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Goenka Vipassana Meditation: Your Body As An Laboratory

It was difficult to keep still. At times, the pain on my back intensified to an excruciating level. It was as if someone had stuck a dagger into a single blade on the lower right. It would have take a physical movement to help ease the pain. Yet, I was not supposed to move. I had to keep my back straight for at least one hour.


(The campsite on St John’s Island lies beyond the hill)

Any major physical movement would disrupt the practice of focus and concentration acquired through anapana. Breathing in, breathing out, I sat on the meditation cushion. I was only required to observe any physical sensation. So this was how it was like for most of my sittings for a continuous 10 days. I was in confinement for the most part, cut away from almost all forms of external communication with others. I was on a Noble Silence Goenka Vipassana Meditation Retreat from Dec 1 to 12, 2009.

Goenka Vipassana Meditation Retreat Stay


(Barbed wires on the fences in the surrounding background)

I felt as if I was a prisoner. While the retreat would appear to sound like a tropical resort stay because it was on St John’s island (south of the main island-city of Singapore), our living facilities were located in a prison camp built since 1955. The camp was a confined area, with enclosing wire fences and barbed wires. Historically, St John’s Island was a quarantine station for leprosy cases and a penal settlement for political prisoners and ringleaders of secret societies. (Rumors of the island being haunted still circulates today!)

Upon arrival, each of us were allotted bed and seat numbers. We were not free to choose where to sit or sleep and were told to keep out of certain areas. Males and females were not allowed to mix. We were also asked to sign sheets of paper to declare and affirm that we would not leave or make any attempts to leave during the ten days that would follow.


(Where I slept for 10 days)

There was a whole bunch of rules to comply with during the Goenka Vipassana Mediation Retreat I attended. Here were some that I had to live by:

– Wake up at 4 a.m.
– Only two meals a day; breakfast and lunch.
– No meals after 11 a.m.
– Simple vegetarian food.
– Dormitory living quarters. Shared bathroom facilities only.
– No forms of physical activity (yoga, exercise) allowed.
– Noble Silence (More explanations below in the article).

Oh yes, it felt like torture camp all right!

We were expected to follow the stipulated schedule for the day. Sittings were throughout the whole day, save for meal breaks and about an hour’s break for personal stuff. Hence, bathing or doing laundry were only restricted to certain times of the day.

I was in good humor even whilst I sat on the toilet trying to ease my constipation and swatting mosquitoes away (not allowed to kill them due to taking the Buddhist precept) at the same time one day. Additionally, I found myself having to ignore the sight of lizard fecal droppings, worms scurrying across the pavements and all kinds of insects on the ground; just to stay sane.

Practicing Noble Silence

Noble Silence simply means no communication with anyone, save for questions for the teacher (daily limit of 5 minutes). Hence, no handphone, laptops or any communication device allowed. We were advised not to look at others nor make gestures. I spent a good part of my time looking downwards or away from others in order to avoid exchanging glances. No reading of any kind or writing were permitted as well.

Why practice Noble Silence? Why were we not allowed to talk for a continuous ten days? The whole idea was to allow a period of inner exploration. We were meant to be in deep “surgical operations” of the mind. Usually in constant chatter, our minds were to be given less input during our 10-day stay. If we were allowed to talk, there was the possibility of us being affected by our interactions with other meditators. We might start comparing our sitting experiences with others, for one. And we were on a meditation retreat supposedly to reduce our mental suffering and not to add to our baggage!

My initial fears were largely unfounded. The two weeks before the actual day arrived, I almost wanted to cancel out. What terrified me most of all was the thought that I would go insane if I was going to be made to investigate my mind, without the permission to express myself externally to anyone for that many days. However, throughout my stay, I was surprised that nothing of that sort happened. I was mostly calm. Except for the pain that I was observing during sittings. Even hunger pangs that I expected to experience were hardly there!

The Body as A Laboratory

We are encouraged to examine things at the experiential level with equanimity. Intellectual knowledge is not wisdom. To understand natural laws, we start with what we already have and can truly know – our physical bodies. Hence, the method is largely a scientific mind-matter approach.

The Vipassana practice of meditation involves a careful scanning of every part of the body and observing sensations with equanimity. Equanimity simply means non-attached observation of the reality of the present moment. It refers to using the balance of the peace of mind; that is with neither cravings or aversions.

