Katsel Meditation Tampa Offers Donation-Based Meditation Classes

A group of people began gathering in incense-filled Mystikal Scents gift shop on Fowler Avenue at 7 p.m. on June 8, as they do every Wednesday.

From 7 to 8:30 p.m., those who need a break from everyday stress attend Katsel Meditation Tampa’s weekly group meditations. Some members of the group have been meditating for years. Others are new to the practice. Regardless of the level of experience, each person’s goal is the same—center their minds and achieve a sense of peace.

“I had a lot of stress going in my life and had never meditated before,” said Jim Aimbrosino, of Brandon. “But I had to try something, so I came out to the weekly meditations and have been coming for awhile now. It’s very mind clearing and the people in the group are very nice and welcoming.”

That’s what Katsel Meditation Tampa is all about, according to Jean Mulloy, vice president.

“We are all practitioners, and we are all working through it together,” she said during a discussion that followed the meditation. “People can share their struggles or questions about the practice, and the ones that have been here awhile can share their experiences.”

Katsel Meditation Tampa was established in 2008 by the venerable Lama Sonam and was based out of Temple Terrace. Lama Sonam had meetings and meditation classes throughout the community but then decided to have weekly meditation classes at Mystikal Scents. According to Mulloy, his purpose in starting the group was to bring the community together through peace, serenity and mindfulness.

“See, Lamas take vows of ‘bodhisattva,’” said Mulloy. “It means they will exist in the world to help people anywhere and everywhere they can.”

She said that the formal name of the group, “Drikung Katsel Tsi Chen Cho Kyi Ling,” means “center of great compassion,” and Lama Sonam envisioned exactly that.

“His long-time vision is that we maintain the group and find some land to create a center for social services for people in the community,” Mulloy said. “Not only are we envisioning a place for people to come for some peace, but for things like job training and other community services.”

Every week, the group rotates between meditation practices that open up with chants from their prayer book (in English and Tibetan), and formal discussions about Buddhist teachings. The meditations are geared toward the beginning and intermediate levels, but everyone is welcome to join.

In addition to the weekly meditations, the group hosts weekend retreats and empowerment discussions. Lamas also visit the group throughout the year to lead discussions and conduct ceremonies.

“It doesn’t matter what religion you believe in or don’t believe in,” said member Max Fietch, of Temple Terrace. “Meditation isn’t about that. It’s about clearing your mind and centering yourself, and people should really see what this group is all about.”