“Sitting practice is in itself the goal.
The goal and the path are one.
The sitting practice of meditation has become just simply that in itself,
acting out what is there already.”
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
Meditation is a natural state of the human mind—at rest, open, alert. The practice of meditation has been taught for over 2,500 years as a vehicle for realizing the beauty and magic of the ordinary world without aggression or manipulation. Meditation encourages us to connect with our inner wisdom as we explore together in “peaceful abiding”.
We begin by settling ourselves, bringing our focus and attention to ourselves and to the breath as we gently rest in the ‘moment’ allowing thoughts, worries or plans to drift away like leaves floating on a stream. This awareness allow us to notice the sensations in our bodies, guiding us to the present as thoughts rise and fall away. Like passing clouds we acknowledge them and easily let them go, without judgement.
In the stillness we continue to allow our attention on our breathing, not to empty our minds but to create more space for clarity and insight, holding ourselves in the the “arms of love and compassion”. We begin to quiet the chaos as we continue to focus our awareness on the breath and on our innate goodness.
Introduction to Meditation
A short video introduction including a brief guided practice.
Meditation works with the natural state of the human mind—at rest, open, and alert. Practiced regularly, meditation helps the mind to relax and settle, and encourages our inherent qualities of stability, clarity, and mental strength to emerge.
TO VIEW ADDITIONAL VIDEOS
First, please enter your name and email in the Shambhala Database on the form below.
Then you will need to become a Member of the Annapolis Centre. To learn more, please go to the Community page. If you are already a member, you can log in below.
Centre members: Log in to access member meditation resources and videos.
Finding a Meditation Community
Supporting Your Meditation Practice
Join Us for Group Meditation Practice
Our regular introductory events and open houses often include meditation instruction, as we share periods of sitting and walking meditation. Others may also include short talks, discussion groups with time to socialize with other meditators.
Connect with a Meditation Instructor
Meeting regularly with a meditation instructor is a wonderful opportunity for you to gain insights from more experienced meditators, or to revisit the basics of meditation practice. Our meditation instructors are prepared to provide one-to-one instruction, without charge and on an ongoing basis.
To schedule an appointment, please use the link below and select “Meet with a Meditation Instructor” in the Whom to Contact field. We will get back to you shortly.
expand your practice and study WITH ONLINE RESOURCES
Access a World of Wisdom
The global Shambhala community offers a wealth of opportunities to grow, including a wide variety of online resources, including blogs, Shambhala Online, which is host to regular live-streamed classes and events as well as a growing library of courses to explore at your own pace, and our community retreat centres. Whether you are taking a course in your home or joining as a group at the Shambhala Centre, centuries of wisdom from around the world is available with just a few clicks.