Site of Sayagyi U Ba Khin Memorial Trust

ByNews Room

Apr 3, 2011

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Vipassana Meditation

“The world is now facing serious problems threatening mankind. It is just the right time for everyone to take to Vipassana meditation and learn how to find a deep pool of quiet in the midst of all that is happening today” Sayagyi U Ba Khin

What is Buddhist Meditation?

Buddhist meditation consists of two steps: calmness of mind and insight (Vipassana). The student is helped to develop calmness and concentration by encouraging him to focus his attention on a spot at the base of the nose. In this way he can be aware of the in-breath and the out-breath. When the mind is given only one object it gradually becomes calm and steady.

Mother Sayamagyi

Respiration mindfulness has several advantages: • The breath is natural and common to all human beings. • The breath is available at all times to focus the attention on. • Mindfulness of the breath is a technique that can be practised by members of any religion, or a person of no religion.

There is no reason why a good student in meditation should not be able to secure a concentrated mind in a few days of training. Little by little all conscious awareness of breathing stops. The student becomes mindful only of a small point of light and warmth. At this stage the mind becomes one pointed and clear and unwavering.

It is a common belief that a person whose power of concentration is good can achieve better results. There are definitely many advantages that accrue to a person who undergoes a successful meditation retreat. It doesn’t matter whether this person is a religious person, a business person, a politician, a worker or a student.
(Read more)

I would like to meditate

Words of Appreciation

“Meditation takes the edge off a hectic life”

Carl Honore wrote in In Praise of Slow: “My mind is learning to be quiet and still for longer. I feel less impatient and hurried. In fact, I am so relaxed I do not want to leave. Without my realizing it, my brain has also been engaged in some very useful Slow Thinking. By the end of the week-end, ideas for work are bursting up from my subconscious mind like fish jumping in a lake. Before returning to London, I sit in the car and scribble them down. Is it possible to transfer that meditative calm from a retreat to the real world? The answer turns out to be a qualified yes… Meditation can take the edge off a hectic urban life.” (Read more)

“I will be eternally grateful”

“For many many years I have lived in a state of unrest and unhappiness. There have been times when this has been unbearable and I was driven to dark places. I don’t as yet know how the teachings and practice experienced during the past ten days will help me. What I do know is that this is the start of a long journey, but it is a start. I also know that I have some hope and for that I will be eternally grateful.”

Michael L.
Kent