Meditation course: The breath as a gateway to samadhi (in English) 14.1.2017

On this course we will be focusing on the cultivation of samadhi – the meditative collectedness of mind. Samadhi forms an integral part of the buddhist meditative path of practice. On the course we will be exploring creative ways of working with the breath and body awareness as a means of cultivating a pleasant abiding in the here and now. Cultivating samadhi is a skill that can be learned and developed with practice. We will also be looking at what kinds of attitudes and conditions are conducive to developing and deepening samadhi, as well as some common obstacles to practice.  The course will offer a practical set of tools for the meditator to deepen their practice. The course is suitable for beginners, as well as for people with more experience.

The course will consist of guided meditations, teaching and Q & A.

There are also interview slots available before and after the course, if you would like support with your personal practice. You can book these by clicking the ‘Book Appointment’ button further down on the right and selecting ’Henkilökohtainen ohjaus’ and ’Juha’ then clicking on the 14th.

Please note: This course is primarily intended for people who don’t speak Finnish and the places are limited. When registering please tick the box indicating which languages you speak, and the facilitator will prioritise non-finnish speakers. If there are spaces available closer to the course, these will be filled with Finnish speakers.

Time: 12:00-14:30 (doors open at 11:45, please be on time to start at 12:00)
Date:  Saturday 14.01.2017
Location: Meditaatiokellari, Meritullinkatu 11B, Kruununhaka, Helsinki
Registration: https://nirodha.kapsi.fi/abhimata/#/register/32
Questions: Juha Penttilä, penttila.j@gmail.com and 0440887881.
Price: The course is offered on dana – the principle of generosity and giving freely. Participants can offer a donation at the end of the course to cover the practical costs of renting the space, as well as supporting the facilitator in their work.

About the facilitator
Juha Penttilä has been practicing meditation since 2002. He has spent time on retreats in Buddhist monasteries and retreat centers both in Asia as well as in Europe, and has spent over two years living and serving at Gaia House, a retreat center in the UK. In Finland he has been involved in founding Nirodha and the Green Buddha dharma group and is actively involved in teaching meditation and developing the practice community.