Our Meditation Classes
Meditation classes offered by the Sri Chinmoy Centre.
The Sri Chinmoy Centre is a global organisation founded by spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy who inspired his students to offer free meditation classes in the spirit of oneness and peace. Our classes will introduce to you a range of simple techniques and skills such as stilling the mind, basic breathing techniques, mantra meditation, the relationship between music and meditation, creative visualisation and step-by-step guidelines to establishing your own meditation practice at home.
Everyone has their own way of meditating so our meditation courses are structured to encourage each individual to develop techniques that work for them. Meditation is not a complicated skill – it is simple, natural and very effective. With only a few weeks of regular practice, even for just a few minutes a day, one can experience profound positive results: a growing calm, a new zest for life, the awakening of our spirituality and a clearer perspective on our life purpose.
Our introductory classes focus on silencing the mind and aim to offer participants a real experience of meditation. Our courses are not based on any particular religion and simply encourage people to explore their own deeper nature to find peace and happiness.
Free continuation courses are also available for those who want to deepen their meditation practice and explore a lifestyle that supports the progress made through the regular practice of meditation.
"When we meditate, we consciously invoke the Infinite. And the Infinite comes to us with boundless Peace, Bliss and Light. ... When we practise meditation, slowly, steadily and unerringly we bring to the fore our inner wealth and serve mankind, fulfilling the Inner Pilot, the Supreme, within us."
– Sri Chinmoy. (Source)
The Spiritual Heart
Our meditation classes and workshops are based on the teachings of the spiritual Master Sri Chinmoy who advocated that meditation is most easily experienced and developed in the spiritual heart – an energy centre (chakra) where our innate spiritual qualities are most powerfully focused. In Sri Chinmoy's words:
"There is a vast difference between what you can get from the mind and what you can get from the heart. The mind is limited; the heart is unlimited. Deep within us is infinite peace, light and bliss. To get a limited quantity is an easy task. Meditation in the mind can give it to you. But you can get infinitely more if you meditate in the heart." (Source)
Q&A regarding the Spiritual Heart
Do you want to be happy?
Then do not overestimate
The power of your mind,
And do not underestimate
The light of your heart.
– Sri Chinmoy. (Source)
Music and Meditation
Music, especially soulful, meditative music, can be of tremendous benefit to our meditation practice. Meditative music can help us to focus the busy mind and access the spiritual heart. Sri Chinmoy was a prolific composer of meditative music and we use his music to help create a tranquil, meditative environment in our classes. Here are some of Sri Chinmoy's words on the spiritual value of music that have taken from his book, The Source of Music:
"Next to deep prayer or meditation, music is of paramount importance. Meditation is like a direct route, or shortcut, to the goal. Music is a road that is absolutely clear: it may be a little longer, but it is quite clear of obstacles. If we can play soulful music or hear soulful music, the power of our meditation increases. Soulful music adds to our aspiration."
Is Meditation For Me?
If you feel a need to at least explore what meditation can do for you, we warmly invite you to attend our free meditation classes.
Meditation in Schools and the Workplace
We offer a free service to come to your school or workplace and teach simple meditation techniques to help create some 'quite time' in your environment. Find out more »
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Upcoming meditation classes in Nelson
August/September, 2012
Our next series of meditation classes in Nelson will be in August/Setember, 2012. Brochures and posters can generally be found in cafes, shops, local libraries and community centres throughout Nelson and the surrounding areas. If you would like to have information sent to you, kindly contact us.
Meditation Books and CDs
We will have available at our classes a selection of books and music that are excellent aids to meditation practice.
Meditation Book
Sri Chinmoy's meditation book, Meditation: Man-Perfection in God-Satisfaction, is a classic introduction to meditation.
With the simplicity and clarity that is the hallmark of Sri Chinmoy's writings, this comprehensive guide takes you from the first stages of concentration and meditation through the advanced practice of contemplation. With over 150 Q&A sprinkled through the various chapters, it remains an enduring favourite among those who attend our classes.
Flute Music for Meditation
Also very popular is Sri Chinmoy's Flute Music for Meditation CD which presents Sri Chinmoy performing his own compositions on the concert flute in very deep states of meditation. These soul-stirring, tranquil melodies perfectly enhance the experience of meditation.
Guided Meditation CDs
We will also have guided meditation CDs available for those who feel that guided meditation would be helpful at home.
Incense
We offer a range of Indian and Japanese incense at our classes.
Do I need to bring anything to the meditation classes?
Nothing special is needed except yourself... seating is provided.
My Meditations
My meditations
Are the golden smiles
Of my soul.
– Sri Chinmoy. (Source)
