The model of meditation course suitable for the sociocultural background of Americans

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to analyse sociocultural background of Americans 2) to analyse current American meditation practices and 3) to form the model of meditation course suitable for the sociocultural background of Americans. By nature, Americans are adaptable and open to new traditions and ideas. There are four widespread meditation schools in the United States, which are Goenka, Plum Village, Shambhala and TM. According to the results of analysis based on the concept of Sappāya 4 or Four Favorable Conditions, which are place, meal, personnel and meditation practice; the researcher synthesized the meditation course suitable for the sociocultural background of Americans thus; 1) Place (Meditation Center): Americans generally live hasty lives, and as such, they tend to use an easy location for daily meditation and choose a peaceful place for long retreat. 2) Meal: provision of two or three healthy vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals a day for long retreats. 3) Personnel: both meditation teachers and mentors should be local people who are systematically trained to the same standard and certified. 4) Meditation: focus on teaching meditation techniques, avoid religious instruction and sensitive issues.