SINGAPORE — Feeling a little overwhelmed at work or at home? Why not get a “top up of mental peace” by meditating, suggested Gen Kelsang Drolkyi.

“Increasingly, people are becoming aware of how busy their minds are and they’re hearing that mindfulness can help overcome that,” said the Buddhist nun and meditation teacher at Kadampa Meditation Centre Singapore (KMC Singapore).

KMC Singapore is one of many meditation centres here and part of a larger international network of the New Kadampa Tradition that follows a tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. And in line with Vesak Day today, it is holding a free event this morning at its Neil Road premises, which includes a public talk on Modern Buddhism, a chance to offer fruit and light offerings, a free vegetarian lunch at its in-house vegetarian cafe World Peace Cafe and, of course, prayers and guided meditation. Apart from that, the centre offers a whole slew of classes and retreats for different levels (including beginners and non-Buddhists), and on different topics, such as meditation for relaxation or for overcoming anger. There are short courses of weekly classes, or even a half-day course.

“The purpose of meditation is to make your mind healthy, calm and peaceful,” explained Gen Drolkyi, who added that there are benefits, such as reducing distractions and increasing one’s mindfulness, or a state of being attuned to the present.

A big part of what they do is practical meditation — which suits Singapore just fine, as she observed that many here meditate to improve their work or relationships.

“A lot of people want to improve relationships with their work colleagues, for instance,” she said. “Some people want to de-stress, others look for ways to improve particular aspects in their lives, like relationships. I just taught a session for people to increase mental strength.”

And just to be clear about it, yoga and meditation are two different things. “For a lot of people, yoga is an exercise, which is different from mental classes. Some yoga classes do include meditation and it’s good for clearing the mind, but it’s not necessarily mental training for improving the quality of your mind or making spiritual progress,” she said.

KMC Singapore is located at 134 Neil Road. Today’s free event runs from 10am to noon. For more info on its classes and events, visit http://nkt-kmc-singapore.org/. Its in-house World Peace Café is open from 9am to 3pm, Mondays to Fridays. For more info, visit http://www.worldpeacecafesingapore.org

15-MINUTE MEDITATION IN 5 STEPS

Do you need to tune out for a while? Kadampa Meditation Centre Singapore suggests you try this for 10 to 15 minutes.

1. Sit in a comfortable position with your back 
straight and relaxed. Rest your hands on your lap, partially close your eyes and let all your stress and tension fall away.

2. Turn your attention inwards and become aware of your breathing. Don’t attempt to control your breathing — just become aware of it, and follow the inhalation and exhalation of your breath.

3. Gradually become aware of the sensation of 
your breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils. Focus on the sensation of your breath and try to forget everything else.

4. Remain focused on the sensation of your breath. If your mind wanders away from the breath, immediately let go of the distraction and come back 
to the breath.

5. Gradually your distracting thoughts will subside and you will begin to experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation. Stay with this feeling of mental calm for a while.