Students at American University Learn to De-stress Through Meditation

Sri Lankan Monk Katugastota Uparatana taught AU

students about the importance of meditation on Oct. 22, 2014.  

Sri Lankan Monk Katugastota Uparatana visited American University last Wednesday, October 22, to teach the importance of meditation. A group of five students and Uparatana came to the event at Kay Spiritual Life Center. Uparatana took advantage of the small group and taught the students about the history of Buddhism. He asked the students to call him Bhante, which means “Venerable Sir” as a sign of respect. Some students had never meditated before and some were very experienced in meditation. 

The hour began with walking meditation. Bhante told the students to inhale and lift their foot and then exhale and step forward. Walking meditation requires a lot of balance, and students were amazed at Bhante's steadiness. Sophomore Ines Renique said “Bhante walked really gracefully. Every step was the same following his breathing. He had total concentration and his balance never failed him.”

The students practiced walking meditation for 15 minutes. Then Uparatana gave each student a cushion and sat them in a circle. He then explained how to breathe properly during meditation and told them to sit as straight as possible to improve concentration. Some students didn't enjoy being forced to sit straight saying “By the end my back hurt and my legs were numb.” Uparatana says it takes practice to get used to sitting properly and to not get discouraged.

Uparatana rang a bell to begin meditation. Students focused on their breathing. Junior Maxwell Hawla said “After a stressful day of classes and tests, it's nice to sit and reflect on what's actually important. People can get wrapped up in their lives, but meditation reminds you that your situation isn't that bad.” Uparatana says the point of meditation is to get back in touch with yourself.