Meditative concentration, also known as calm-abiding or Shamatha, is a state of mind where disturbances of body and mind are pacified as we focus our attention on our chosen object of meditation. As we learn to skilfully apply our mindfulness with kindness and letting go, our practice will transform as we settle deeply into concentration.
In these teachings and guided meditations, we will look into creating the different conditions that facilitate the settling down of our body and mind, freeing them from the unnecessary tensions and agitation that disturb our peace and wellbeing. Through applying simple techniques in our meditation practice we can readily enhance the release of physical tensions, and the calming of our mental processes so that both body and mind can actually abide in a state of peaceful engagement in meditation. We may also notice the beneficial effects of our meditation as we bring that sense of peace, calmness and mindful awareness into our daily lives.
This series of teachings is most suited to those who already have some meditation experience and would like to further their practice. Over 3 Saturday mornings Venerable Sangye Khadro (Kathleen McDonald) will lead us into deepening our practice. There will be opportunities for questions.
For a further 3 Saturday mornings there will be the opportunity to come together as a group to continue and consolidate our practice. These sessions will be led by a KYRC senior meditation facilitator.
About the Teacher
Venerable Sangye Khadro (Kathleen McDonald) – Bhikshuni
California-born, Ven. Sangye Khadro ordained as a Buddhist nun at Kopan Monastery in 1974. She took the full (bhikshuni) ordination in 1988.
Ven. Sangye Khadro has studied Buddhism with many great masters including Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Lama Yeshe, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Ngawang Dhargyey, and Khensur Jampa Tegchok. She began teaching in 1979 and served as resident teacher in Buddha House, Australia for two years, and was resident teacher at Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore for 11 years. She followed the Masters Program at Lama Tsong Khapa Institute in Italy from 2008 – 2013, and was resident teacher at the FPMT centre in Denmark from 2016-2017. Ven. Sangye Khadro started teaching at Sravasti Abbey in 2017 and in 2020 joined the resident community there.
Ven. Sangye Khadro has authored several books, including the best-selling, How to Meditate: a Practical Guide, which has been reprinted 17 times and translated into thirteen languages. Other books she has written include Awakening the Kind Heart and How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path (to be published November 2024).
You may find these books at wisdomexperience.org, amazon.com.au and other large booksellers.
See the complete play list of her extensive Abbey teachings on the Sravasti Abbey YouTube channel.
Dates: Saturday 2nd, 9th & 16th November followed by practice sessions 23rd, 30th November & 7th December
Times: 11.00am-12.30pm for sessions with Sangye Khadro;
11.00-11.45am for followup practice sessions
Location: via Zoom in the Kunsang Yeshe Gompa, 116 Bathurst Road, Katoomba or at a location of your choice
Cost: Each session $25/$20 for non-member/member or package of 6 sessions $135/$105 non-member/member