Blog - Cape Town Meditation Centre

When the Earth Trembles: A Buddhist Reflection on Disasters and the Path to Inner Peace

by Monk TongMeditationTalk April 6, 2025No Comments

On March 28th, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 in magnitude struck near the city of Mandalay in Myanmar. This devastating event claimed over 3,000 lives and injured nearly 5,000 people. The tremors were even felt in parts of Thailand. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones or suffered in this …

Why Some Meditation Sessions Feel Smooth—and Others Don’t

by Monk TongMeditationTalk March 30, 2025March 30, 2025No Comments

Have you ever wondered why some days your meditation feels deep and effortless, while other days it feels like a struggle? The answer is often quite simple: the mind just isn’t ready yet. Throughout the day, your mind picks up impressions from people, responsibilities, news, conversations, and concerns. Even if you’re not actively thinking about …

Discover the Ancient Practice of Base Walking Meditation

by Monk TongMeditationTalk March 23, 2025March 23, 2025No Comments

For over a century, practitioners have followed the meditation techniques taught by Luang Pu Sodh, a revered Thai meditation master. His unwavering commitment to inner stillness led him to a profound realization—the mind must come to rest at a single focal point within the body to attain true clarity and insight. This discovery became the …

True Self-Love: The Power of Loving-Kindness (Mettā Meditation)

by Monk TongMeditationTalk March 15, 2025March 15, 2025No Comments

What Does It Mean to Truly Love Yourself? Everyone in this world loves themselves. The Buddha taught that no one loves another more than they love themselves. But what does true self-love look like? It is not about indulging in pleasure or seeking comfort at any cost—it is about doing good, being kind, and practicing …

Live Without Carelessness: A Reflection on Life and Death

by Monk TongMeditationTalk March 7, 2025March 7, 2025No Comments

Life is uncertain. No one is exempt from old age, illness, and death. The Buddha repeatedly reminded us to reflect on this truth so that we live wisely and not waste time on things that don’t truly matter. The Buddha’s Five Reflections In one of his teachings, the Buddha encouraged us to reflect on five …

If You Don’t Want to Kill the Vibe, Train Your Mind to Be Polite

by Monk TongMeditationTalk February 14, 2025March 7, 2025No Comments

Every day, we interact with others, whether at home, work, or in public spaces. These interactions can either create harmony or lead to unnecessary conflicts. One key factor that determines the quality of our relationships is politeness—a virtue that is often overlooked but has a profound impact on our lives. What Comes Out of Us …

Discovering True Happiness: A Journey Within

by Monk TongMeditationTalk February 7, 2025March 7, 2025No Comments

Happiness—everyone wants it, but have you ever questioned whether the happiness you experience is real? Today, let’s take a closer look at the nature of happiness and explore a path to something deeper, something truly fulfilling. Is the Happiness We Know Real? Think about something you love doing—something that brings you joy. Now, imagine doing …

Clean Your Home, Tidy Up Your Mind

by Monk TongMeditationTalk January 24, 2025March 7, 2025No Comments

In our daily lives, we often overlook how much our surroundings influence our state of mind. Cleanliness and orderliness, while seemingly mundane, play a crucial role in shaping our mental clarity and emotional well-being. At the Cape Town Meditation Centre, we’ve seen firsthand how creating a harmonious environment can support mindfulness and meditation. Today, let’s …

Planting the Seeds of Patience

by Monk SunInspirational Meditation December 29, 2024No Comments

Have you ever sat in meditation and felt… nothing? No peace, no insights—just stillness, or even frustration. If this resonates, let me share a story that might offer some comfort and encouragement. There was once a monk who could reach enlightenment effortlessly—simply by hearing two sentences of Dhamma from the Buddha. His journey to peace …

How to Empty Your Mind: Overcoming thoughts

by Monk TongMeditation Knowledge December 26, 2024December 26, 2024No Comments

Q: What should be our state of mind. My mind full of thoughts. So, through meditation we try to empty those thoughts? A: The ideal state of mind is one that is bright, calm, clear, free from worries, and happy within itself. This is a universal pursuit for all humans. Some people believe that happiness …