Meditation 101

Mondays, Jun 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 7:30–8:30pm EDT

ONLINE

Are you interested in learning how to meditate? Or, are you already familiar with meditation but seeking to gain momentum in your practice? Join us for a five-part introductory class where you will learn meditation techniques and put them into practice in a supportive learning environment.

Meditation can help relieve stress, improve concentration, reduce pain, and promote ease and social connection. Meditation has to do with how we relate to our own minds. It’s also a cornerstone to developing a wise heart on the spiritual path to enlightenment. Meditation 101 was designed by experienced teachers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This series provides all the tools you need to build a solid meditation practice.

Several essential techniques will be explained and practiced:

  • Breathing meditations
  • Mindfulness meditations
  • Visualization meditations
  • Analytical meditations on topics such as transforming negative experiences into positive ones

Each class will include guided meditation and discussion. Participants are encouraged to try these techniques on their own between sessions and share their experiences and advice with the group. Come see for yourself what time-tested meditation methods can do for your mind!

Important Note

This is an online-only event that is administered using Zoom.

After registering, the system automatically sends a confirmation and/or a receipt email that contains the Zoom meeting link and/or other instructions. If you don’t immediately receive the system email(s) or you have any other questions, please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org.

*Zoom is an interactive video-conferencing tool that allows participants to see one another and ask questions. You will need a computer, a tablet or a smartphone with the Zoom application to attend. If you are using Zoom for the first time, please login earlier to allow any necessary installations on your device.

Registration/ Schedule

Suggested: $20 per session, or $90 for all 5-weeks of the course
Other offering options: free, $5, $10, $30

The suggested amount helps support teacher offerings and expenses, direct costs and rent. Shantideva member discounts or benefits will be applied automatically if you have a membership in MindBody. 

Shantideva Center may publish recorded sessions in the public domain (e.g., on YouTube). By registering for this event, you are agreeing to give your consent to this process. Please be conscious of any personal information you share. Recordings are typically made to spotlight only on the teacher or facilitator so participants are usually not visible.

Time zone: US Eastern Daylight Time (GMT/UTC-4)

For questions regarding registration, please email registration@shantidevanyc.org for assistance.

Additional Materials

If you are a registered student, you may access the course materials on our password protected page. Please refer to the confirmation email (or receipt email) for the page link and password. Please contact us at registration@shantidevanyc.org if you have questions about accessing this page.

About the Facilitator

Yeshe Chopel arrived in Kathmandu on Losar, the Tibetan new year, as a 19-year old. Within a few days he found his way to an FPMT meditation center. This experience quickly led to a series of decisions that set a life-long direction. He switched universities to allow him to major in Tibetan Buddhist studies, and he began studying Tibetan. He spent a year-and-a-half studying Buddhism with several different teachers and living with Tibetans. During this time he researched the preliminary practices of Tibetan Buddhism. Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism have remained an important part of his life. Since early 2023 he has been increasingly devoted to study, daily practice, and retreats. He volunteers for the Shantideva Center in gratitude for the early role that FPMT played in his practice and because of the FPMT mission to create opportunities for all to listen, reflect, meditate, and practice the teachings of the Buddha.