Meditation is the basis of all Buddhist practice and the contemplation of the mind, body thoughts and feelings that is the path to freedom. In Theravada Buddhist countries the word Bhavana is used to describe the meditative life. Bhavana means 'cultivation' which means that formal sitting meditation is just one aspect of a broader practice called Sati or mindfulness. The practice of mindfulness is about the development of attentive awareness, of paying attention to the mind itself through contemplation of all the phenomena that arise within the body and mind.

Two main types of meditation are taught and practised. Samatha meditation is used to relax the mind and body and Samadhi is a range of practices designed to allow the mind to focus and stabilise around an object. The main method taught is Anapanasati which is mindfulness of in and out breathing. Each session also includes another meditation technique called Metta Bhavana which is often translated as 'The cultivation of loving-kindness'.

Asian Cultural Events and Asian philosophy

SBV promotes cultural understanding and development by encouraging a shared experience of Asian and Western arts and culture. This coming together of the rich diverse cultures of Asia and the West is essential to the development of mutual respect and tolerance among the culturally and racially diverse groups in modern British society.

Our current arts and culture programme included securing a performance at the Tramway in Glasgow by the acclaimed Sri Lankan dancers from the hit Edinburgh Fringe show 'Children of the Sea'. Our Vesak celebrations at Hidden Gardens is a blend of Asian culture including people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and includes traditional chanting and music.
 

Mindfulness and Loving-kindness Based Stress Reduction (MLBSR)

We are offering two courses running for eight weeks each. The first is an Introduction to Mindfulness based stress reduction therapy. The second course is an Introduction to Buddhism and Buddhist meditation

Mindfulness Meditation is now increasingly being used by the healers to reduce physical and mental stress. It has been supported by scientific research. Studies have found following benefits for people practicing mindfulness meditation

• Increased self awareness,
• Self-acceptance and self-trust,
• Enhanced appreciation of life,
• Serenity in the face of difficulties,
• Lasting decrease in a variety of stress related physical symptoms, including chronic pain.
• Significant decrease in anxiety and depression.
• Improved concentration and creativity.

Over the course of eight weeks we will be working gently and systematically through our body, breath and mind, embarking on this mysterious journey of discovering our deepest potentials living creatively. Home practise or journal recording will be an important part of the course.