If you’re interested in relaxation techniques and getting in touch with your body, then this workshop is definitely for you. However, if you’re looking for entertainment and a show that doesn’t involve participation, avoid it. By its very nature, the Buddhist Meditation workshop takes 100% concentration and willingness to open the mind to a new perspective.
The workshop was really created for people new to meditation, with a lengthy explanation of its purpose and effects. Our host was very informative and encouraged questions - most of which he would be able to answer. Though there were some issues in succinctly answering a few queries, our host was able to reasonably explain some of the Buddhist teachings in the short time we had.
While the teachings in this workshop are widely practised by Buddhists and non-Buddhists worldwide, and are absolutely effective in relaxing the mind and body, as well as increasing mindfulness, awareness of the body and surrounding world, it is definitely difficult to achieve this in just a two hour session. I think this workshop should be used by those who are interested by those who are interested in long-term dedication to Buddhist meditation techniques. As a one-off workshop, I feel, it does not allow for enough time to really understand the practice the reasoning behind it. Unfortunately, I did not personally feel the urge to attend another workshop with the Triratna Buddhist Community, although I’m aware others may have felt differently.
All in all, this was an interesting and unusual Fringe experience, which I urge those who are interested in meditation to attend: If you simply want to learn a little about Buddhist meditation, or have always wanted to try it, I suggest attending also. Unfortunately though, this workshop is really only for those Fringe goers I have mentioned, rather than a wider audience.