When we are feeling miserable, angry or upset, we are in suffering. To be fully liberated from all forms of negativity, we need to address the root of our suffering rather than merely dealing with it at the symptomatic level.

Much of our suffering arises from cravings or aversions. If we observe very carefully, cravings and aversions first start with bodily sensations. Sensations are either pleasurable or painful. But both forms of sensations have essentially the same characteristics – that of arising and passing. Nothing stays permanent! Sensations have an ever-changing nature.

The technique assists in the ending of past suffering and the ceasing of new ones. It does not require any of us to believe in myths, supernatural forces or an external God. Its usefulness can be felt in our everyday lives. In fact, Goenka describes Vipassana as an art of living and ultimately, an art of dying.


Who is S.N. Goenka?

According to Wikipedia, Sri Satya Narayan Goenka (born 1924) is a leading lay teacher of Vipassana meditation and a student of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. He has trained more than 700 assistant teachers and each year more than 100,000 people attend Goenka sponsored Vipassana courses. He is a wealthy and influential businessman, born in Burma to Indian parents.

S.N. Goenka is a prolific orator, writer and a poet. He writes in English, Hindi and Rajasthani. He has traveled widely and lectured to audiences worldwide including at the World Economic Forum, Davos and at the “Millennium World Peace Summit” in 2000. For four months in 2002, he undertook the Meditation Now Tour of North America.

In his talks, Goenka explains that the practice of Vipassana is the essence of the path of Dharma (the path to Truth). It is a non-sectarian universal way to understanding the true nature of things. However, he acknowledges that while he has already excellent results, the method that he uses is not the only way to the Truth. Instead, Goenka encourages students to find out experientially if the method works out for them. He also advises against simply taking on a religion based on blind faith and devotion.

“The Buddha never taught a sectarian religion; he taught Dhamma – the way to liberation – which is universal.” — S.N. Goenka


My Review of Goenka Vipassana Meditation Retreat

Do I recommend Goenka’s retreat to anyone? Yes, I do….LOL! Not that I am a sadist or anything! Oh yes, it sounds like a retreat which has been largely torturous. I confess to feeling somewhat miserable on the first two days of the retreat. I recall questioning my sanity on why on earth I was giving up ten precious days of my very comfortable life to observing pain. I sorely missed the luxury of having hot water for showers. Showers during the retreat were made in cold water. They were icy in the wee hours of the morning and when night fell.

Yet, I braved on because as the days went on, I realized that the Vipassana method I was learning could potentially and truly offer a way to purification of my sangkaras – full liberation from all deep seated unconscious bodily drives to cravings and aversions from fear. I have signed up for the retreat to learn more about non-attachment to my desires and while I am nowhere near to full enlightenment, I managed to experience a fair amount of release during my stay. Going forward, I hope to keep up with regular sittings on my own. A consistent practice, as Goenka puts it, is the secret to success.

What is perhaps most inspiring of all is that Goenka is a layperson. He has not shaved his head nor has ordained to be a monk to this day. He is married, wealthy and has six sons.

While I was only watching a recorded presentation of his talks for each of the ten days, it was very obvious that Goenka exuded pure compassion, humor and wisdom. One fellow meditator later told me that his mere presence could bring a whole room in an vibrational uplift. So Goenka has this share with us: it is very possible to be liberated from our suffering even if we are ordinary householders!!

“Vipassana is not a check to be cashed later in heaven – the benefits are for this life – right here right now!”


More Information

Goenka’s retreats work on a donation basis. This means that we do not have to pay for anything at the point of registration. If we have found the method useful at the end of the course, we are invited to give a donation as a token of appreciation and hope that someone else will benefit.

If you haven’t been to any of his retreats, I challenge you to one….:-)! The same rules of living simply during the ten days should apply to any of his retreats.

Goenka has meditation centers all over the world; including America, India and Japan. For more information, please refer to its official website here. The retreat in Singapore is not a center but held on St John’s Island a few times a year. More pictures on the camp facilities can be found on this site here.

If you have survived a Goenka retreat in the past, please tell your tale in the comment box below! Who knows? Based on your feedback, I may just consider attending another retreat in a different location in the years to come.

In loving kindness,

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Evelyn

Hilary - December 14, 2009

Hi Evelyn .. that must have been an amazing experience and it does sound ‘brave’ that you continued and actually went in the first place. I have to say I can’t envisage myself doing something like that .. but you never know where life leads you. I’ll be interested in reading more of your articles as the experience sinks in and reveals its thoughts and feelings to you.

