The UK Sri Chinmoy Centres have been offering free meditation classes in the UK for over 25 years.
The meditation classes are based on the teachings of meditation teacher Sri Chinmoy.
“We meditate for various reasons. Peace of mind we all badly need. Therefore, when we meditate, either consciously or unconsciously we aim at peace of mind. Meditation gives us peace of mind without a tranquilliser. And unlike a tranquilliser, the peace of mind that we get from meditation does not fade away. It lasts for good in some corner of the inmost recesses of our aspiring heart.”
- Sri Chinmoy (1)
The meditation techniques offered share many similarities with other types of meditation; however one feature of this form of meditation is the emphasis placed on meditating on the heart. The benefit of meditating on the spiritual heart is that the heart embodies the qualities of expansion, love, peace and oneness; it is these qualities that we seek to bring to the fore whilst meditating.
The introductory meditation classes focus on some of the basics of meditation. These include:
Relaxation techniques teach us how to switch off the mind and body from the day's activities, this is essential as a precursor to meditation.
Concentration means the ability to focus on one thing at a time; concentration involves a one pointed focus. Whatever our object of concentration, we become absorbed in this and nothing else. Concentration exercises may involve focusing on a candle or flower flame. Through the practice of concentration we generate the ability to achieve a concentration of thought and energy, essential to meditation.
Real meditation involves stopping our thoughts completely. In order to meditate well we need to have a silent mind and be able to control our thoughts. Many meditation exercises are designed to help us attain this.
Spiritual music can be of great aid to meditation. Meditative music inspires us to dive deep within, beyond the domain of the mind. Sri Chinmoy has composed a wide range of spiritual music, which is ideal for use during meditation. For example the CD "Flute Music for Meditation" is often used during meditation classes. Flute music for meditation is popular for use in meditation because the music embodies a calming, ethereal quality. During meditation classes music groups often perform spiritual music composed by Sri Chinmoy. For many participants this is often the highlight of the course.
For those interested in learning to meditate courses usually make use of 2 books by Sri Chinmoy.
Students of Sri Chinmoy, who have been meditating for several years, offer the meditation courses. During the course there will be the opportunity to ask questions about meditation and the philosophy of Sri Chinmoy.
At Sri Chinmoy's request all meditation classes are offered free of charge. This is in keeping with the Indian tradition that spiritual teachings cannot be bought and sold, and should be available to all.
During the past 30 years, meditation classes by the Sri Chinmoy Centres have been offered in over 60 different countries around the world. At a conservative estimate over 1 million people have benefited from the opportunity to learn about meditation. No commitment or fee is required to participate in the meditation classes.
Sri Chinmoy is a contemporary spiritual teacher born in India 1931 and currently living in New York. The Sri Chinmoy Centre is not affiliated with any particular religion; people are welcome to join from any or no religion.
Sri Chinmoy accepts meditation students for those who are interested in following his path.
More information on Learning to Meditate in UK
(1) Excerpt from The Seeker's Mind by Sri Chinmoy.
For More information on Meditation Classes in UK
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