Q&A WITH KELSANG TSOGLAM >>>

Breathe in, breathe out, close your eyes and put your hand over your heart. Sure the music is rockin' next to you, but you can achieve a state of Zen. It's possible and the Weekly Volcano will prove it during the Downtown Block Party Saturday night. In the thick of things, we're going to erect a meditation tent for you to escape the madness and find your center - for free. Olympia Mahayana Buddhist Center resident teacher Kelsang Tsoglam will channel your inner calm and peace in the Weekly Volcano Time-Out Tent in Opera Alley.

The Weekly Volcano peacefully threw several questions at Tsoglam for your enlightenment.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: Why should one meditate?

KELSANG TSOGLAM: In general, the purpose of meditation is to reduce stress and make our mind more peaceful.  According to the Buddhist path however, meditation is the tool we use to actualize our highest potential - that of "Full Enlightenment" - which allows us to not only solve all of our own problems, but also even better, allows us to bring immense benefit to those around us. So, the effect we derive from our practice of meditation is a spectrum of only beneficial results, and one that everyone from all walks of life and systems of belief can enjoy

VOLCANO: How does someone who has never done meditation begin?

TSOGLAM: First we simply need to know that meditation is medicine for our mind that will improve how we feel mentally and physically.  We also need to know that everyone can meditate - nobody is an exception

To begin meditation we sit comfortably with our back straight, but relaxed, either in a chair or on the floor, and gently close or half close our eyes.  We can briefly scan thorough our body checking for any tension or clenching, and letting go of it.

There are then several methods to calm and prepare the mind for meditation.

VOLCANO: Why do people sometime fall asleep during mediation?

TSOGLAM: There are several reasons for this; the most common is that we are just so busy that when we finally allow the turbulence of thoughts to subside, we fall asleep.  Other reasons are subtler, but all of them can be overcome relatively easily with a correct understanding of what meditation is and the benefits. 

VOLCANO:  How do you know your improving your practice?

TSOGLAM: There are several indicators that you are improving your practice.  The easiest one to spot is that you find yourself more peaceful in situations that normally caused you to be agitated.  You feel fresher during your day and your relationships improve. Also, you are able to enjoy longer meditation sessions, which in turn further improve our day-to-day experience of life.

Drop by the Weekly Volcano Time-Out Tent Saturday night during the Downtown Block Party.

Downtown Block Party

Saturday, Aug. 20, 5-10 p.m., free admission
Opera Alley, between South Seventh and Saint Helens
Tacoma

Olympia Mahayana Buddhist Center

211 Legion Way SW, Olympia
360.754.7787
website

LINK: Downtown Block Party Facebook