Passaddhi Meditation Centre  


Calm · Clarity · Contentment

Meditation

Meditation is a voyage of self-discovery. It is not about gathering mystical experiences, but about developing a capacity to be in touch with what is real.
We can develop equanimity and compassion in the midst of worldly chaos as much as in peaceful circumstances. However, silent retreats and intensive meditation practice help us to tap into our inner source of kindness and wakefulness.

Vipassana meditation

Vipassana or insight meditation originated in the Theravada Buddhist tradition as practised in Southeast Asia. Vipassana means 'clear seeing'. Through 'being with' our experience, with kindness and interest, we begin to see more clearly what the experience is about, and what else might be there. This clear seeing gets us in touch with our mental, physical and emotional processes and patterns, in a kind-hearted way. We can begin to live life more open-minded and open-hearted, with less fear and clinging, and more compassion and contentment. In this changing world, faced by materialism, economic problems and information overload, it is important that we learn to get in touch again with that which is beyond gain and loss, beyond hope and fear.
Through Open Awareness practice, a form of vipassana/mindfulness/insight meditation, we see the kindness, discerment and wisdom that is already there. We can stay with thoughts, feelings and emotions longer than we might do in other approaches to see what the mind can show us. And yet, nothing needs to happen!

Metta or loving-kindness meditation

Metta or loving-kindness meditation is a way of reconnecting with our inner being that is already kind and compassionate. Metta meditation was taught by the Buddha as a way of protecting ourselves from internal and external dangers. Cultivating metta means opening our heart to ourselves and to others. We begin to release the internal chronic critic that brings so much suffering. Metta is an antidote to fear, and it helps to overcome anger, hatred and resentment. Practising metta is about befriending ourselves and others. Through the force of metta we begin to loosen the boundaries we have created around ourselves, and we experience the interconnectedness of all beings. What unites us is our wish to be happy. In the practice of metta meditation we give expression to this wish for happiness and well-being, our own and that of all other sentient beings.



Mahamuni
Mahamuni temple statue


Kwan Yin Flower
Kwan Yin statue with flower