Enjoy these revelations in the coming days – all the best
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Cricket Ball Squash, Santa Claus, Italy and us … =-.

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Hilary,

I could never imagine myself going for such a retreat in the past. The meditation technique taught by Goenka is by the Indian tradition which tends to be stricter than the ones taught by Thais. I can certainly see the benefits with an approach that is more rigorous. It will be great to share what inspired messages I get from the retreat experience I have had!

Yes, we never really know where life leads us. Most importantly, the intent is always about the courage to try out new ideas that will hopefully reveal the truth to us.

Happiness to you always!

With love,
Evelyn

Anirudh Kumar Satsangi - December 14, 2009

Meditation is being practiced by the sages, seers and saints etc. since the dawn of the human civilization. In modern days its applicability for the well-being of the mankind is widely recognized. There are various types of meditation such as Integral Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Royal Yoga, Sahaj Yoga, Surat Shabd Yoga, Transcendental Meditation, Zen etc. Surat Shabd Yoga which is practiced by the followers of the Radhasoami Faith, provides comprehensive package of meditation system i.e. mantra yoga, dhyan yoga and nad yoga. Surat Shabd Yoga has three components –I. Sumiran, repetition of holy name. This resembles mantra yoga. 2. Dhyan or contemplation of holy form resembles Dhyan yoga. 3. Bhajan, practice of listening internal sounds. This practice resembles nad yoga. It is evident from this description that practice of Surat Shabd Yoga is most ideal for spiritual evolution as well as physical and psychological well being. SURAT SHABD YOGA IS ‘3-in-1’.

Evelyn Reply:

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Indeed, there are many types of meditation techniques. I have also done Kundalini Yoga last year.

Somehow the things that Goenka has shared made a lot of sense to me. It appeals both on an intellectual and intuitive level. I would prefer to stick to his method first and see where it leads me.

When the time is right and wherever appropriate, I may just try out some of the other methods you’ve mentioned. Thank you for sharing!

With metta,
Evelyn

Katie West/The Levity Coach - December 14, 2009

Wow…Evelyn. Wow. What an experience.
At first as I was reading, it made me too feel trapped the thought of committing myself over to another’s way that wholly. And then as I read on I felt the power of such acquiescence and non attachment. How transformational. I would very much like to do something like that at some point. Before I had children I would take a 3-5 day solo every year and not talk to anyone and just be alone and I always felt AMAZING afterward and connected to myself and all that is.
Your post inspires me to begin to re integrate that practice now that my children are no longer babies.
Did anyone laugh in the silence? I feel like I would be amused at my thoughts….
thank you as always for elevating my awareness to new levels.
.-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s last blog ..The Levity Project: Laughter Flash Chicago! =-.

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Katie,

Great to see you here. Most certainly, I would encourage you to integrate present moment practices as much as possible into your daily life! I have become a better mother because of the inner work that I do. My relationships keep getting better and better. It sure beats going for therapy!

Yes, I go through periods of silence especially when my kids are in school. But I’ve never had the experience of a stretch of a day in silence. I was in jitters before going for my retreat.

No, no one laughed aloud in the silence. However, I am aware that some of them found ways to amuse themselves with internal dialogues on what they observe in the other participants. I refrained from doing this because I preferred to keep any judgments that may arise. Instead, I kept my humor for making light out of my own situation.

Now that I am back, I am ready to laugh out loud once again! Just seeing you here made me smile this morning 🙂

Abundance always,
Evelyn

shepherd - December 15, 2009

thanks , i will try to go for retreat somewhere for 10 days in 2010

Evelyn Reply:

Oh my….how brave you are!

Good luck and all the best!
Evelyn

Nadia - Happy Lotus - December 15, 2009

Hi Evelyn,

Sounds like an amazing experience. I remember the first time I went to such a retreat, I remember thinking the first day, what had I gotten myself into. However, by the end, I loved such things and that began a wonderful journey. I ended up doing so many more and then lived in India in a village with an ashram. All of these things really transformed not only my mind but my views on life. Simple living is not so simple at first.

It is amazing how all retreats (regardless of the tradition) all run by the same guidelines to some degree and teach almost similar concepts.

One question, considering the historical background of the location, did you feel any energy that reflected that past?

