Monday, 16 December 2024

Power of Awareness Meditation Courses 2025


LauncestonTasmania, Australia   6 day  Silent Meditation Retreat       21 - 27  January

Contact:  Karunamitra


Rocklyn Yoga Ashram, Australia   6 day  Silent Meditation Retreat      10 - 16  February

Contact:  Rocklyn Yoga


Hamilton, North Island, NZ   3 day  Yoga and Meditation Program     1 - 3  March

Contact:  Kailash


Uruguay,  South America   Two Programs

2 day  Yoga and Meditation Program     14 - 16  March

6 day  Silent Meditation Retreat             22 - 28 March 

Contact:  Janardhana


Auckland, New Zealand   4 day program  Silent Meditation Retreat    15 - 19 May

Contact:  Pragyadhara


Teaching meditation I always assume the wisdom to be present in everyone, that the guidance is trying to speak to the wisdom already in you. But making the connection with that wisdom is not automatic, it requires the right time, environment and focus, and sometimes guidance - that’s why these longer meditation courses. As the worldly activities get left behind, after some time the mind which was active out there gradually becomes calm. When the outer mind becomes quiet like that the way is open for a connection with the higher mind, inside, which is the source of our wisdom.

These courses clear the way for you to be able connect more directly with your inner life. As well as the length of the courses, the peaceful environment, the quiet we are encouraged to keep there, the absence of outside distractions all help to make this possible. And then the practices: Different techniques are introduced at different times as our inner perception deepens, so that as our practice evolves the different steps of self discovery come at the right time. 

It seems to me that the time has come when we want to take a step further and go deeper, that it is not enough to continue in the same old way. This is done gently in the seclusion of our own inner nature. The guidance leaves you free to have your own experience in the privacy of your own inner space. This develops a sense of quiet confidence which can’t be described because it’s different than the usual.

If this is making sense, then give it some thought and listen to your inner voice, where these decisions are made, and note down the dates. And if not this time, maybe another. We have the long view before us. Sooner or later there are things we have to face which are particular to this life. This way we can do it consciously, knowingly, with full awareness; you will find it fits right in with whatever you have found and tested to be true. Here you can let it become an adventure and a part of your life. 

Wednesday, 23 October 2024

FAQs about Meditation and Meditation Retreats


Looking ahead to Silent Meditation Retreats being organised in Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay in the early months of 2025

All information and contacts will be posted here when finalised

How can a regular meditation practice be beneficial?

We know the outer world of everyday life very well, but of our inner life we know relatively little. The purpose of meditation is to come in contact with and get to know our inner world better. If we live relating only through outer life and overlook our inner life we really only know part of ourselves and only living part of our lives. Regular meditation keeps us in contact with ourselves in a more complete way, knowingly and systematically, so we feel more integrated, complete and at peace with ourselves and the world around us

What are the benefits of attending an in-depth meditation course?

In relation to maintaining or getting going a regular meditation practice, it is most beneficial to attend an in-depth meditation course to become better acquainted with the accurate principles and techniques of meditation through systematic guidance and personal experience. This sets you on the right path and strengthens confidence in personal practice at home.

How will one expect to feel while attending a meditation course?

Come with an open mind. It is really better not to have any expectations of what to feel. This would actually end up being quite limiting. It’s about self-discovery, and discovery is limited by any expectation of an outcome. The constant in meditation is awareness. And the two primary qualities of practicing awareness are: being in the present moment; and then viewing all inner experience equally with an attitude of self-acceptance – which leaves little room for expectation. This is the way the awareness expands, the inner world opens up to us and we come closer to ourselves.

What tools will one take away from such a course?

If there is only one gain from a meditation course it could signal the most significant change in life. To be able to pause in the activities of life, to reflect and see everything more accurately, from a deeper wiser place, and integrate inner life with outer activity.  That would be the outcome of expansion of awareness, to be inclusive of things known and things as yet unknown, both about myself and what we come in contact with. What you don’t know remains in control, though you may not know it. But of what you do know you eventually become the master.

 

How does meditation relate to everyday life?

This is answering the last question in a different way, but it is so relevant these days. The very tools that you can acquire through meditation practice are exactly the skills that are most beneficial in relating to the constant changes in daily life. You could describe a meditation course as a training ground in an ideal and secure environment for life itself. It takes some doing to get it going in daily life, but so much worth putting in the time and effort. 

Who would you recommend the Power of Awareness to?

The single essential quality for a meditation course is not previous experience as you might expect, but a genuine desire to know oneself better and more deeply, to want to go beyond being satisfied with just appearances. Meditation has always been about self-discovery, self-knowledge. It has never been a shortcut to feeling happy and blissful. You have to make the journey before arrival. Anyone who understands and relates to that will be inspired and find these courses very rewarding