Meditation
Meditation is one of the most powerful practices available to us for our wellbeing — and one of the most understated or misunderstood.
For a beginner, meditation starts simply: learning to bring awareness back to the present moment, quieting the mind, and releasing the constant stream of thoughts that pull us toward the past or the future. It is a practice of returning — to stillness, to presence, to yourself.
And yet, meditation is not a goal in itself. It is a skill — a tool you develop so that when life becomes chaotic, difficult, or overwhelming, you have the capacity to return to alignment. Anxiety, stress, overthinking, and restless sleep are common symptoms that many struggle with, but if you practice meditation correctly and diligently, it is not too difficult to find ease and relief from these symptoms.
At its deepest level, meditation is a powerful and indispensable tool for purifying the mind and creating lasting inner peace. It is the beginning of true self-transformation.
Who is This Training For?
Master Mika's meditation teaching is for those who want to learn authentic, silent meditation — beyond what is commonly available online or through apps.
Today, meditation practice is widely available in two forms: light guided meditation through apps and online recordings, or structured practice within a religious setting such as a Buddhist center.
Guided meditation apps and recordings offer relaxation and a gentle introduction. But they are not necessarily teaching the actual skill of meditation. When the guidance stops, the mind often returns to its habitual patterns. True meditation is a capacity you develop — one that stays with you, grows with you, and serves you for life.
Practicing within a religious structure offers depth and tradition — but it comes with a specific belief system and context that is not for everyone.
Master Mika's teaching offers a third path: authentic silent meditation techniques drawn from genuine lineage-based teaching, taught eclectically and non-religiously, accessible to anyone regardless of background or belief.
This training is for you if:
You struggle with an overactive mind, anxiety, overthinking, or restless sleep and want a real, lasting tool for relief
You have tried guided meditation but feel something deeper is missing
You are ready to learn genuine techniques and commit to a personal practice
You are seeking a foundation for spiritual growth and development
You want to learn in a structured, progressive way — from foundational skills to advanced practice
The techniques are not difficult to learn. What matters most is the willingness to learn and to practice. Meditation is a skill — and like any skill, it deepens with commitment.
The Green Path
Within Master Mika's teaching framework, meditation belongs to the Green Path — the path of consciousness, awareness, and spiritual connection.
Meditation is the foundation of all spiritual growth. Without the ability to quiet the mind and turn attention inward, the deeper dimensions of spiritual practice remain inaccessible. It is the essential first step — and a lifelong companion on the journey.
According to Buddhism, the mind, speech (mantra), and body form the "Three Doors" that transform our existence to a higher state of realization. Meditation is the primary practice through which these three doors are opened and purified — gradually, systematically, and sustainably.
Master Mika teaches this path step by step — from the foundational skills of inner calming and presence, through body-mind cultivation, and ultimately into advanced astral meditation and channeling. Each stage builds on the last, creating a genuine and lasting transformation.
Why Meditation with Master Mika is Different
There is no shortage of meditation teachers today. What is rare is a teacher who has trained deeply across multiple traditions — and developed from that depth a truly original and effective way of teaching.
Master Mika Ichihara has been teaching meditation since 2007, trained under direct guidance in four lineages: the Taoist tradition under Master Zhi Gang Sha; the Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma tradition under late Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche; the Himalayan yogic tradition of the late Yogi Master Swami Rama; and the North American Mystery School tradition.
Rather than teaching from a single tradition — or oversimplifying meditation to a relaxation technique — Master Mika has developed an eclectic approach that draws from all four lineages, taking what is most essential and effective from each and weaving them into a teaching that is comprehensive, practical, and deeply effective. Students trained by Master Mika years ago still use her approach above any other style they have since encountered — because it works.
At the heart of her teaching are five fundamental techniques required for authentic silent meditation. These techniques are rooted in the Taoist tradition and refined through the broader perspective of all four lineages. They are not difficult to learn — but they are powerful, and they form the foundation of everything that follows.
Master Mika's teaching is non-religious and open to everyone, regardless of background or belief. While meditation originated in the East, it is now a universal practice — and that is exactly how it is taught here.
Meditation Master Courses
At Love & Compassion, meditation training begins with inner calming and quieting the mind from inner chatter toward inner peace.
When the day-to-day conscious mind is overactive, it is hard to create a state of calmness and quietness. In its absence, anxiety and worry are exacerbated. Experiencing inner calming is extremely liberating — finally relaxing the mind instead of being caught in excessive chains of thought. If you suffer from a busy mind with overthinking, anxiety, or worries disturbing restful sleep, this skill can be life-changing.
Inner calming is the foundation for any advanced meditation and spiritual practice.
