Little Bangkok Sangha : Meditation group

Currently we meetup every Monday (until November)

Topic:
ADVANCED SESSION - Meditation is for everyone, but there are 'advanced' states to be found, other than mindfulness and virtue. These are talked about endlessly in the original suttas, but rarely by any teachers today. Maybe those in the know, do not know how to explain. But for whatever reason, these states are not often talked about. They are not beyond you. And the various signposts along the way should be understood by all meditators, so you know when you are exiting Maya and entering into the Path of the Mystics.

Come meditate with a monk! With Bangkok's English language Sangha.

Speaker:
Venerable Pandit has been an ordained Buddhist monk in Thailand since 1996. He has a degree in Psychology and a MA in Buddhist Studies. His focus is on early Buddhist teachings, enlightenment traditions, story and fairy tales, and psychology - all from the perspective of a real meditation practice. Expect clear and precise delivery, and a little humour!

Inviting:
Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced meditators. We meet to support and encourage each other in our practice. If you are a beginner, some instructions will be given; experienced meditators can develop their own practice.

Venue:
Baan Aree is a Thai Buddhist Center, please wear something that is comfortable and modest. It is very close to Ari BTS Station.
Map link : https://maps.app.goo.gl/gmVjmWt6mazuNXMt6
Enter through the passage between EXIM building and the gas station. (Baan Aree is also the home of Kid Mai Death Awareness Cafe - so you can also follow directions for that on G Maps)

As is usual with Buddhist teachings, there is no charge for this event. However, the Little Bangkok Sangha follows the Buddhist custom of Dana (generosity). The teachings and the venue are offered as an act of generosity, and those receiving them can, if they wish, reciprocate by making donations. These go towards the teacher’s and venue's costs. Boxes for Dana will be provided.

Programme:
· 6:30 pm group meditation
· 7:00 pm Dhamma talk
· 8:00 pm (ish) finish

You are invited to join us on Saturday 23 November 2024 at Baan Aree, the beautiful location so generously made available to us by the Baan Aree foundation, where yoga and meditation teacher Prema (Jo Yee Yung Fung) will be leading the full-day session starting at 10.45 AM.

Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced meditators. We meet to support and encourage each other in our practice.

Concentration practice is the foundation for deep meditation, where the body is steady and comfortable, and the mind is relaxed and alert. The Yogic Pranayama practice is similar to the Buddhist Anapanasati practice (mindfulness of breathing), and both are preparatory steps for concentration. With the proper intentions and awareness, everyday breathing could become a simple concentration tool that soothes the mind and enhances mental clarity.

While no-one can do the meditation practice for you, we can learn a lot from each other by sharing experiences and techniques. Prema will explain the foundational elements of breathing and meditation and lead five practice sessions sequenced for techniques building and practical tips to enhance mental concentration and maximize self-healing in the body. After each session she will facilitate a Q&A session.

Baan Aree is a Thai Buddhist Center, please wear something that is comfortable to sit in, and avoid tight-fitting clothes, shorts, sleeveless tops, and short skirts. Please note that food and drinks, except water in a closed container, are not allowed inside the meditation hall.

There is no charge for this event. However, the Little Bangkok Sangha follows the Buddhist custom of Dana (generosity). The teachings and the venue are offered as an act of generosity, and those receiving them can, if they wish, reciprocate by making donations. These go towards the teacher’s and venue's costs. Boxes for Dana will be provided.

Programme:
10:30 am Baan Aree opens
10:45 am Opening Remarks and Introduction, followed by

• Five 45 minutes guided mindfulness breathing practices;
• Five 30 minutes interactive Q&A sessions where everyone can share insights and ask questions related to their breathing practices;
• A 60-minute lunch break and two 15-minute breaks for washrooms and refreshments. Several eatery options are within short walking distance from Baan Aree.

6:30 pm Baan Aree closes

Prema is a student and teacher of Yoga and Vedanta with an emphasis on daily applications of Hatha Yoga, Hormone Yoga, Ayurveda, Meditation, Reiki, Sanskrit Chanting, Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. Through her path of self-discovery and healing experiences, she is a compassionate, creative, and enthusiastic teacher, who supports her students to flourish and harmonize their lives using natural and traditional therapeutic well-being techniques.