Frequently Asked Questions!
Q: Are your classes primarily for beginners, or are there prerequisites?
The classes we offer, Meditation For Life, begin with an introductory series designed primarily for those new to meditation. We also offer an intermediate session, for those who wish to delve deeper into the art of meditation. It's possible to continue taking classes at either of these levels indefinitely. If you find that meditation is for you, and prefer to continue to practice and study it in a group environment, we also offer an ongoing advanced meditation group weekly; however, participation in the advanced group requires pre-approval by the instructor.
Q: I am a dedicated follower of my faith. Will Neroja meditation interfere with my practice of religion?
Definitely not. Neroja method teaching is secular and does not delve into religion. In fact, we believe meditation practice can deepen and clarify your own faith. Mindful meditation is for everyone, regardless of your faith or beliefs.
Q: I practice yoga. Isn't yoga much the same as mindful meditation?
No, it's not. While yoga is a very beneficial practice, it's not really the same as Neroja technique meditation. Neroja meditation involves sitting motionless and employing various mental techniques to achieve mindfulness and peace. While some yoga classes involve a short meditation period, our classes are dedicated to thorough training in meditative technique alone. Our classes work only the mind, allowing people of all ages and physical limitations to participate-some even choosing to practice while seated in chairs.
Q: I attended a weekend retreat in Wisconsin several years back where you were two of the facilitators, and really felt I benefited from it. Are there any plans for a future retreat?
Though we have no immediate plan retreats in the works currently, we are always willing to organize one if there is adequate interest. If you have interest in a two or three day meditation retreat held locally in the Chicagoland area, please contact us and we'll put you on a list. Retreats can be arranged as day sessions (going home overnight) or resident(vegetarian meals and room included) for groups from six to fourteen participants at a facility within driving distance of Chicago.
Q: Why do I find so little mention of the Neroja Method? Are you some sort of secret society?
No, Far from it! Actually, one of the requests made by the late Kelsang Tenzin, a founding father and and spiritual guide to the method, was that Neroja be kept as "pure", something that he felt would best be achieved by keeping institutionalization and commercialism as far removed from the teachings as possible. To this end, the original founders and teachers only publicized their classes and retreats by word of mouth; until 1980, the only way to learn about Neroja events was by personal invitation, or by visiting the public notice kiosks on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park. The revisions put in place by the second generation founders (those of us responsible for formalizing the tenets and curricula of Neroja) now allow for every accredited Neroja Method teacher to, within certain guidelines, choose how to publicize their groups, classes and retreats individually; however, a good number still rely on word-of-mouth, and in respect of the wishes of Gen Tenzin, we all continue to promote our offerings with mindful reserve.
Neroja Meditation for Life classes have been taught at the Oak Lawn Park district since 2011. Our teachers for these classes have over thirty years experience practicing meditation, and have been teaching classes, workshops and at the occasional retreat since 1986.
Question of your own? Please go to the CONTACT page and let us know!
The classes we offer, Meditation For Life, begin with an introductory series designed primarily for those new to meditation. We also offer an intermediate session, for those who wish to delve deeper into the art of meditation. It's possible to continue taking classes at either of these levels indefinitely. If you find that meditation is for you, and prefer to continue to practice and study it in a group environment, we also offer an ongoing advanced meditation group weekly; however, participation in the advanced group requires pre-approval by the instructor.
Q: I am a dedicated follower of my faith. Will Neroja meditation interfere with my practice of religion?
Definitely not. Neroja method teaching is secular and does not delve into religion. In fact, we believe meditation practice can deepen and clarify your own faith. Mindful meditation is for everyone, regardless of your faith or beliefs.
Q: I practice yoga. Isn't yoga much the same as mindful meditation?
No, it's not. While yoga is a very beneficial practice, it's not really the same as Neroja technique meditation. Neroja meditation involves sitting motionless and employing various mental techniques to achieve mindfulness and peace. While some yoga classes involve a short meditation period, our classes are dedicated to thorough training in meditative technique alone. Our classes work only the mind, allowing people of all ages and physical limitations to participate-some even choosing to practice while seated in chairs.
Q: I attended a weekend retreat in Wisconsin several years back where you were two of the facilitators, and really felt I benefited from it. Are there any plans for a future retreat?
Though we have no immediate plan retreats in the works currently, we are always willing to organize one if there is adequate interest. If you have interest in a two or three day meditation retreat held locally in the Chicagoland area, please contact us and we'll put you on a list. Retreats can be arranged as day sessions (going home overnight) or resident(vegetarian meals and room included) for groups from six to fourteen participants at a facility within driving distance of Chicago.
Q: Why do I find so little mention of the Neroja Method? Are you some sort of secret society?
No, Far from it! Actually, one of the requests made by the late Kelsang Tenzin, a founding father and and spiritual guide to the method, was that Neroja be kept as "pure", something that he felt would best be achieved by keeping institutionalization and commercialism as far removed from the teachings as possible. To this end, the original founders and teachers only publicized their classes and retreats by word of mouth; until 1980, the only way to learn about Neroja events was by personal invitation, or by visiting the public notice kiosks on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park. The revisions put in place by the second generation founders (those of us responsible for formalizing the tenets and curricula of Neroja) now allow for every accredited Neroja Method teacher to, within certain guidelines, choose how to publicize their groups, classes and retreats individually; however, a good number still rely on word-of-mouth, and in respect of the wishes of Gen Tenzin, we all continue to promote our offerings with mindful reserve.
Neroja Meditation for Life classes have been taught at the Oak Lawn Park district since 2011. Our teachers for these classes have over thirty years experience practicing meditation, and have been teaching classes, workshops and at the occasional retreat since 1986.
Question of your own? Please go to the CONTACT page and let us know!