Meditation is very simple practice. In meditation we bring the mind to focus on one object only. This provides relief from the distractions, worries and fears that can often pervade our mind.

Apopular form of meditation is breathing meditation. In the practice we try to stop all distracting thoughts and focus simply on the sensation of the breath. A meditation session can last for any length of time- even five minutes can be very beneficial. However, a normal session time is about fifteen minutes. Practised every day, this can bring wonderful benefits.

“The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. As mentioned earlier, if our mind is peaceful we shall be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we shall experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful, we shall find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions. If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we shall experience a purer and purer form of happiness. Eventually we shall be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.

If we train in meditation systematically, eventually we shall be able to eradicate from our mind the delusions that are the causes of all our problems and suffering. In this way, we shall come to experience permanent inner peace. Then, day and night in life after life, we shall experience only peace and happiness.”

From “The New Meditation Handbook” by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso