Why Meditate?

People start to meditate for many reasons. Many seek an antidote to the stress and pressure of life. Others are drawn to it for spiritual, moral or philosophical reasons. The Buddha taught that there is a fundamental unsatisfactoriness inherent in our experience of life. We suffer as beings, yet our true nature embraces all joy and suffering equally, and all life is a precious jewel. The Buddha taught that we can all know this. All we have to do is look within ourselves and see what has always been there. Meditation is a way of looking within ourselves for that truth.

We meet weekly to practice a simple form of meditation called Serene Reflection (Zazen). We are associated with Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, a monastery and retreat centre in Northumberland. This is what the Abbey says about meditation:

"Meditation is the foundation of our religious practice; through it we discover the truth directly for ourselves. It is to sit still with an open, alert, and bright mind, neither suppressing nor indulging in the thoughts that arise. In meditation, one learns how to accept oneself and the world as it is. Profound transformation becomes possible once we know things as they are."

Learning to Meditate

To benefit from meditating with us you don't need to know anything about Buddhism. We hope to make the Buddha's teaching available to all but never try to impose it. Buddhism is noted for its respect for other faiths. It does not claim an exclusive truth.

To practice Serene Reflection Meditation posture is important, but it is not necessary to sit cross legged. Most people use either a chair or a special kneeling bench. The important thing is that the upper part of the body is well balanced and that you are comfortable enough to sit still.

Before you come for the first time, try to call us so we can arrange for you to be given meditation instruction from someone who has been meditating for several years and can help others learn the basics. This introduction usually lasts for about half an hour and covers posture and how to cultivate the mind of meditation. You will then join the rest of the group for the remaining meditation time, tea and discussion.

If you would like to come along and join us then please follow the links to the left of this page to find contact details for the Hexham, Newcastle or Teesside groups. If you do not live within easy travelling distance of any of our three groups there may be another OBC meditation group or Priory near you. Look in Net Links for a full list of OBC groups.