A key tool for transforming the mind is meditation. Buddhist meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, and emotional positivity. By engaging with a particular meditation practice one learns the patterns and habits of the mind, and the practice offers a means to cultivate new, more positive ways of being.

In the Pannarama centres, sati meditation is practiced as taught by the Buddha 2500 years ago. 'Sati' is interpreted as mindfulness, awareness or skillful attentiveness and is the equivalent to Vippasana meditation. Through walking and sitting meditation we are able to relax - 'take a holiday' - from our everyday activities and busy environment. With regular practice we are able to cultivate a clean and beautiful mind. This helps us share our happiness, wisdom and compassion with others, and ultimately fosters peace and happiness for the world.

When meditating, teachers are as important as techniques. Frequently, there are some people who meditate without teachers, which is not only time and effort consuming but also dangerous. It is possible to meditate without a teacher, but a wise teacher can lead the student in the right direction without difficulty.

When you begin a meditation practice, your teacher will advise you on how much time to spend on each type of meditation. As for effectiveness, walking meditation is three times more effective than sitting and living meditation. Walking meditation is the bridge between your sitting and living practice. Living meditation you can do anywhere and anytime. When everything is going well with your walking and living meditation you will have a good result with sitting meditation.

The training program offered at the New Zealand Centre is free to everyone. You may come to the centre at your own time to meet with Yasala Bhante to learn Buddhism and meditation. Currently, we also meet every Sunday morning at 10:00am for meditation led by Yasala Bhante with a dhamma talk afterwards. Meditation is for one hour, except for the last Sunday of each month, which is for two hours.

As part of the international Pannarama Buddhist family we are also able to offer students an opportunity to travel to Korea or India to study at one of our other schools.