Sophomore Mike Dilks leads fellow Diamond Way participants through a peaceful series of meditation.

Campus relaxation remedies: Mindful meditation

By: Mark Behncke

Posted: 3/12/08

Keeping focus is difficult for any student at a college campus. Deadlines, assignments and meetings can add to the frustration of everyday life, and it is relatively easy to lose concentration. However, several students have found that meditation and the teachings of Buddhism can help ease such troubles. Through the Diamond Way Organization students have come together to learn the ways of Buddhism and meditation and are learning how to integrate it into their lives.

The 2008 university chapter, led by sophomore Mike Dilks, is an opportunity for any student regardless of belief to learn the teachings of Buddhism and meditation.
"It is a big part of my life," Dilks said. "I try to meditate every morning. Buddhism naturally fit for me. I decided it was something I wanted to pursue."

Dilks finds that creating the opportunity for other students is important, and providing services is key to the success of the program.

"What I want to do is facilitate the opportunity to allow people to learn about their mind and use techniques such as meditation," Dilks said. "I want to allow people to be happy and to facilitate the option as best as I can."

Witt, after reading a book on the afterlife, decided to attend a meeting hosted by the Diamond Way and eventually started meditating on his own. Since Witt resides in the Whitewater dorms, meditation is not always easy to accomplish.

"I have to meditate in the morning when it isn't loud," Witt said. "It can be difficult at times because there is so much noise. "

UW-Whitewater Associate Professor of Philosophy and Department Chair Wade Dazey is the faculty adviser for the Diamond Way group. He says meditation can be practiced anywhere at any time. He recommends that students interested in meditating should simply find a clean and quiet environment. While Professor Dazey burns incense during his personal sessions, his recommendation is to simply do what works best for the participant. For students like Witt, the results of a session can be very spiritual and offer peace of mind.

"I just feel buoyant," Witt said. "Feelings like anger, frustration and sadness are gone. I feel good after finishing."

For Dilks, the experience is equally beneficial.

"For me it makes life more enjoyable and gives me space from my emotions," he said. "It improves my daily life."

A large goal of the group, however, is to also help people better understand what Buddhism really is. John Christofferson, Diamond Way traveling teacher, stresses that Buddhism is not about a smiling overweight man with a protruding belly.

"[Buddhism] can't be defined that easily," he said. "Instead, it is more about practice and reaching peace of mind ... "

For students interested in learning more about the Diamond Way, the group holds meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in the University Center Room 264.