On the foundations of Buddhism, on meditation… Lectures by the Venerable Nyana Siha Thero have begun at the Central Khurul

The main prayer hall of the Central Khurul was full of people. The day before, a cycle of lectures by the Venerable Nyana Siha Thero began there, devoted to the Teaching of the Buddha and the foundations of meditation practice. The first and most important thing the teacher emphasized was the practice of morality. This is the cornerstone of the entire practice of the Buddha's Teaching. 

If there is morality and we are confident in it, this gives joy and confidence in the further development of the mind. Morality bestows peace and reduces our anxieties and sufferings. Lay people have five vows, pancha shila — they are called so in Sanskrit and Pali. One should not be afraid to take these vows, for they are beacons on the path to enlightenment. 

Even if you break one vow, you still have 4 left. Do not break them, strive to preserve their purity, and then your practice will be steady and successful. You will see its results not tomorrow, and not in the next life — you will see them at once! 

At the end of the lecture, the teacher Nyana Siha gave initial instructions on meditation and asked those present to practice at home for 15-20 minutes, to remember the sensations and share them at the next session. We remind you that it will take place today, at 6:30 p.m., in the Dugan of the Central Khurul. We invite everyone to the lecture!