By Jan Daniels
Meditation opens the mind to new realms and internal transformations. It is a way to access peace and relaxation. The slow pace and sitting still for long periods of time may not be right for everyone, but for those who are curious to try this spiritual approach, just how easily accessible is it? Can only the rich buy peace and joy?
Those looking for spiritual and meditative guidance should not have to pay for it, as spirituality grows over time, from within. It cannot be bought through a weekend workshop.
Several spiritual organizations in the Ottawa area such as Shambhala Meditation Centre, Rama Lotus Yoga and Wellness Centre and Sri Chinmoy Centre offer free meditation sessions.
“We like to live in a world where people meditate. We like to offer it widely. It helps avoid corruption,” said Chuck Young, Buddhist co-ordinator of Shambhala Meditation Centre.
“Meditation is so much a part of what we do that we haven’t led just meditation workshops,” according to Rev. Roberta Yackel of the Unity Church of Ottawa. Instead, they incorporate meditation into each spiritual retreat and workshop.
Each organization acknowledges meditation as a balancing insight or a tool to discovering an inner self. The process should feel natural and normal. If it doesn’t it’s probably not the right one for that person.
Spirituality is an awakening, a call from within and having the help of an experienced guide who has been through the stages of growth before may help people progress more quickly.
“When you want to learn, you can try to find a teacher,” says Ashama Clost of the Sri Chinmoy Centre.
Finding an honest and open teacher is important.“False” teachers do exist in the world of spirituality warns Clost.
“You should be suspect if they (spiritual teachers) aren’t following their own words or if a teacher charges you for spirituality,” said Clost.
However, Randal Marlin, a professor at Carleton University sees nothing wrong with organizations charging people for services such as meditation. “As long as they are not exploiting the superstitions, emotional sensitivities and gullibilities of some people,” said Marlin. He insists that “as long as no one is being deceived” and the groups are worthy of the pay then it is perfectly ethical.
What about those in need of spiritual guidance who can’t afford $200 for workshops? Is learned inner peace and tranquillity only for the chosen ones?
Marlin claims that the owners and teachers of spirituality need money in order to live. So do crack dealers and prostitutes, but does that make what they do in order to put food on the table an ethical and moral profession?
Like many guides, Susan Bedford is a devoted volunteer. She has taught meditation for over 20 years for the Art of Living Foundation, a charitable organization which thrives on volunteers. The $200 monthly fee is used for projects around the world, says Bedford. Recently money was sent to India, in order to train women in tailoring so they might make a living on their own.
Centres that offer free services can raise money in other ways. One source of revenue is registration fees for athletic events. Also, if speakers would charge less when invited to speak at a function, more groups could afford to invite them while keeping costs to the public down.
Access to meditate and develop an internal growth should not involve external monetary values.
Students at Shambhala Meditation Centre appreciate the free sessions. Though some would be willing to pay a charge of about $5 per week.
“Constructive relaxation time” as meditator Sara Fortin calls it, would be worth it even if there were a fee.
Yet an exchange of ideas, of aspiration and devotion to the process of meditation is reward enough for some teachers who feel good when they pass on the lessons they’ve learned.
“It’s a benefit to us as well. It strengthens us to offer something to others,” said Clost.
An internal reward is quite fitting as the result of an internal meditative process. Regardless of the existence of external motivators such as money, teachers should give equal support to everyone. Each student who has the desire should have equal access to developing their inner selves whether or not they enter with a wallet.