The discipline of meditation has been established for thousands of years, and in recent years it has gained popularity in the West. There are now several institutes and organizations devoted to the research and practice of meditation as a result. For those who want to learn more about meditation and apply it to their everyday lives, these organizations provide a range of programs and tools. We’ll talk about some of the best schools for learning meditation in this post, along with what they have to offer.
1. The Chopra Center
Site link: https://chopra.com/
Famous author and physician Deepak Chopra created the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, which is committed to advancing holistic health and well-being by fusing contemporary research with age-old knowledge. Several meditation programs, such as guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and self-reflection activities, are available at the facility. For people who desire to develop their meditation practice, The Chopra Center also provides a variety of online courses, workshops, retreats, and events.
2. The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program
Site link: https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction-mbsr/
Jon Kabat-Zinn created the MBSR program in the 1970s, and it is currently provided by a lot of organizations all around the world, including the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The program’s goal is to teach people how to use mindfulness meditation to manage their stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. The MBSR course normally lasts eight weeks and involves daily home practice in addition to weekly sessions.
3. The Insight Meditation Society
Site link: https://www.dharma.org/
A non-profit organization called the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) provides seminars, workshops, and retreats for anyone who wants to learn more about mindfulness meditation. Sharon Salzberg, Joseph Goldstein, and Jack Kornfield formed the organization in 1975. It is based in Barre, Massachusetts. The IMS provides online courses and seminars, as well as residential and non-residential retreats.
4. The Shambhala Meditation Center
Site link: https://shambhala.org/
A worldwide network of meditation centers called the Shambhala Meditation Center provides courses and other materials for anyone who wants to learn more about mindfulness and meditation. The organization was established in 1971 by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and is based on Shambhala Buddhist ideals. The Shambhala Meditation Center provides a range of activities, including workshops, retreats, and meditation courses in addition to online assistance and resources.
5. The Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism
Site link: https://plumvillage.org/
Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh established the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism, which aims to spread mindfulness, compassion, and peace via meditation. Although the community’s headquarters are in France, there are many centers and associated communities all over the world. The Plum Village Community provides a range of services and tools, including workshops, online classes, and meditation retreats.
6. The Art of Living Foundation
Site link: https://www.artofliving.org/us-en
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar established the Art of Living Foundation in 1981 with the goal of encouraging stress-free living via a range of practices, such as yoga and meditation. The group offers a range of activities and materials, including meditation sessions, workshops, and retreats, and has centers in more than 150 nations. For those who want to learn more about meditation, the Art of Living Foundation also provides online courses and materials.
7. The Vipassana Meditation Center
Site link: https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index
A worldwide network of meditation centers called the Vipassana Meditation Center provides courses and other materials for anyone who wants to learn more about Vipassana meditation. The goal of vipassana meditation, a type of mindfulness meditation, is to gain insight and self-awareness by paying attention to physical sensations. The Vipassana Meditation Center provides retreats that are both residential and non-residential.
