Some go for a run when they're stressed, while others do yoga as a form of catharsis. Now, there is a different kind of monthly opportunity to meditate.
Monk Geshe Gelek is going to become a familiar face around campus. Gelek will begin coming to Elon monthly, to teach meditation.
Born in India, he moved from a monastery in Tibet to Raleigh, N.C. to teach meditation at the Kadampa Center, a place for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
"I feel like that I did something. Something useful," Gelek said.
Gelek's series of visits to Elon was organized by Emly DeMaioNewton.
The Kadampa Center gives Gelek more than just an opportunity to teach.
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"I learned how to drive, I learned how to type, I learned how to use internet, and most of my English, too," he said.
Gelek gave Elon students a handmade bracelet made in Nepal, it includes the mantra of compassion, something Gelek said the world needs more of.
"We don't necessarily need more religions, but we need more compassions," Gelek said.
Gelek said the hardest part of his job is teaching others a concept he has not mastered himself- clearing the clutter in your mind.
Gelek calls that clutter, disturbing thoughts.
"Dealing with disturbing thought. You are not completely free from disturbing thought," Gelek said. "Telling other people how to free yourself from disturbing thought, sometimes it doesn't feel real."
Gelek's visits give Elon students and faculty an opportunity to stop, and reflect.
Gelek's meditation sessions will take place in the Numen Lumen Pavilion.