There are many different and even contradictory ideas about what meditation is, but the basic approach is the need for the practitioner to understand the nature of his mind rather than struggle with it.

Understand that meditation has nothing to do with the life of monk or ascetic who seeks to cut himself off from the world, as it is too often perceived. Nor is it a belief or a religion. You do not have to change your life to open yourself to meditation.

Meditation is a quality in you that is simply called detachment or otherwise says inner vigilance and full awareness in and of the present moment.

It is possible at any time to spend a few days in a monastery as individual or a group, to learn or discover, or deepen this practice. You can live this experience without worrying about the organization.