This training will guide you through all the fundamental skills for quieting the mind and creating calmness and inner peace, letting go of inner chatter. This is the essential first step toward developing a sustainable meditation practice.
What you learn:
How to overcome inner chatter and calm the mind
Five fundamental skills to practice silent meditation
How to create stillness of the mind and inner peace
How to begin a sustainable meditation practice
Style of Practice: Taoist, Buddhist, eclectic
Length: One day seminar (8 hours including 1 hour break)
Format: Choose either one
Live group seminar
Recorded online seminar
The second training focuses on body-mind integration and cultivation — a critical foundation for advanced meditation. Meditation and spiritual practice are not limited to the mind alone, but involve the entire body, mind, and spirit.
The body is the foundation and temple of your soul. Strong energy, balance, and groundedness are crucial for developing a sustainable advanced meditation practice. This course introduces advanced Taoist meditation techniques to achieve these goals and experience the deep integration of body and mind with cultivating self-love and compassion.
What you learn:
How to integrate the body as the foundation and temple of the mind
How to cultivate the body-mind connection
Advanced Taoist meditation techniques, including:
Strengthening your energy centers to build energy for health, vitality, longevity, and groundedness
Creating and balancing the flow of energy
Communicating with your organs for healing and self-love
Prerequisite: Meditation Level 1
Length: One day seminar (8 hours including 1 hour break)
Format: Choose either one
Live group seminar
Recorded online seminar
Astral Meditation is an advanced meditation practice derived from the Western esoteric tradition. Unlike silent meditation, which cultivates stillness and inner presence, astral meditation is an active practice — engaging all senses to connect with and experience the energy field beyond the physical dimension. Through this practice, students develop a deeper and more authentic connection with the divine and the Earth.
The Astral Meditation series is the natural next step after completing Meditation Training Levels 1 and 2. Each course builds progressively on the last, guiding the student deeper into the esoteric dimensions of meditation practice.
Prerequisite for all Astral Meditation courses: Meditation Training Levels 1 and 2
Astral Meditation 1: Sacred Geometry
Sacred Geometry Meditation is an esoteric style of astral meditation that uses the symbols of sacred geometry to facilitate entry into the astral realm. Sacred geometry has been used across cultures and traditions for millennia as a bridge between the physical and the divine — and in this practice, its symbols become a living tool for deeper connection and experience.
Prerequisite: Meditation Training Levels 1 and 2
Length: 3-3.5 hours
Format: Choose either one
Live group seminar
Recorded online seminar
Astral Journey Meditation is an esoteric style of astral meditation that teaches the student how to project into and consciously experience the astral realm. This practice opens the door to profound healing and guidance that goes beyond what the ordinary mind can access.
Prerequisite: Meditation Training Levels 1 and 2, and Astral Meditation 1
Length: 3-3.5 hours
Format: Choose either one
Live group seminar
Recorded online seminar
Coming soon!
Prerequisite: Meditation Master Courses 1 and 2, and Astral Meditation 1 and 2
Length: 2 hours
Format: Recorded online class
Testimonials - Meditation Courses
Here are some of the wonderful voices from the students who attended our Meditation Workshops…
“The Beginning Meditation Program has given me an awareness of my childhood as well as my breath. I have greater clarity and am able to listen better than before.” K.N.
“This program has made me more aware of the connection between spirit, universe, body, and soul. It helped me gain some daily reflection time as well. It was a very comprehensive program: I learned about different types of meditation and my dream recollection is even better.” . V.W
“The meditation program has helped me focus my thoughts. I feel more energized and aware of my physical body. When I start to stress out meditation gives me steps to follow to relax again. I feel more grounded and connected with the world around me, and therefore, the people around me. I worry less about how I will ever get to my end goals, and instead, focus on one step at a time.” S.D.
“This Meditation Program helped me gain perspective. It also encouraged me to slow down and ground myself. I now have a realization my connectedness to the universe.” A.R
“This program helped me deal with difficult people and situations. It helped me connect with my body and parts of it I had lost touch with. It also empowered me to feel more comfortable with different ways of meditating.” E.
“The Meditation Program greatly helped me. It made me feel more positive about going for my goals in life. It changed my outlook on life. I learned who I really am and what I can do.” J.P.
“The program helped me relax and see things that I didn’t before.” D.B.
“This program helped me calm my energy and focus to create inner peace. It made me more conscious of my mind and body.” B.K.
“I learned how to calm my thoughts. Now, when I notice I have a mood swing I am able to address it.” J.W.
“Master Mika’s program has completely changed my outlook. I now have the ability to make meditation a part of my daily life.” J.B.
“I now have a better awareness of my body.” Y.
