Buddhist Meditation Half-Day Intensive
In our day-to-day lives, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget about what's truly important. We often get so wrapped up in our own thoughts and feelings that we forget to be present in the moment. That's where Theravada Buddhism comes in.
As the oldest form of Buddhism (dating back to around the 3d century BCE), it is a religion and philosophical system that offers a range of practices designed to help followers achieve relaxation and realization.
The word “Theravada” comes from the Pali language and means “way of the elders.” This name was given to the sect because it emphasizes the primacy of the Buddha’s teachings as opposed to later interpretations.
Theravada Buddhism focuses on individual salvation and is sometimes known as “ Hinayana,” or “small vehicle” Buddhism due to its emphasis on personal liberation as opposed to the broader path of Buddhahood for all sentient beings. Followers of Theravada Buddhism seek to attain Nirvana, or release from the cycle of rebirth, through their own efforts. This is achieved through following the Noble Eightfold Path, a code of conduct based on ethical living, mindfulness, and meditation.
Practices for Relaxation and Realization
There are a number of different practices associated with Theravada Buddhism that can lead to relaxation and realization. One such practice is mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on your breath and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help to calm the mind and achieve a state of mental stillness.
Another practice that can be beneficial for relaxation and realization is compassion meditation. This involves generating feelings of compassion towards ourselves and others. Through this practice, we can learn to let go of negative emotions such as anger and hatred which can cause stress and lead to suffering.
If you are looking for ways to relax and find peace in your life, Theravada Buddhism may be worth exploring. By incorporating some of these practices into your life, you can achieve a greater sense of calmness and clarity.
About JEFF “FREE” OLIVER
Jeff “Free” Oliver is an International Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Speaker, Intensive Retreat Facilitator, Author, Spiritual Advisor, and the Founder of Freestyle Vipassana.
He studied and lived as a Buddhist Monk from 1993 to 2002, and shares the principles and virtues of Unconditional Love, Forgiveness, Karma, Compassion, Wisdom, Peace, and Harmony. He offers courses and workshops for the benefit of our minds, family, community, and the whole world.
Free lives only by donations and we may share with him whatever we feel is the value of what we have received and what we can afford. This is KARMA, we are taking responsibility for what we put out into the world, as he does.
His motto is:
LIVE and LEARN,
LAUGH and LOVE.