Meditation

The Dharmapala Kadampa Buddhist Center
1917 Franklin Road, Suite 113 . Roanoke
540.366.3000

With urging from a few Bella readers, we called the Dharmapala Buddhist Center in Roanoke to find out about any "beginner" sessions for meditation. After a delightful conversation with Sherri Spain, we were set to attend an upcoming evening guided meditation program. What had we gotten ourselves into?


We'll be honest. We weren't really sure what to expect. Visions of monks, robes, alters and temples crossed our minds. Would this be something totally weird? And would we be giggling throughout the entire thing? (You know you've had uncontrollable fits of the giggles during inappropriate times. Would a quiet meditation session be ours?) Luckily, we were able to control ourselves, and to our surprise, we found that our session was quite inspiring, and relatable to almost anyone's life, regardless of religion or beliefs! (We will admit we were a bit disappointed that we didn't get to sit crossed legged, and chant "ohhmmmmmmm" but it was still a great experience!)


The Dharmapala Buddhist Center is located just off Franklin Road in Roanoke, near Rivers Edge. It's located in a nondescript office complex, however upon entering, we realized it was not like anything we were expecting. (Reception area, bookstore, large mediation room and many other offices and rooms make up their facility. It is very comfortable and relaxing and the people make you feel very welcome.)

The Dharmapala Buddhist Center is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT), an international union of over 1100 Centers in 40 countries around the world. They are dedicated to helping people find peace in their busy lives and offer Buddha's timeless teachings in a simple, practical manner that can help you solve your problems and find happiness from within. They provide a variety of classes suited to different levels of interest and experience, such as the General Program Drop-in Classes and the Foundation Program classes. Kadam Deann Bishop is the Resident Teacher for the Dharmapala Buddhist Center. She has studied Kadampa Buddhism for fourteen years under Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Everyone is welcome to come visit them to learn more about their special tradition or just enjoy a few minutes of rest and refuge in meditation with spiritual friends. You do no need to be a Buddhist to attend the Center or to benefit from practices such as meditation.


The guided meditation is a general program anyone can enjoy and understand. In these classes you will learn practical meditations that you can immediately apply in your daily life. The teachings are based on a special presentation of authentic Buddhist teachings that have been made relevant for modern westerners. Consisting of guided meditation (where you're helped along with "instructions" on how to relax and meditate, and what to think about), a modern day lesson tied with traditional Buddhist teachings and a Q&A session, this program is perfect for anyone looking to slow down and take a little time for yourself. (Our group of a little over 20 had people of all ages and backgrounds. Some were new, and some had been coming for years. And not a single one looked anything like a monk.) Each class includes a simple breathing meditation, a short talk on Buddhist thought and a concluding meditation. There is also time to ask questions and discuss. Classes are open and welcome to everyone - regardless of background or experience. To ensure that everyone is comfortable, they meditate sitting on chairs or on the floor on a mat, if you prefer. You do not need to wear special clothing or bring anything with you.


We did learn that meditation isn't for "relaxation" (that is a result); it's to put your mind at ease and in a positive direction. Our advice to you if you want to try out meditation; Relax into it and let the experience unfold. You are meditating if you are aware and if you just take a moment to hone in with some concentration on something in particular you are "meditating." (And no giggling!)