Press Releases

A COVID-19 Prescription for Healing the Mind, By the ‘Urban Buddhist Monk’

Alleviating stress and anxiety for frontline healthcare workers and the public

  • Non religious, mindfulness meditation classes streamed on Facebook Live, daily from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. EST
  • Discover the art of mindful living, finding inner peace and happiness during these difficult times
  • Learn to practice mental fitness in as little as 15 minutes a day
  • Learn more about mindfulness in the The Mind Explained, a 2019 Netflix documentary (episode 4), narrated by Emma Stone, and featuring Bhante Saranapala

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 8, 2019 – Bhante Saranapala, warmly known as the Urban Buddhist Monk, today announced during the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, weekly meditation and teachings at the West End Buddhist Temple, are now streamed daily on Facebook Live, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST

Everyone is welcome to participate, with no need to be a Buddhist practitioner. Classes are non religious and geared to the novice: Words of wisdom are shared for stress relief, physical relaxation, mental calmness, motivation, inspiration, hope, love, light and wisdom.

Visit facebook.com/bhante.saranpala for more details. A past teaching and mindfulness meditation titled: “How to deal with stress, anxiety and depression” can be viewed on YouTube.

Quotes: Mindfulness meditation offers peace and well-being

Mental health is understandably suffering during this difficult time, as more people experience increasing loneliness and depression. “Mindfulness meditation is as internal medicine or prescription for peace and well-being, an essential ingredient for healing the mind,” says Bhante Saranapala, the Urban Buddhist Monk, founder and president of "Canada: A Mindful and Kind Nation. “No matter what kind of difficulty you are having at this moment, you can always generate positive changes in your life.”

“To bring positive changes, it is possible for people to learn a new way of thinking,” adds Bhante Saranapala.

Quotes: Bringing relief and giving hope to frontline healthcare workers

“I want to support our frontline healthcare workers who are risking their lives to save our lives,” says Bhante Saranapala. “This act is noble and a great deed for humanity. I want to be there for them, helping alleviate pain, bringing relief, and giving hope.”

“I would like to see every healthcare worker practicing meditation and kindness, helping cultivate positive thoughts and actions. This mental fitness can be done, in as little as 15 minutes a day.”

About Bhante Saranapala

“Let’s be mindful to be kind to oneself, and be mindful to be kind to others.” - Bhante Saranapala

Bhante Saranapala, the Urban Buddhist Monk, is a teacher of mindfulness meditation classes for Greater Toronto police forces and other first responders, a global public speaker, and founder of Canada: A Mindful and Kind Nation.

The annual symposium, now in its fourth year, promotes mental health, with the important message of embracing kindfulness (kindness and mindfulness) practice for the world.

Bhante Saranapala is a recipient of numerous awards and honours, including World Civility Ambassador by iChange Nations, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canada 150 Medal and Sesquicentennial Community Award from the Government of Canada, and the Spirit Award from the Government of Ontario.

Learn more about mindfulness in the The Mind Explained, a 2019 Netflix documentary (episode 4) narrated by Emma Stone, and featuring Bhante Saranapala.

Follow Bhante Saranapala on your favourite social channel:
Facebook facebook.com/bhante.saranpala
Twitter @TheUrbanMonkTO
Instagram @urban_buddhist_monk

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Irving Frydman, Principal
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Bhante Saranapala
Bhante Saranapala, the Urban Buddhist Monk
Founder and President of "Canada: A Mindful and Kind Nation
Mobile: 647-624-2694
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.