New Beginnings: learn to meditate

New Beginnings is a half-day meditation course for beginners at Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre in Merivale, Christchurch. It is led by the Centre's resident teacher, Buddhist nun Gen Kelsang Luma, and offers a clear, practical way into learning to meditate. You will learn essential inner skills for calming the mind, creating inner space and becoming an effective meditator. Everybody is welcome, and no previous experience is needed.

What to Expect

The course runs from 10am to 1pm on a Sunday morning, with registration opening at 9.50am. It is made up of two teaching sessions with a break in between:

- 9.50 to 10.00am: registration
- 10.00 to 11.15am: teaching
- 11.15 to 11.45am: morning tea
- 11.45am to 1.00pm: teaching

Along the way you will be guided in setting up a simple, enjoyable daily meditation practice, so that what you learn in the room can carry into ordinary days. The aim is to begin experiencing greater happiness and contentment as a result of that practice.

The teachings are based on Buddha's teachings on the mind, in the Kadampa Buddhist tradition. You do not need to be a Buddhist to attend or to benefit from them.

About Gen Kelsang Luma

Gen Kelsang Luma is a Buddhist nun and the resident teacher at Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Centre, which is part of the New Kadampa Tradition, the International Kadampa Buddhist Union. She leads both teaching sessions of this course.

The Venue

The course takes place at Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre, 24 Rugby St, Merivale, Christchurch. There is plenty of parking on the street. Visitors are asked not to park on the neighbours' driveways.

Before You Go

This course is designed for complete beginners. There is no physical exercise involved, and you can choose to sit either in a chair or on a cushion. The course is taught in English.

Morning tea is included in the course fee, and the course is free for Centre members. Booking is essential. If you cancel more than 24 hours before the start, a refund is offered, though the 25% deposit is non-refundable. Within 24 hours of the start no refunds can be given, but you can transfer your booking to a future course.