No one likes to say this, but it is not real Vipassana until one is directly seeing and analyzing at the level of rupa-kalapas (elements of materiality), which are impossible to see or discern without concentration to the degree of absorption. This is according to Goenka and U Ba Khin's own tradition based on Buddhism's oldest, unbroken meditation lineage. Nevertheless, people insist less concentration is necessary for insight.
It should be noted that there are Buddhist meditation traditions today that do produce enlightened individuals. Attainment is so rare that people have come to assume it's impossible nowadays. And thinking it impossible to achieve today, people don't even try. They scoff at the idea. Wisdom Quarterly would scoff as well -- if we had not met such noble individuals and become convinced of the authenticity of their attainments in concentration and insight.
But some practitioners, drawn to the practice by some historical affinity, move along the Path much more quickly. What are the characteristics of those individuals, rare even in the Buddha's time?
- They are naturally inclined to virtue.
- They are averse to immorality.
- They are intuitive (artistic) rather than intellectual.
- They are happy or content by "default" (which puts most of us out of the running).
- They are easygoing or what one might call childlike (we're definitely out).
- They are easily induced into states of calm (slightly autistic, hypnotic, suggestible, spacey, personable but easily withdrawn into themselves). (There may be hope for us yet).
- They are fearful and prone to worry, as well as loving, innocent, vulnerable, and kind.
- They are nonjudgmental, liberal, and open minded.
- They are giving and charitable by nature (one meaning of liberal).
- They are honest to a fault.
- They are (it is said) accustomed to practicing Dharma from previous experience.
[If this describes you or someone interested in attaining enlightenment in this very life, contact Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal directly for help.]
10-day Courses are open to everyone who applies and wishes to commit to this style of meditation practice for the duration of the retreat. Successful completion involves following course rules of conduct (sila), sitting through taped lectures, and meeting with assistant teachers.
Special 10-day Courses are open only to serious Old Students committed to this technique who have completed a minimum of five 10-day courses, one Satipatthana Sutra course, given Dharma Service at least one 10-day course, and have been practicing regularly for at least two years.
Old Student Short Courses (1-3 days) are for any student who has completed the 10-day course. All Old Students are welcome to apply to attend these courses, including those where it has been some time since their last course. "Old students" are those who have completed a 10-day Vipassana Meditation course with S.N. Goenka [usually by video] or his assistant teachers. Old Students have the opportunity to provide Dharma Service at such courses.
20-day Courses are open only to serious Old Students committed to this technique who have completed a minimum of five 10-day courses, one Satipatthana Sutra course, given Dharma Service at at least one 10-day course, and have been practicing regularly for at least two years. Applications must be submitted well in advance.
30-day Courses are open only to serious Old Students committed to this technique who have completed a minimum of six 10-day courses (one since 20-day course), one 20-day course, one Satipatthana Sutra course, and have been practicing regularly for at least two years.
45-day Courses are open only to persons involved in Dharma Service and assistant teachers who have completed a minimum of seven 10-day courses (one since 30-day course), two 30-day courses, one Satipatthana Sutra course, and have been practicing regularly for at least three years.
60-day Courses are open only to persons involved in Dharma Service and assistant teachers who have completed at least two 45-day courses, practicing this technique for at least five years, maintenance of daily practice (two hours per day) for at least two years, abstaining from killing, sexual misconduct, intoxicants, and keeping other precepts to the best of one's ability for a minimum of one year with least a six month gap since last sat a long course; 10 day interval between long course and any other course; course restricted to assistant teachers and those deeply involved with Dharma Service.
7 comments:
I have been frustrated with Vipassana because I had this intuitive feeling that something is missing to the practice. Nevertheless I haven't managed to find a practice that makes me trust that there is a way to achieve enlightenment with it. I would be very grateful if you could give me an advice. Kind regards, Bettina
Just found this post and I fit the list to a "T" of those you said should contact you for help.
I started practicing Goenka style, my first 10-Day, about 2 1/3 years ago and have had a lot of positive changes. But over time I have changed the technique, or it has changed itself into something more open and expansive it seems.
And still, all the real changes I have experienced are on the level of the body and the personality, nothing of a deeper, "spiritual" or "insight" nature. So I am asking...Help please!
Thanks
Eyegotcaught - go to the Pa-Auk Forest Monastery in Myanmar. You will find all you need to find there.
Eyegotcaught - go to the Pa-Auk Forest Monastery in Myanmar. They teach the full path.
This Meditation style is not called Goenka style. It is confusing and not true to the roots to call it such. This is Vipassana style meditation taught by S.N.Goenka and is strictly following the teachings of the Buddha as per the discourses in the MahaSatipattana Sutra.
Travel to Myanmar is a bit out of my reach at present. Have to make do w/ what I can find in the U.S. for now
As for how "pure" or "traditional" any of it is, this article might be of interest:
http://meaningness.wordpress.com/2011/07/07/theravada-reinvents-meditation/
Hi Geoffrey Levens
Im glad you have been seriously practicing vipassana.. The main idea of it is to let go of craving and aversions. When you want a deep insight into something either spiritual or mental or body wise. It won't show itself.
We are so used to doing something or making something happen in our life. Vipassana is the opposite its about not doing/wanting anything.
The idea is to let go of the want for any experience of any kind when calm the body and mind without craving for any experience there is increase in concentration which leads you to a state of calmness which in turn makes the mind subtle to experience subtle sensations also being a witness to your thoughts, emotions and sensations with complete equanimity.
I suggest you read buddhist suttas if you are serious about this. Here are a few links which will help you.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.118.than.html
This sutta is of utmost importance of training to stay present with your breathe in your day to day life which will in turn strengthen your meditation.
Also go through the hindrances, paramitas etc and evaluate where you are getting held up..
Anyways i wish the very best and may you be happy my friend :)
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