About Us
Dhammakaya or Middle Way
The Middle Way Meditation Method
The Meditation Center of Alabama (MCA) is an affiliate of the Dhammakaya foundation whose headquarters are located at the Dhammakaya Temple in Pathum Thani, Thailand. MCA teaches the Dhammakaya, or Middle Way Meditation technique, and all instructors are ordained monks or laypeople trained directly by the Dhammakaya Temple. We teach meditation and wisdom based on the Buddhist Sutras. The knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and meditation is universally applicable to all regardless of race, religion or background. Our members are largely Christian, proving that the truths discovered by the Buddha are universally applicable to all in cultivating peace, harmony and loving kindness in the world. It is our belief that sustainable world peace will be achieved when each person is able to find inner peace.
The Dhammakaya Tradition is a Buddhist meditation method taught by Phramongkolthepmuni in the early 20th century. Dhammakaya meditation encompasses both the samatha (tranquility) and vipassana (insight) levels. The goal at the samatha level is to overcome the Five Hindrances and reach a state of one-pointedness knows as the 'standstill of the mind.' Although the meditator may start out with as many as forty different paths of practice, once the Hindrances are overcome, all methods converge into a single path of mental progress which leads into meditation at the vipassana level.
The Middle Way is known for its simplicity and ease. It teaches that the center of the body is the natural home of the mind and an unlimited source of joy. The center of your body is located at the turning point of your breath. We rest our minds here with a soft, gentle, relaxing, and comfortable touch. Feel as if your mind is a feather that effortlessly floats down to rest at your center. No effort should be applied. Meditation is easy and simple, and requires absolutely no effort. The mind has a natural tendency to wander just like a monkey that jumps around from branch to branch. In meditation we can either just observe the center, observing whatever thoughts, feelings and images arise with a neutral mind. If we find we have many thoughts A mantra or bright object, such as a crystal ball or soap bubble, the moon or the sun, may be visualized in your center to help free your mind from wandering thoughts. Mantras commonly used are 'clear and bright', or 'Samma-Arahang,' meaning the highest state that a human being can achieve on the right method. Allow the mantra to echo effortlessly in your mind from the center space. Gently maintain your mind in the center and observe whatever arises.
Begin by meditating 10 minutes a day and slowly work your way up. With consistency of effort you will succeed.
Stillness is the key to success.
Introduction to Middle Way Meditation
The Middle Way Meditation, one of the most ancient techniques of meditation in the world. Its simplicity, originality and effectiveness have made the Middle Way Meditation method among the most popular meditation techniques in Thailand, and its international popularity is growing fast.
It is about self-discovery, relaxation and purification of the mind. As such, the practice of this technique is not in conflict with any religion or creed, and is open to anyone to try for themselves.
This proven technique dates back to more than 2,500 years and was lost to the world about 500 years after the passing of the Lord Buddha. It was rediscovered in 1917 by the Most Venerable Phra Mongkolthepmuni, a renowned Buddhist Monk. The Middle Way Meditation aims at the attainment of the Dhammakaya, a state of purity and a path to wisdom within.