GESHE ZOPA TOUR: Shamatha (Calm Abiding) Practice & Teaching #2

To understand Buddha’s teachings just by listening and contemplation is not enough. To actualise the absolute meaning of his teachings, and realise the entirety of the Buddhadharma, we have to use the two techniques of single-pointed and analytical meditation.

Shamatha, or calm abiding, is the mind that abides in peace by avoiding the disturbances of laxity and excitement. Although it is a common meditation technique in many contemplative traditions, the Buddhist meditation is a single-pointed mind that focuses on a virtuous object without getting distracted by other objects or thoughts.

The foundation of all meditation starts with using our natural breathing as the object of meditation. This technique has been utilised by all the past great masters and pandits, up to the Buddha, for over 2,600 years. It is on the basis of breathing meditation, that all other meditations have been successful, and it is an important pre-condition to actualise Shamatha.

Practicing this meditation will help us to start to clear our confusion and delusions, and to overcome depression, feeling lazy, down or moody. We all know when desire, anger or jealousy arises how disturbed and distracted we can become. This meditation will help to reduce all these obstacles. It will help us to be happy, purposeful, meaningful, relaxed and peaceful.

Each session will consist of:
– 60 minute talk on the topic
– 20 minute break
– 20 minutes guided meditation led by Geshe-la
– 20 minutes Q&A and discussion

“This meditation is exactly like going to a gym for a workout. This is a gym within, for a workout that is beneficial for both your mind and body to stay healthy. So you should take this meditation as a daily gym practice. Otherwise, no matter how much you go to your outer gym, if your mind is unhappy and disturbed, it won’t help you much. But with this inner gym you can spend the day with much joy.”

– Geshe Tenzin Zopa

Presented by FPMT Touring Geshe:

Download the reference texts:
A short Training Guide
Serenity: A Commentary on Lamrim Chenmo Vol.3

Geshe Tenzin Zopa is an accomplished Buddhist master and extremely popular teacher, fluent in English, and with a contemporary approach. Geshe-la’s enthusiasm and warmth capture the hearts of all who attend his teachings. His humble manner, gentle humour, and clear and topical explanations of Buddhist philosophy easily engage the mind and gladden the heart. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy inspiration from an authentic Buddhist master!

“For some of us, when we are in trouble we can’t handle ourselves, and that’s a sign that we haven’t meditated. If we had meditated, dharma would already be built into our system and we would not be disturbed by adversities.”

– Geshe Tenzin Zopa