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Nadia,

I haven’t quite made it to an ashram in India yet. I have not found the necessity to but I’m always interested to read accounts of what others have gone through. It sounds like you have so much to share with regards to yours.

While I was in meditation, the sensing of the energy of the past related less to the location than my own from lifetimes ago. I was more bothered by my own pain than location-related energies.

Namaste.

Evelyn

Joy - December 15, 2009

Evelyn,
What an amazing experience–thank you for sharing.
My first thought is what kind of energy is in a retreat built within an old prison camp perhaps haunted by restless spirits. Seems like a lot to overcome before you even begin your personal practice! I think you need to observe pain in a controlled environment such as your retreat so that you are most aware of discomfort and can address it without fears when it arises in life. The mind/body connection tells us your physical manifestations of pain mirror your internal pain, so you are learning to cast your fears aside and acknowledge it all to grow. I know silence is necessary to investigate your mind/channel insight/rest peacefully; there is so much chatter in my daily life that on my days off I try for silent mornings, but I’m not sure I could manage ten days!

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Joy,

In another perspective, restless spirits may be less harmful than the bite of a vicious human being.

Yes, a dedicated environment for a period can help in one’s own practice. Which was why I decided to go for a guided one. Also, I have heard about Goenka for at least 5 years now. I have never felt quite ready for his retreat before until this year.

Oh, you’d be surprised what you are capable of. Ten days may appear to be a stretch but when you are put to it, who knows? If others like myself (someone who is pretty timid by nature) can do it, so can you!

With love,
Evelyn

Chris Edgar - December 15, 2009

Hi Evelyn — thanks for this — one wonderful thing I’ve noticed about Vipassana meditation is that, after some experience with it, it is possible to bring your attention into your body at any time of day, whether you’re at work, talking to a friend, or something else. It’s a practice that can be done in “real time” and doesn’t even require sitting in a lotus position.

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Chris,

Got it! I am going to try bringing awareness to bodily sensations today even while I am not in a sitting. Thanks for sharing!

Namaste.
Evelyn

Brett - DareToExpress.com - December 15, 2009

This sounds crazy, but sounds like my kind of crazy.

Meditation is my most powerful weapon (well, I like to frame it that way!), and 10 days straight of inner exploration sounds amazingly freeing and liberating. Not to mention it would make a meditative state much more achievable at all times, like Chris Edgar noted above.

Evelyn Reply:

Go for it, Brett! Go for at least a week of intensive retreat! Live to tell your tale! Do share your experiences on your blog!

With love,
Evelyn

Mark Harrison - December 15, 2009

Thanks for sharing. I went on a 10 day Goenka Vipassana retreat in Hong Kong about 5 years ago. It was very similar to your experience – a very basic place in the countryside, mosquitos, spiders, silence. I found the meditation extremely difficult and uncomfortable and I never experienced any kind of breakthrough, although I did leave with a sense of great peace and a renewed appreciation for the daily comforts I take for granted – a soft bed, a tasty meal, a conversation, a cup of coffee ….

It was, on the whole, a good experience, and I would recommend it, although I doubt if I would personally go again!

I have practiced meditation at home for many years, although recently I have not been very consistent. Need to get back into it.

Mark.
.-= Mark Harrison´s last blog ..Your beliefs are in control =-.

Evelyn Reply:

First of all, Mark, there is a countryside in Hong Kong? I never knew. I have been to Hong Kong but admittedly only to the shopping district, Ocean Park and Disneyland.

You said that you never got any sense of breakthrough. Did you experience any physical effects from your sessions; such as nausea, headache, vibrations, etc? These are little signs to look out for at the start. Any insight comes later.

Oh yes, we need to constantly remind each other to keep to regular sittings. Myself included!!

With love,
Evelyn

Kaushik | beyond-karma.com - December 15, 2009

Hi Evelyn,

I’ve done this twice now, and the second time was as a volunteer, so in many ways it was easier.

As you say, I would recommend this to anyone. And I love the compassion of this noble organization. Goenkeji has great sense of humor and I looked forward to the nightly lectures.

k

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Kaushik,

I hope to return one day as a volunteer too. I can certainly see how Vipassana can help those who are in suffering. Oh yes, I enjoyed listening to Goenka’s talks. He exudes much positive energy! I am also touched by his humility!

Namaste.

