A Method for cultivating inner stillness and peace

The human spirit flourishes with the profound rest and total immobility of deep meditation.

The School of Practical Philosophy has been training people in meditation for more than five decades. In the early 1960’s, the School was instrumental in bringing meditation to the West and has been one of the pioneers in making it available as a transformative tool for life.

The purpose of our Introductory Course in Meditation is to explain something of the science of meditation, how it has become so highly-recognsied since the 1960’s, and to describe something of the traditional method of meditation offered by the School of Practical Philosophy.

The single most important rule of meditation in the School is that it should be simple. The simple meditation offered by the School takes account of all aspects of the eightfold system of Patanjali’s raja-yoga.

It begins with simple attention and ends in simple unity.

Meditation offers a wide range of benefits for both mental and physical well-being. Here are some key advantages:

1. **Reduced Stress**: Regular meditation practice can lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, leading to decreased anxiety and improved emotional regulation.

2. **Enhanced Focus and Concentration**: Meditation trains the mind to maintain attention and enhances cognitive flexibility, making it easier to concentrate on tasks and manage distractions.

3. **Improved Emotional Health**: Meditation can lead to increased feelings of positivity, joy, and compassion, while also reducing symptoms of depression.

4. **Better Sleep**: Practicing meditation can help calm the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, thereby improving overall sleep quality.

5. **Increased Self-Awareness**: Meditation encourages introspection and self-discovery, helping individuals to better understand themselves and develop a stronger sense of identity.

6. **Physical Health Benefits**: Studies have shown that meditation can lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and even reduce chronic pain by promoting relaxation and emotional resilience.

Incorporating meditation into your daily routine, even for just a few minutes, can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being, making it a valuable practice for anyone looking to enhance their quality of life.