Meditation has been used for millennia by cultures all over the world. The earliest known use of this technique was found in Indian scripts dating back 5000 years. Later, in 500 B.C., mediation was brought to the forefront by Buddha, who is now the central figure in the Buddhist faith.
Throughout February, a series of meditation sessions will be held on campus, with instructors representing several different religious traditions that use this technique.
The purposes for meditation are wide-spread and well documented. The practice is purported to help one achieve an emotional and physical balance, and has also been said to help comfort people suffering from anxiety, stress and depression.
“All religions arise from the desire to ease confusion and suffering, and cultivate peace and compassion,” says Kim MacAulay, Spiritual Life Coordinator at the Mount. “If you’re looking for ways to work with your mind and heart, and cultivate well-being in your life and world, perhaps this meditation series might be of interest.”
The four-part series will feature leaders from religious traditions including Hinduism, Christianity, Brahma Kumaris, and Shambhala Buddhism. The series is open to the public, and participants are invited to attend any or all of the four sessions.
The Multifaith Meditation Series will take place in the Peace Room (Evaristus C410) from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Feb 10: Meditation from the Christian tradition
Instructor: Clement Mehlman, Lutheran Chaplain at the Dalhousie Multifaith Centre
Feb 17: Meditation from the Brahma Kumaris tradition
Instructor: Judy Johnston, Meditation instructor at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre
Feb 24: Meditation from the Shambhala Buddhist tradition
Instructor: Eve Rosenthal, Acharya (senior teacher) in the Shambhala Buddhist tradition.
A session was also held on Feb 3: Meditation from the Hindu tradition was instructed by Dr. S. Swaminathan, Hindu Priest and Chaplain at Dalhousie Multifaith Centre.
For more information or to register for a session, please contact Kim MacAulay at slc@msvu.ca.