its approach. Each session had a balance of introducing high level introductory concepts from the Buddhist teachings. Alongside a meditation practice and connecting with the group. The key themes I’ve chosen to talk about are concepts that resonated most with me. These are just my own reflections and I’m not any sort of Buddhist expert. Nor I am imposing any beliefs onto anyone.
If you’d like to learn more about what the centre and course offers you can check out the Trirantna Buddhist website.
Pain is inevitable
They are 4 noble truths within Buddhism which can be summed up as;
- the truth of suffering
- the truth of the cause of suffering
- the truth of the end of suffering
- the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.
More simply put, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end.
This might sound like a negative place to start from but its actually a relief. When we recognise so much of the anguish we face in life is about our own reactions, this then gives us agency and power to determine our response.
The power of connection – the Sangha
While in traditional Buddhism a Sangha refers to a group of monks. In the Triratna school of Buddhism the sangha is seen as a vital Buddhist principle. Especially so in a world where we feel increasingly disconnected, isolated and lonely. (Link)
The power of community and connection reminds us all that we’re part of something much bigger than ourselves. During the course we took a 20 minute tea break where we got to chat and share our learning experiences with the group. We would open up discussions and ask questions in the sessions. This opportunity to connect with a broader mix of people took me by surprise. I didn’t expect to learn how much community means to me.
In a world where we’re not frequently meeting people from different backgrounds, where we don’t take the time to understand their life experiences and listen from a place of non-judgement. It’s no wonder there’s so much loneliness and anger in the world.
Compassionate awareness
I’ve been on my own journey this year to learn about how I can practice being more compassionate to myself. What I’ve been reminded again through this course is kindness is the root to awareness.
During the course we started with a basic meditation practice of connecting with our bodies, tuning into our sensations and turning towards any discomfort with a kind curiosity.
We then moved onto developing our Metta meditation. Which is a loving kindness meditation. Firstly you give yourself loving kindness, then a friend, thirdly a neutral person, then someone you’re struggling with, and lastly you end up wishing Metta to the wider community. You can learn more about Metta meditation here.
Non-judgement
There is no higher moral judgement in Buddhism. There is no right or wrong. No one is born a bad person. The actions we take and the awareness we have are what matters. If we refer back to the Metta meditation this encourages us to sit with uncomfortable feelings and to be curious. We can stop to consider what suffering is coming up for that person, and how are they working through it.
It’s about trying to cultivate a mindful state of awareness where we don’t jump to reactive conclusions. This is very much something I am actively working on.
If I don’t take a moment to pause, breath and be aware then I can let my mind run away. The power of meditation is that it raises our self-awareness. So even when I get caught in a reactive judgement I can at least recognise I was reactive. That’s the beauty of mindful meditation: it slowly and surely lets you know that it is working.
Karma
Karma is often misunderstood. It’s often misrepresented that if something bad happens to you that’s just bad karma. As if you had no agency in what happened to you.
Karma is Action driven by intention
If we consider karma in the context of being present in the here and now. That we can occupy. a state of awareness in our actions. Then alongside having an understanding of the concept of conditionality – which is that we’re part of a bigger system that interconnects. Then it’s our own actions that have brought us to the mindset we occupy today. Karma can be considered as a way to think about the impact of the actions we choose to take. There are some broader Buddhist ethical frameworks that help us to frame and consider the impact of our actions such as the 5 precepts that act as a useful lens when considering the intention of our actions.
Practical things to try out
Developing your meditation practice – Try Balance
One app me and another attendee both mentioned using was Balance. It’s a meditation app that’s specifically focussed on helping you to develop breathing techniques. I’ve done a 10 day focus course and an advanced course.
I like how it shows the different ‘skills’ you can learn and moves you through levels of application. Also they have been running an offer where you get your first year free!
Drop in meditation classes
When I used to work by Portland street there was a Kandamapa meditation centre. I used to pop by and do classes there (there is a Chorlton one). Now I’m working by Deansgate I’ve found there’s a lunch drop in at the Inner Space centre. The Buddhist centre also have lunch time drop ins at their NQ location. If you can’t make a lunch time see what’s on near you.
Book onto a meditation course
I am biased having just done this introductory course. But if you want to learn, to try something out and make a change you need to dedicate time. The act of doing a course always helps me to stay honest.
The Manchester Buddhist centre are running another 6 week intro course from the 1st November. I’ve done an amazing art and mindfulness course before at the Manchester Art Gallery. And Insight Timer, another meditation app I love has some powerful 10-30 day online self-directed meditation courses you can do.
I hope you’ve found this an interesting read. I’d love to hear from anyone in my network who’s also interested in Buddhist meditation. Or meditation in general. Also more than happy to chat to anyone wanting to talk about developing a meditation practice.
