Meditation courses for youngsters

Children attending a meditation course held at the Dhamma Rasmi Centre (an associate of Vipassana Meditation Centre) in Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Younger members of the society would have opportunities to learn the art of meditation at special courses scheduled to be held later this month and in early September 2012.

Auckland based Vipassana Meditation Centre is organising the introductory courses at a venue in Onehunga, details of which will be announced later.

The first course, for teenagers (13 to 17 years of age) will be held on Saturday, August 18, while another programme for children between 8 and 12 years of age, to be held on September 8, 2012.

Both courses will be held from 9 am to 430 pm.

Organiser Falgun Shah said that the participants will learn the ‘Anapana’ technique, which offers life-long benefits.

“The ‘Anapana’ technique is simple yet scientific, morality-based but non-religious and is non-commercial. It uses a natural object on which the practitioners focus, aiming to let children experience the benefits of meditation,” he said.

According to him, the benefits of ‘Anapana’ include improved concentration and memory, increased self-confidence, greater capacity to study, ability to deal with agitation, fears, anxieties and pressures, with increased goodwill for others.

“Meditation sessions are held in smaller groups, combined with discussions, creative activities and games. The courses are free and run on voluntarily donations and are open to all ethnic groups,” Mr Shah said.

To register online, visit www.medini.dhamma.org  

For more information, visit www.children.dhamma.org