“This program helped me become calm and focused. It also opened my heart and soul, and brought a greater sense of well-being to my life.” F.K.
“The Beginner’s Meditation Program improved my daily life by helping relieve a lot of anxiety. It’s not completely gone yet, but my mind is not racing like it was before the start of the program. I feel I have opened up more. My relationships have improved and I feel more connected to myself.” S.
“This program helped me breathe and deal with stress better. It is very encouraging knowing that there are other ways to heal.” M.
“The program has helped me reflect on my life and the things I want to work on. Learning different forms of meditation has been so wonderful. I can choose which form will work the best depending on my state of mind.” B.G.
“This program has helped me breathe deeply and focus on each moment rather than the future or the past. It also helped me to appreciate the day-to-day things and to be really grateful for the little miracles every day. I feel stronger, more grounded, and more confident.” J.S.
“I became more in tune with my spiritual side which encouraged me to become more spiritual and reflective. It did change my life.” S.T.
“This program has helped me incorporate meditation into my daily life. I’m more in control of my emotions, more in line with my goals, and I procrastinate less. My life is now manageable and I can diagnose my mental state.” C.N.
“I learned how to take time to connect to the inner me.” C.N.
“This program improved my life tremendously. I feel a deeper purpose in my daily life – a sense of security and of being a part of something - I don’t feel alone. I have become more focused. Each week I feel stronger and more trusting of my experiences.” D.C.
“The program opened up my chakras, especially my heart chakra. I feel I have better communication and openness with others. I am able to give and receive love and compassion.” K.K.
“I feel grounded, peaceful and joyful. Friends that have not seen me for a while have commented that my appearance/aura is brighter.” A.C.
“I have found that through the weekly classes and daily meditation using what I’ve learned, that my anxiety levels are already lowering. I feel like I’m understanding myself better and becoming more centered and grounded.” A.B.
“This program helped me to keep focus, enhancing my self-awareness and commitment with life.” K.W.
“I feel energy in my body that I had never experienced before. My spiritual trust and self-confidence have grown and I feel excited as I commit to meditation as a spiritual practice. I feel like a more empowered being.” R.S.
“People outside of the group have noticed a change in my energy. This is the best thing I have done for myself. I feel blessed that Master Mika is in my life.” M.
“I feel more grounded and more in touch with the positive nature of my body.” 07/08—G.B.
“This program helped me regain my personal power.” A.B.
“I feel a sense of belonging with other people who are also trying to help themselves.” C.
“I now have a much more powerful outlook on life and people. I feel more confident in myself and not as dependent on others. I also realize behaviors in myself that are negative but now that I’m aware of them I am able to work on changing them.” A.L.
“I am more positive, happier, and aware of my thoughts. When they turn negative, I can choose to let them go. I feel lighter and more at peace – nothing seems as permanent or as important as before. I check in with my energy and emotional state more often each day.” E.
“The Meditation Program showed me new ways to meditate beyond basic breathing, including important energy-moving exercises, mantras, and different ways to focus.” C.
“I now know I can receive help from the universe and that there is a force guiding whatever we do. People and things don’t bother me like they used to. I feel calmer and more relaxed.” W.S.
“I’ve had difficulties with meditation, as my change of lifestyle manifested itself through panic attacks centered around meditating. I kept at it though, worked through it, and now the panic attacks are gone and I’m loving meditating!” L.H.
“Master Mika’s teachings are incredibly inspiring and have brought a new sense of peace and harmony into my daily life.” C.P.
“This Meditation Program helped me to better deal with my suppressed emotions. It’s been six weeks since I’ve been depressed.” S
“This program gave me a set of tools to help deal with daily stress. Now that I can meditate anywhere, anytime and it always has a grounding effect. I really looked forward to class each week and made a point to schedule meetings and other events around it. Doing so made me realize how important it is to make time to meditate alone and not to let the office run my schedule.” A.
“The Meditation Program helped me become focused, calm, and centered. Learning the visualization and meditation techniques, as well as the philosophy behind it made my transformation more fulfilling. F.K.
“I feel calmer and less stressed out. I also feel that I’ve achieved more discipline in my practice.” M.
“Since beginning the Meditation Program I’ve become calmer and more grounded. I smile more often. I’ve become happier and more content. I’m also more aware of other peoples’ energy.” I.C.
“I highly recommend this program if you are seeking spiritual and emotional growth.” D.
“I learned how to nurture myself and respect my needs. I learned how to be still and trust the answers I already have within me. My mind is clearer. I no longer feel like the sky is falling. I’ve learned to trust the universe. I feel like a flower beginning to bloom only to show even more of its beauty. The excitement grows with each passing day.” J.