Evelyn

Lisa (mommymystic) - December 16, 2009

Evelyn, This was wonderful to read, thanks for sharing. I did a Vipassana retreat long ago, also 10 days but not through the Goenka organization. Although it has not become my core practice, what I learned and experienced there helped me so much. At the time, Noble Silence was especially difficult for me (I had been a big-time camper growing up, so many of the physical issues were not the main issue for me – now, I don’t know, I’ve gotten a little soft!!) I realized at the time how addicted I was to seeking validation from others through social contact. Working through that was probably the biggest ‘undoing’ for me at that particular retreat.
I was intrigued by your statement to Nadia, “the sensing of the energy of the past related less to the location than my own from lifetimes ago” – that sounds like it could be a post in and of itself!

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Lisa,

From what I understand, various retreats or the same retreat done at different times may just show up different issues to look into. Also, I don’t view my physical issues as merely a case of back pain. The thought that came up was “a stab on my back”. I believe that there is an emotional link to it. I also got the sense that whatever I was releasing had karmic forces behind them. Hmmm….you may be right….I may just write a post on it. Thanks for pointing that readers may just want to read about my intuitive findings.

With much love,
Evelyn

Monica - December 16, 2009

Hi Evelyn!
This brought back so many memories…oh the pain in my back that I will never forget!! This is a fabulous meditation and I have always intended to go back one of these days when babies grow older and such 🙂
I distinctly remember one thing that Goenke said that we still repeat at home all these years later. “Arising and Passing” – if you ask me, a pretty simple statement to allow the energy to bubble up and out without attachment.
We also observed Noble Silence and found it was pretty easy to keep my eyes lowered for the 10 days. What I found difficult was on the seventh day having a mini break down and almost leaving because of the pain in my back. That stabbing shooting awfulness that I could not understand the root of.
However on day 10 when we left and drove 3 hours home through the mountains, I have never seen the world in such beauty. The colors and clarity of life was palpable. For that, it was all worth it.
Thanks for sharing your experience, I too, would recommend to anyone.

Evelyn Reply:

Hey Monica,

Thank you for sharing about your most amazing experience with us all. Yes, I certainly enjoy the phrase “arising and passing”. Understanding the nature of sensations can most certainly help us in transcending above our attachments or aversions.

You did not say which meditation center you went to. I am glad to know that it ended beautifully for you even whilst there was so much back pain to watch!

May you glow always!
Evelyn

Walter - December 16, 2009

Despite the noise of life I always find time to meditate and explore reality. Deep within my mind, there are many questions about the reason of our suffering and misfortunes. An answer popped out of my mind. It tells me that everything that happens in our life are experiences we must absorb and learn from, not something to be avoided. 🙂

Evelyn Reply:

Thanks for sharing about what has hopped up. Indeed, there are no failures but merely experiences from which to learn from.

Namaste.

Evelyn

Lance - December 16, 2009

Hi Evelyn,
This experience sounds, on the one hand both mentally and physically challenging, and on the other hand – touching a deeper level of the soul. Perhaps it’s that forced aloneness that helps to connect a deeper spot within. With limited other things to do, a journey inward becomes maybe the only option. That’s a good place to journey to…inward. Our daily “normal” lives can easily lack that component of being one with ourselves. This is so interesting…and I’ve already checked your link to their schedule and locations.

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Lance,

It is nice to know that you have checked up on the links. It shows how serious you are in seeking the truth of your inner being. As mentioned, Goenka teaches that his method is non-sectarian or religious. He advocates using our bodies as inner labs for exploring the deeper layers of the mind. The technique allows us to learn about the natural laws of creation and all there is to the Universe.

May you be happy and well always!
Evelyn

mami in japan - December 16, 2009

Hi,
I just found an article “How to Love Yourself in 17 Ways” on a google search and got me into reading your other articles. It was amazing to read the most recent article on a Vipassana meditation retreat because almost a year ago, being extremely saddened after ending my 4 year relationship, my best friends (a loving couple) told me about their experience at the Vipassana meditation in NY and I was really curious about it and I bookmarked its website in Kyoto, Japan. I have not thought about it for a while but I feel a kind of at a loss and emptiness in my spiritual journey these days. And Voala, I just learned your great Noble Silence experience in Singapore. I just have to think of something meaningful in encountering your articles…

Evelyn Reply:

Hi there,

I am a believer that nothing happens by coincidence. Everything takes place for a greater reason. You may have asked for spiritual assistance and answers are showing up for you. It will be wise to follow on the leads. Consider finding out if Vipassana is for you. You won’t know unless you go and try. Then again, it may not be the method but who you are likely to meet.

