Frequently Asked Questions
- What will happen on my first visit to the Christchurch Diamond Way Centre?
- Do I have to sit cross-legged on the floor?
- How do I get to the Christchurch Diamond Way Centre?
- Do I have to pay anything to come along for a meditation?
What will happen on my first visit to the Christchurch Diamond Way Centre?
The Christchurch Diamond Way Centre is built on friendship and the motivation to help ourselves and others using the methods taught by the Buddha. We are a 'family' lineage, active in daily life with work, partners and children.
If it is your first night, please try to arrive no later than 7.15pm so an experienced member of the group can give you a short overview of the meditation and Diamond Way Buddhism and answer any questions you may have.
Thursday night is our main night. Before the meditation we alternate between watching a short video or listening to one of our more experienced members give a 10 min talk on some aspect of Diamond Way Buddhism, including meditation methods.
The focus of the evening is always the main meditation on the 16th Karmapa. This is guided by one of the Centre members and lasts from 20 to 30 minutes.
After meditation the evening becomes more informal. You are welcome to stay, ask more questions, get to know people and generally relax.
Ngondro practice sessions are where the Christchurch Diamond Way Centre members participate in the Four Foundational Practices of the Karma Kagyu Lineage. It is a set of meditation practices for those who are interested in deepening their meditation practice.
Do I have to sit cross-legged on the floor?
No. All meditations at the Christchurch Diamond Way Centre are sitting meditations, but mats, cushions and chairs are provided. The most important requirement in terms of posture is a straight back. If you’re more comfortable kneeling, or sitting on a chair, that’s fine. It’s only your mind that needs to get enlightened, not your knees.
How do I get to the Christchurch Diamond Way Centre?
The Christchurch Diamond Way Centre is in North Linwood at 220 England Street. We are between Woodham Rd and Linwood Avenue end of England Street (its a long zig zag street). map
There is ample parking on the road, there are bus stop nearby and we are about 30 mins walk from the city centre.
Do I have to pay anything to come along for a meditation?
No. Karma Kagyu Diamond Way Centres run entirely on idealism and the energy and work of volunteers.There’s a donation box where you can make an anonymous contribution if you care to. We have a tiered monthly donation process for those who wish to contribute on a regular basis. This money goes toward bringing out teachers, organising meditation courses, and so on.
If you want to buy Buddhist books or meditation booklets from the Centre you will have to pay for those. You don’t need them for the meditation though—everything you need is provided on the night. There’s also a Centre library, where subscription members can borrow books free of charge.
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06/02/2012
Intro to Buddhism & Meditation
Christchurch Diamond Way Centre
220 England Street
New Zealand
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