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Meditation and Dharma
Talk
University Catholic Center (map)
633 Gayley Ave,
Los Angeles 90024
Tuesdays 5:30pm-7:00pm
Every Tuesday while class is in session at UCLA we meet
for a group meditation and Dharma talk with our chaplain Rev. Kusala Bhikshu at the University
Catholic Center,
a space graciously lent to us by our Catholic friends, located across from
campus on Gayley Avenue.
A Typical Meeting:
Once most of the members seem to have come, and we've given time for a few of
the stragglers, we proceed upstairs to the chapel or to the recreation room
on the first floor, sit confortably in a circle and
listen to a short Dharma talk by Rev. Kusala. After
the talk, there is time for questions, and a few moments to stretch your legs
before we begin seated meditation. We then sit silently in meditation for
fifteen to twenty minutes, after which Rev. Kusala
offers us a chant on loving kindness and we share some group announcements.
Everything is done in English, and there's always time for questions. Come
join us for an evening of beautiful spiritual teachings and relaxation soon!
Getting to the UCC:
Some students have difficulty finding the UCC for their first meditation, and
even once they have arrived, are unsure if they've found the right place.
Clicking on the map can be helpful for people who do not yet know the
area. Here are some other helpful hints to find the UCC.
- The UCC is across the
street from campus, between several of the fraternities.
- If you're standing at
crossing Gayley via Strathmore remember that
the UCC is located south of Strathmore, towards Westwood
Village.
- Usually there will be
several students waiting in the lobby of the UCC, just ask one if
they're from the UBA if you're unsure if you're at the right place.
- If there is no one in
the lobby, perhaps we've already started the Dharma talk. Walk upstairs
and peek inside the chapel. If you see a group of students seated on the
floor, quietly enter and sit in the circle right along with us.
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New to
Meditation?
Here are some simple instructions to get
you started with 'samatha' meditation
Find a nice and quiet place where
you can spend some time without being bothered. Turn off things like cellphones.
Sit in a position that is both comfortable
and stable - one that you can sit in for long periods of time
without getting sore or having to change positions. A position that is comfortable
for many people is sitting with their legs crossed in front of them.
Try to empty your mind of thoughts
of the past and future, and close your eyes. Its time to relax in the
present moment.
Pick a meditation object that is simple
and relaxing. A meditation object that works for many people is the
sensation of breath coming in and out.
If you are using the breath as your
object of meditation, many beginning meditators
find it useful to count the breath to stay focused. Just count once
for each inhalation or exhalation, up to ten, and then count back down to
one and repeat.
Keep meditating for as long as you like.
Remember to start out small to not get frustrated, five or ten
minutes until you feel comfortable sitting longer. Some like to set a timer
to remind them to end their meditation, but if you're meditating with the
UBA you need only listen for the bell.
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