Shamatha: Meditation for Balanced Living
A One Day Retreat • Online & In-Person
October 12th, 2024 • 10.00am-3.30pm • Hybrid Event • Jamyang London Buddhist Centre • Online via Zoom
Co-organised with
Overview
During this day retreat, co-organised by the CCN and Samadhi, discover a range of methods for developing meditative quiescence, or shamatha.
Shamatha is the practice of developing a single-pointed concentration in order to find a calm, clear and focussed mind.
During this one-day retreat, David Oromith will introduce us to both the explanation and the practice of this essential meditation technique – for only when agitations of the mind are healed and calmed can we really focus and see things as they are.
This practice nurtures a state of mind that is simultaneously supple, profoundly relaxed, and brilliantly alert, offering us a much-needed respite from daily life. Through shamatha practice, we let go of physical and mental stress, fostering mental and emotional balance. These practices however go beyond temporary relaxation; and offer us the methods to cultivate a deep, enduring sense of tranquillity and clarity within ourselves.
Ultimately, for those following the Buddhist path, the Buddha strongly emphasised the importance of achieving shamatha in order to achieve awakening. Shamatha is, therefore, an indispensable practice for those on this path.
These practices are accessible to anyone seeking inner transformation—whether Buddhist or not.
"Since nearly everyone living in the modern world is coping with an overload of thinking, remembering, and planning this may be just what the doctor ordered: a general prescription for soothing and healing overworked bodies and minds." - B. Alan Wallace
What We'll Explore
- Explore the practice of developing a single-pointed concentration (shamatha)
- Learn techniques that help you relax and unwind, and let go of physical and mental stress
- Engage in deeply relaxing meditations that bring about calm, clarity and focus.
- Share and learn with like-minded friends in group discussions.
Lunch
During the lunch break, you are welcome to head out or bring your own lunch to eat with the group. This can be a great time to share and discuss with others. David has requested that we eat a plant-based lunch, or at least vegetarian if this is not possible for you. Our abstaining from meat and dairy is an expression of non-harm and compassion for all beings – taking into account the welfare of our planet and fellow inhabitants.
Booking & Donations
There are limited in-person places available for this day retreat. We will also be live-streaming and recording the teachings on Zoom.
Please book your place using the form at the bottom of this page.
At the CCN, we embrace a sliding scale policy for our event fees, guided by the Buddhist principle of generosity and inclusivity. We suggest donations to help cover event costs and support our ongoing activities, for the benefit of all. However, we firmly believe that financial constraints should never be a barrier to participation. If the suggested amount is beyond your means, please contribute what you can — every offering helps us sustain and continue providing our events and courses for the collective good.
Time & Location
- Saturday, October 12th, 2024 • 10.00am-3.30pm
- Online via Zoom
- Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, The Old Courthouse, 43 Renfrew Rd, London SE11 4NA
The Teacher
David Oromith is the Operations Officer for the CCN, as well as co-founder of Samadhi. He is a Buddhist contemplative and meditation guide with a background in mental health services. Having practised meditation since the age of 18, his journey into Buddhism began through personal struggles with depression and anxiety, leading him to the Buddha’s teachings.
David has studied under various teachers, with Lama Alan as his root guru, and is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism among other traditions, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view. He focuses on meditation training and core, practical Buddhist principles in his teachings. He is the author of the book A Practical Guide to Mindful Living and leads several retreats across the UK every year, as well as teaching online and in person across South Wales.
David’s engaging style is clear, practical, and relatable, hoping to make ancient practices applicable to modern life. He envisions and works towards the establishment of the Samadhi Eco Retreat Centre as a community for spiritual development.
Schedule
Hourly Schedule
Day Retreat
- 10.00am - 11.15am
- Session 1
- Talk & Meditation
- 11.15am - 11.45am
- Break
- 11.45am - 1.00pm
- Session 2
- Talk & Meditation
- 1.00pm - 2.00pm
- Lunch
- 2.00pm - 3:30pm
- Session 3
- Talk, Meditation & Discussion
Location
Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, The Old Courthouse, 43 Renfrew Rd, London SE11 4NA
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