Meditation Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe you've know someone who is a regular meditator or perhaps it's something you've always wanted to try or you are simply curious to know what it's all about. Here are the answers to a few common questions to get you started and maybe whet your appetite.
Do I need to become a Buddhist to learn meditation?
Not at all. Meditation is practiced by people of all religions or no religion at all.
What do I need to start?
You need very little to start meditating, just a comfortable, quiet place to sit. Many people do decide to buy a few bits and pieces to help
them such as a meditation cushion (or zafu), a yoga mat, some foam blocks or even a meditation stool. But all you really need is yourself.
What types of meditation do you teach?
We teach two types - the mindfulness of breathing and the loving kindness or metta bhavna. There is a more detailed decription of our main mediation practices here >>.
How often should I meditate?
It is far better to meditate little and often than to have a giant meditation splurge once in a blue moon.
When you have just started aim for meditating for 20 minutes a day, 5 or 6 days a week. If you can manage this, then you've
got a good foundation. If you can't manage this, then do what you can. A little is better than nothing at all.
Do I need to learn meditation at a class?
It isn't absolutely necessary to attend a beginner's class to start to meditate. You could, in theory,
learn from books, tapes or websites. In practice, most people find attending a class or two to be the absolute best way to
start a regular meditation practice. Leeds Buddhist Centre offers a number of courses>>
Why do people meditate as part of a group?
Regular meditators find coming together as a group on a regular basis very supportive and motivating.
It is an opportunity to share experiences and perhaps to learn from people more experienced than oneself. Leeds Buddhist Centre offers
many opportunities for meditation
as part of a group.
Do I need to sit in an uncomfortable crossed legged position?
No. The important thing is to be comfortable. The right position is the one that is most comfortable for you.
Isn't meditation just about emptying the mind?
Not really. A part of meditation is certainly about calming the mind and there may be points when
thoughts do diminish. But meditation is about kindness, awareness, insight, the present moment
and many other things. It is an exploration into you.
What is a retreat?
A retreat is a longer period of meditation practice often combined with elements of Buddhist philosophy.
A retreat can be as short as a day or as long as a month or more. Leeds Buddhist Centre holds many day
and weekend retreats and there are many centres around the country that offer longer retreats.
This sounds great. When can I start?
Start now. Go to our booking page and sign up to our next course. It might just change your life.