This is a beginning level course in the fundamentals of meditation as taught in the Himalayan Tradition. The goal is to provide students with all the tools necessary to begin a personal meditation practice. The course is a combination of lecture, discussion and in-class guided practice.

Students will learn how to sit properly, use breathing to focus and quiet the mind, and relaxation techniques which are helpful for calming both body and mind – all as a preparation for meditation. In addition students will learn to use mantra as a tool for accessing and deepening the meditative state. 

Suggested reading: 
Rama, Swami. Meditation and Its Practice. Honesdale, PA: Himalayan Institute Press, 1992, 1998

The Himalayan Tradition  is an unbroken tradition in which the teachings of the Himalayan masters of meditation have been passed on from master to student for 1,000’s of years. 

Wesley is a long time student and teacher of meditation who began teaching in 1972 at the request and under the guidance of Sri Swami Rama, the founder of the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Society.

“Meditation is a specific technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness that is totally different from the normal waking state. In meditation, you are fully awake and alert, but your mind is not focused on the external world or the events taking place around you. Neither is your mind asleep, dreaming, or fantasizing. Instead, it is clear, relaxed, and inwardly focused.” ~Swami Rama