In this newsletter we can announce the new in-depth series “Shamatha Meditation”: 'The way to physical and mental balance'. We have two replay tips and a live tip for tomorrow night. A call from Helena who is looking for volunteers for the retreat with Bhikkhu Anālayo. We take a look behind the scenes and would like to thank you for your support.

'Shamatha Meditation' – Available now

In our busy and demanding world, it is sometimes difficult to find physical and mental balance. But with this powerful meditation technique we want to help you train relaxation, stability and clarity.

Shamatha, which literally means “tranquility” in Sanskrit, is an ancient meditative practice that quiets the mind and helps it to be fully in the present moment. Through focused attention and breathing techniques you learn to let go of distractions and reach a state of serene concentration.

This in-depth series offers a structured approach to Shamatha Meditation, suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Each lesson guides you through different meditation exercises, lectures, lines from a sutta and home practices. This can be followed in your own time and pace when it suits you.

The benefits of regular practice of Shamatha Meditation are many. In addition to experiencing inner peace and clarity, it can improve focus and concentration, reduce stress, increase emotional resilience and promote a deeper sense of well-being.

Start today with the Shamata Meditation deepening series, on the way to physical and mental balance.

  • Floor series by Karin Rekvelt
  • Start at a self-chosen time – at your own pace
  • 4 themes – 4 weeks
  • Each theme consists of a lecture, a meditation, reflection on the meditation, a sutta and home practice.
  • More information & get started right away: 30NOW.nl/shamatha-meditation

September 30 - October 7, 2023

This retreat designed by Bhikkhu Anālayo explores the four establishments of mindfulness (body, mind, feeling and dhammas).
30NOW and Āgama Research Group cordially invite you to deepen your practice with the liberating teachings of the Satipaṭṭhāna sutta.
Online 8-day retreat with Bhikkhu Anālayo.

👉 More information and registration: 30now.nl/retraite-bhikkhu-analayo

live tip

Sunday evening 14 May you are most welcome at the Live Lecture with Michaël Verlouw, about Sangha and Spiritual Friendship:

The Buddha has set his goals very high with good, with noble friendships. Namely, reaching enlightenment.

But also closer – much closer – we can develop beneficial qualities if we are actively engaged in spiritual friendships, with Sangha. Loving-kindness, compassion, and shared joy may be obvious. But also think of equanimity, gratitude, patience, forgiveness… These are all qualities that you can develop – especially – in connection with others. Precisely because it will not always be cake and egg.

Sangha is a verb in that sense!

👉 Participation link for this live teaching appears on 30NOW.nl/live

Volunteers wanted for Retreat Bhikkhu Anālayo

Call from Helena Pauptit:

We are currently looking for volunteers to strengthen our team. Do you find meditation valuable and would you like to support others with it? Then this might be something for you!
The retreat will be held online from Saturday, September 30 to Saturday, October 7, 2023 and a virtual meditation room will be available to participants 24 hours a day during the retreat. The online platform Zoom is used for this.
These volunteers keep the meditation room running. They also support participants who, for example, have difficulty getting into the meditation room or the daily question-and-answer meeting with Bhikkhu Anālayo.
Does it feel valuable to you to be able to support others in their meditation process and are you familiar with Zoom? We cordially invite you to contact Helena Pauptit at [email protected] for more information about this.

Sincerely,
Helena Pauptit

Meanwhile… behind the scenes

In recent months we have been working hard on making a series in which Guido Scholte takes newcomers step by step into the world of meditation and the practice of mindfulness. Curious? We'll be releasing this next month!

Thanks 🙏🏼

Thank you very much for receiving dana/ donations for the daily live sessions. With the donations you continue to support the facilitators and ensure that our daily meditation meetings remain open and accessible to everyone, regardless of everyone's financial situation.

For more information about financing it 30NOW offer: How does 30NOW exactly funded?