The Mindful Marathon: Where Running Meets Meditation The 2025 Los Angeles Marathon, set to celebrate its 40th anniversary on March 16, 2025, is shaping up to be a monumental event in the city's sporting calendar. The marathon's iconic 26.2-mile course will guide runners from the historic Dodger Stadium to the finish line in Century City, showcasing some of LA's most famous landmarks along the way. With over 25,000 participants expected, the event has already sold out, highlighting its enduring popularity. The marathon weekend kicks off on March 14 with a two-day Lifestyle Expo at Dodger Stadium, followed by the LA 5K and Kids' Running Events on March 15. The main event on Sunday will feature both the full marathon and a charity half marathon. The race day will begin early, with the wheelchair division starting at 6:30 AM, followed by the women's elite group at 6:40 AM. The men's elite and general participants will set off at 7:00 AM, with the charity half mar...
World-Renowned Meditation Masters: Guides on the Spiritual Journey
The world of meditation is deep and vast. Throughout this journey, many masters have provided us with wisdom and insight. Today, we'll explore globally famous meditation teachers, their teachings, and their contributions to meditation.
1. Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022)
Origin: Vietnam Brief Description: Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, and author Contribution to Meditation: Thich Nhat Hanh was a key figure in popularizing mindfulness meditation in the West. His practices such as "walking meditation" and "tea drinking meditation" have made meditation more accessible by incorporating it into daily activities. Key Teaching: "Peace is in every step. The beauty of a tree, the smile of a child, the caress of a breeze - we can find peace in any of these if we are fully present." He emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the current moment.
2. The 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso, 1935-)
Origin: Tibet Brief Description: Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Contribution to Meditation: The Dalai Lama has helped spread Tibetan Buddhist compassion and loving-kindness meditation worldwide. He has encouraged the integration of science and meditation, participating in brain science research to scientifically validate meditation's effects. Key Teaching: "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." He teaches the pursuit of happiness through compassion, loving-kindness, and peace of mind.
3. Sri Ramana Maharshi (1879-1950)
Origin: India Brief Description: Indian sage, master of Advaita Vedanta Contribution to Meditation: Ramana Maharshi taught a direct method of meditation called 'self-inquiry' or 'self-questioning.' Through the question "Who am I?", he guided deep meditation on the self. Key Teaching: "The mind should be made quiet like in the deep sleep state. Here the thought of 'I' does not arise." He emphasized recognizing the difference between the true self and the fictional self.
4. Joseph Goldstein (1944-)
Origin: United States Brief Description: Pioneer of Western Vipassana (insight) meditation, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society Contribution to Meditation: Goldstein played a major role in introducing Theravada Buddhist Vipassana meditation to the West. His clear teachings and approach have helped many Westerners begin their meditation practice. Key Teaching: "Freedom comes from the ability to see everything just as it is." He emphasizes understanding the nature of the mind and developing deep insight into the present moment.
5. Jack Kornfield (1945-)
Origin: United States Brief Description: Clinical psychologist, Buddhist practitioner, spiritual teacher Contribution to Meditation: After practicing Buddhism in Thailand, Myanmar, and India, Kornfield led efforts to teach mindfulness and compassion meditation in the West. He combined modern psychology with Eastern meditation traditions to make them more accessible to Westerners. Key Teaching: "Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." He teaches compassion, forgiveness, and maintaining peace of mind even amid life's difficulties.
6. Pema Chödrön (1936-)
Origin: United States Brief Description: Tibetan Buddhist nun in the Shambhala tradition, author Contribution to Meditation: Chödrön teaches how to apply mindfulness and compassion practices, especially during difficult times and suffering. She presents Tibetan Buddhist teachings to Westerners in a modern and accessible way. Key Teaching: "In moments of failure or uncertainty, we can drop our fear and open our hearts." She emphasizes compassion for oneself and others, teaching us to be with difficult emotions rather than avoiding them.
to be continued..
World-Renowned Meditation Masters II
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