May you be well and happy always!

With much metta,
Evelyn

Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord - December 17, 2009

You have me craving another meditation retreat! I went on a couple of these for shorter stays (and with hot water!), but the noble silence thing, along with the schedule, is really mentally demanding, isn’t it? I snuck a book and journal into my second retreat because I recognized my own “need” for them, and I was able to process and purge some of what was churning up from the rigorous meditation schedule. I had breakthroughs both times I went, and like I said, you have me craving a third stay!
Many thanks! Oh, and the comments have been as good as the original post (I was thinking just what Nadia was about the energy of the place – thanks for answering her so thoroughly!).
Be well!

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Megan,

Go for a third…LOL! If you have gotten breakthroughs, then you’d know that going on silent retreats is far from being a waste of time. Maybe I am not supposed to say this but good for you in sneeking in a journal! So long as you are aware of how it can help you for your greater good, I don’t see why not.

Amidst all the pain I was experiencing, I managed to get a few inspired ideas while I was on my retreat. They are going to be the ones I’ll be working on for next year!

With love always,
Evelyn

Kikolani - December 17, 2009

That does sound like an equally torturing and rewarding experience. I get a little crazy sometimes in that time before falling asleep when it’s completely quiet, I have no one to talk to, and it’s just me inside my mind. It is also the best time of day to really figure out what is going on inside myself.

~ Kristi

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Kristi,

It’s great that you recognize that the craziness you are experiencing is really coming from yourself….LOL! Too much thinking often times do not help us arrive at the best answers. Only in the silence, when the mind falls still, do the most amazing and creative ideas arise.

With love,
Evelyn

Carla - December 17, 2009

To be honest, I spend enough time isolated on my own, I think I would be horrible depressed if I were to challenge myself like that. I understand different strokes for different folks, and I’m glad it worked out for you enough that you would consider doing it again. Maybe? Maybe not?

Lana - DreamFollowers Blog - December 17, 2009

Hi Evelyn, thanks for sharing your experience, not sure I am ready for something like this, may be in the future. I do love the lessons you learned and the idea of being in complete silence and not dependant on your body cravings, comfort levels etc. Learning to be more non attached to certain outcomes is also something we all need to learn. Anyway, may be I am ready?

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Lana, I first heard about Goenka some 5 years ago. It took me that long to feel that I was ready. If you don’t feel ready, there are always easier meditation methods to use.

Then again, Goenka has shown us a technique that can potentially bring us to full liberation. Not all meditation techniques can! His technique can lead us to become non-attached to all and not just some outcomes. By the way, non-attachment does not mean detached. When we can come from the space of non-attachment, we do things with an abundance of pure love.

All the best to you on your spiritual journey!
Evelyn

Lana - DreamFollowers Blog Reply:

wow, Evelyn I actually never thought of the difference between non attachment and detachment. Now that I think about it, there is a big difference, thanks for pointing that out!

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Lana,

It took me a while to figure that out myself. Indeed there is a difference. In my opinion, it does not make sense to practice detachment because we have primal needs, innate desires and passions. It is also not as if we have chosen to renunciate. We can’t simply do so especially if we have household responsibilities. The thing is to simply be aware when we start to crave, knowing that sensations are never long-lasting and everything is impermanent. Awareness releases our craving and awakens us from our illusions.

With metta,
Evelyn

Amit Sodha - The Power Of Choice - December 18, 2009

I must confess reading your detailed account of the venue made me cringe somewhat and question my own ability to stay within that environment for 10 days. Although I’ve been to plenty of meditations retreats and stayed in silence for days at a time nothing quite to that level. It’s been a long while since I’ve ventured into the world of meditation and I may now have to take that step once again.

Thanks for the lovely account Evelyn. x

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Amit,

There is a purpose as to why we are “made” to live in such environments. Goenka explains that we are living on past donations of old students. He can simply ask us to pay for own food and lodging. But if he asks us to do that, our egos can get in the way when we are not happy with what we are getting with the amount we have paid. We may start to complain about the food, for instance!

Living on past donations by old students is also akin to living like a monk or nun. So we get to experience how it feels like to be someone who has chosen to renunciate. We understand humility at a deeper experiential (and not on an intellectual) level. We also come to realize that we can actually live on so little modern-day comforts with no problems at all.

