Weekly Meditation

We have a meditation group every Thursday at 8 p.m. and you are welcome to join. Admission is free.
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Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness, something once practiced only in more closeted meditation circles, has recently become a greater mainstream interest. Perhaps for this reason, research on mindfulness meditation has increased considerably over the last decade. Even the National Institute of Health has grown increasingly more interested in mindfulness meditation, funding a number of large studies which investigate the effects of mindfulness on emotional and physical health outcomes. From reducing cortisol and blood pressure to improving the immune system, the benefits of meditation are numerous.

For those interested in Zen Buddhism in Cebu, Chu Un Temple is administered by one of the 72 Chan (Zen) masters in the world who are authorized to pass on the Linji (Rinzai) lineage. Her past experiences include teaching monks meditation at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan.

From parkour traceurs, yoga teachers, to Christian meditators, to members of the theosophical society; you will be also meeting people from diverse backgrounds. We have a tea circle after the meditation session where we can discuss our problems, concepts of self-development, and life’s meaning from various perspectives.

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If you’d like to know more please read on or watch the video below.
Mark Thornton, the former COO of J.P. Morgan talks about how a leader can improve and find happiness through meditation. Please note this video is not affiliated with Chu Un Temple or our affiliates in any way.[cudazi_column_end][cudazi_clear]

Why Meditate?

[cudazi_column width=’6′ class=’alpha’ ]A study done by the National Institute of Health on overstressed business people shows that after 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation training, size of the amygdala shrunk significantly, which correlates to less anger and stress. Prefontal cortex activity also increases which is associated with improved attention and emotional regulation. Meditation is linked with decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. To combat stress and increase productivity, meditation is now taught in companies such as Apple and Deutsche Bank.[cudazi_column_end][cudazi_column width=’6′ class=’omega’ ]Telo-what? Telomeres are the end tips of our chromosomes, little caps that protect our DNA. Telomeres get shorter through time and significant wear-and-tear, especially on people living under continuous stress. Short telomeres are associated with many cancers and aging. An enzyme called telomerase maintains and repairs the telomeres, prolonging the life of our cells. How do we increase the amount of telomerase? Meditation. Emerging research shows meditators have greater activity in their immune cells compared with people who don’t meditate.
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[cudazi_column width=’6′ class=’alpha’ ]Regular meditators who are 40 to 50 years old have areas in their cortex that are as thick as those of 20 to 30 year olds, which defies the long held belief that age inevitably thins the cortex. A study in UCLA shows that those who practice meditation have larger amounts of folding in the brain compared with people who don’t meditate. Extra folding may allow meditators to process information more quickly than others. Another UCLA study shows stronger brain connections and less brain-aging.
[cudazi_column_end][cudazi_column width=’6′ class=’omega’ ]A study done by Wake Forest Baptist University found that meditation could reduce pain intensity by 40% and pain unpleasantness by 57%. Morphine and other drugs typically show a pain reduction by 25%.

Meditation is now being used in the top 5 cancer institutes in the U.S.A.
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Thoughts racing through your head at night that’s keeping you awake? Research is now uncovering that mindfulness is one of the most powerful sleep aids on the planet! People suffering from chronic insomnia tend to fall asleep more quickly, slept longer, and better after mindfulness meditation training. Mindfulness allows you to be in charge of your thoughts so you can choose to turn off your distracting thoughts at will.
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[cudazi_column width=’6′ class=’omega’ ]As an added benefit, we start to realize that we are not our swirling fluctuations of thought. We are the thinker behind, the thought, the observer behind the observation and the unbound ocean of conciousness. Through meditation, we gradually bring harmony, laughter, and love into our soul, and in the process, rediscover the self that is unconditioned, which can never be lost.
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Meditation Basic Instructions:

[cudazi_expander position=’beginning’] The first step in adopting a proper meditation posture is to cross the legs. There are two basic positions for meditation: half-lotus and full lotus (see below). If you can’t get into full-lotus position, half-lotus is fine. If you can’t get into half-lotus position, then sit with the ankles crossed in a stable position. However, [cudazi_expander position=’middle’] the lotus position in particular is conducive to stilling the restless mind and body, and makes it much easier to concentrate.

[cudazi_column width=’4′ class=’alpha’ ] Full-lotus
In this position, both feet are placed on top of the opposite leg, with the right foot on top of the left leg and the left foot on top of the right leg.[cudazi_column_end][cudazi_column width=’4′ ] Half-lotus
In half-lotus position one foot is placed on top of the opposite leg, with the other foot tucked underneath.[cudazi_column_end][cudazi_column width=’4′ class=’omega’ ] Mudra
The next step is to form the proper mudra. First place one hand on top of the other with both hands facing up.[cudazi_column_end]
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During meditation the back should be kept straight, and the shoulders should be kept even; do not lean to the left or right. Keep the neck close to the back collar, such that the ears and shoulders are lined up straight when seen from the side. Tuck the chin in and lightly close the mouth. The tip of the tongue should rest against the upper palate to promote salivation and good digestion. For beginners, it is best to keep the eyes slightly open and staring downward at a spot about two to three feet in front of one’s seat so as to ward off sleepiness. The next step is to form the proper mudra with one’s hands. First place one hand on top of the other with both hands facing up. The tips of both thumbs should be lightly touching each other, and both arms should be kept close, but naturally to one’s sides. This is called the “Dharma Realm Samadhi Mudra.” This mudra promotes good circulation throughout the body during meditation.

The breath can be regulated through the contemplation of counting breaths. By counting each breath as it goes in and out from one to ten, our rough breathing can be regulated until it is so subtle and gentle that it is hardly there at all. Thoughts are like wild horses: they gallop about and are not easily controlled. But without regulating one’s thoughts, merely sitting on a meditation mat is meaningless. One can engage in various contemplations that focus the mind to a single point. One can also visualize the Buddha’s thirty-two marks, recite mantras or Amitabha Buddha’s name, or consider gongans. Any method is fine, as long as it stabilizes one’s mind and thoughts.
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Where To Find Us:

[cudazi_column width=’3′ class=’alpha’ ]Address:
FGS Chu Un Temple, 246, V. Rama Avenue, Cebu City, Philippines

Tel No:
032-253-8144

Email:
chuun_temple@yahoo.com

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