Maitri Bhavana

Monthly Group Meditation Practice for those who are seriously ill

The Sanskrit word maitri means friendliness, or loving-kindness, while bhavana means virtue or quality. So maitri bhavana is the practice of expanding loving-kindness without limits, or unlimited friendliness.

Maitri Bhavana is a monthly group practice that we do for the seriously ill, on the third Thursday of every month. What is meant by "seriously ill"? Any seriously debilitating condition; physical, mental, psychological or spiritual can be included. Temporary illnesses such as the common head cold, rash, fever, etc. are not usually included. Conditions such as cancer, stroke, alcoholism, diabetes, chronic depression, etc. would be included.

The basis of this group practice is tonglen, which means "sending and taking." Using the medium of the breath we breathe in the suffering and pain of those who are ill, and we breathe out to them relief from that suffering. This relief can take many different forms.

If you are unable to attend the monthly practice, but would like to submit your name or someone else's name for healing practice, please email the Center.

Learn more about meditation and buddhism at shambhala.org

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Shambhala Meditation Center of Albany
879 Madison Avenue, Albany,  NY 12208
Tel. 518-375-7041    Email: shambhala_albany@yahoo.com