Meditation Classes in Okotoks

Meditation Classes in Okotoks

Date: This series of classes will be delayed due to COVID
Time: 7-8:15pm
Cost: $15 drop-in fee
Venue: 403 Milligan Dr.

Everyone is welcome!

Finding Inner Peace

A Buddhist Approach

Meditation is a method to become familiar with inner peace. The peace is there, within us, waiting to be found; the way we find it is through consistently turning away from distractions and focusing inwards through regular meditation. Even spending 10 minutes every day just focusing on our breath can work … as long as we actually do it. What, every day? The same thing again and again?

We get bored easily. You have now read about 100 words of this post: is part of your mind already off thinking about doing something else? I’m thinking about what picture will go with this post… and now I’m thinking I’m a bit peckish… The reason our mind wanders away from our object of mindfulness is because we get captivated by something new and exciting to fill our thoughts with. For the same reason, we find it hard to sit down and do some meditation every day – ‘I’ve done that loads of times before.’

So how do we prevent ourselves from getting bored with the repetitive nature of our meditation practice? We need to be convinced that what we are holding in our heart is a real source of happiness. Whatever the object of our mindfulness is, check with ourselves ‘what good results will come from maintaining my mindfulness of this?’

We never forget our birthday, because when we were a child it became etched into our heart as it was associated with good things like presents and cake. If we consider our object of meditation to be special and precious, then we will never want to be separated from it, and will not become bored with holding on and revisiting it again and again. It will be like our birthday every day of the year!

Join us for this four class series; Everyone is welcome!

 
Each class consists of relaxing guided meditations and a teaching on how to improve our well-being by developing positive states of mind and inner peace in our daily life. 

About the Teacher

Kelsang Khacho is the Resident Teacher of Akshobya Kadampa Buddhist Centre. She is a modern Buddhist nun who has been a devoted student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for many years. She is known for her loving and compassionate nature, as well as her practical presentation of Buddha’s teachings.

She is an inspiring example of modern Buddhism in practice and is dedicated to helping everybody discover Buddha’s wisdom and find real, lasting happiness.

“When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and the mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arise from within.” Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

When our mind is peaceful, we are free from worries and mental discomfort, and 
we experience true happiness.

Student comments

"Meditation is hard! But what I love about the classes is that even long-time practitioners admit there are days when their minds cannot be stilled. There's a gentleness here that I appreciate. Just keep trying, they say. Don't beat yourself up when your mind is like a dog chasing cars. After almost two years, I can honestly say that I have improved. My mind is more peaceful, and I feel like I've become more compassionate. I'm grateful to the teachings and encouragement I receive here, and my attendance has increased with the Covid option of online classes. In short, I'm hooked".
T & T
Student
"I truly enjoyed the class. I've meditated on my own and have followed Buddhism a bit and need to be engaged with both of them more and plan to do so moving forward. I look forward to attending further classes with Akshobya Kadampa Buddhist Centre"
Debbie
New participant