Vispassana Meditation

I recently spent a weekend at a Vispassana Meditation Retreat at UBC, hosted by the West Coast Dharma Society here in Vancouver. Vispassana is one of India’s most ancient forms of meditation, rediscovered by Buddha more than 2500 years ago. The word Vispassana means ‘to see things as they are’; it is a way of self transformation through self observation. This is a silent retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditations as well as a Dharma talk by the teacher. You can sit on a chair or take a cushion and sit on the floor. I think what I got most out of the weekend was the reminder of loving kindness to oneself and others, and the mindfulness of actions whether it is walking or eating, and again that being present with everyday activities. Walking in the Zen garden inspired me to come home and be creative in my own garden. Just to spend that time for myself was a treat and I didn’t have to go very far. The next Meditation weekend is in October, for more information click here.