If I have made it, I am sure most people – including yourself – can. You’d be surprised at how courageous, adaptable and flexible you can be.

With love,
Evelyn

Amit Sodha - The Power Of Choice Reply:

Well I certainly appreciate you faith in me! 🙂 Thanks for the explanation! x

Andy Tay - December 18, 2009

Hi Evelyn

Thanks for summarising this incredible experience! I had a chance to do it in 2007, not at St John’s Island though. We were at Sarimbum camp area (scouts camp area) and it was a wonderful experience! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and experiencing how the pain came and went, and how life is a rhythm and how we flow through it. It was really quite hot in the hall especially in the afternoons and to feel the sweat pouring down yet sitting in silence was really a big big challenge! But endure we did…

I loved the silence, the peace, being close to nature, and how my mind constantly floated everywhere and anywhere and how I brought it back to the present. I’ve been looking for a more “beautiful” place to go for my next Vipassana meditation…hopefully around the region too. Hmm..now that you reminded me, I better set that as my intention for 2010!

Thanks so much!

Cheers
Andy

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Andy,

Was the one held at Sarimbum camp area also by Goenka? It is great that you can describe yours as an amazing experience!

Now that is fast! To set your intentions for a meditation retreat for 2010. Then again, I am already thinking about my plans…LOL!

All the best!
Evelyn

Andy Tay Reply:

Hi Evelyn
Yes! Same group you went with, just that St John’s Island was unavailable then, so…Sarimbun camp instead. Yeah! Let me know if you find any nice spots in the region.

I was looking at the photos and profiles of other meditation centres which they posted on the walls during the Vipassana but didn’t spot any particular interesting one yet!

Cheers
Andy

The Desert Mothers: First Women Christian Hermits « Mommy Mystic - December 19, 2009

[…] An honest description of a Vipassana retreat (which is probably the most ascetic Buddhist tradition alive today) at Abundance Tapestry –  Goenka Vipassana Meditation: Your Body as a Laboratory […]

Heena - January 5, 2010

Hey Evelyn,
I am an avid reader of your articles and I love them.

I too went for Goenka Vipassana in March 2009 at Pagoda in Mumbai. It was an amazing experience. Yes, sometimes the rigour got to me, the back ache, the legs going numb. I also dozed off a couple of times during the morning session. I would also wonder what’s there for breakfast 🙂 On the fourth morning, I just couldn’t get up. The teacher summoned me and the tear gate burst and I cried my eyes out. I dont know why I cried, I was lonely, hungry, worried about my family ………. However I felt renewed after a good cry and the next 6 days were smooth. I felt a lot of gratitude for what I have in my life. I felt peaceful and happy. I felt that life is so simple but we unnecessarily complicate it and create pain. I haven’t been practicing Vipassana for the last one month but its time to start again. It’s an hour worth investing into.

Best Regards
Heena.

Richard Tseng - June 4, 2010

Hi Evelyn,
Do you have any information when will be the next Goenka Vipassana Meditation Retreat in Singapore? My friend said somewhere mid of September?
Do you know exact date and where to register? Thanks

Marcos - June 7, 2010

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve completed 6 retreats in Goenka centers in Spain and the US, and all have been deep and wonderful. The positive effects of the technique on me are quite obvious to me and those who know me, which undoubtedly justifies the time investment.

These retreats are not for everyone, that’s for sure, but for some of us, they provide the ideal environment to take a deep dive into one’s mind and become freed from deeply-rooted complexes, addictions, traumas, animosities, and any other mental defilements which impede the feeling of true peace and true happiness.

Best wishes,

Marcos

Lujan - August 28, 2010

Hi Evelyn,
Wow, this is such a well written blog about your experiences on the 10 days retreat of Goenkaji Vipassana meditation. I enjoyed reading it very much! I’ve also had the fortunate of attending a 10 days Goenka’s retreat in late July 2009 in Ontario, Canada. I’ve found the retreat and the meditation practice to be the most rigorous training that I’ve ever encountered and I am a serious martial artist practitioner for more than 20 years. Over all, I feel much gratitude and blessing to have discovered Vipassana meditation and to Goenkaji and all the practitioners of the past, present and future in passing the seed of Dhamma to the world. I am happy to report that I am ardently practiced my twice daily sitting and looking forward to attend more retreat. I feel much happiness and at peace within my heart.

metta to you and may all beings be happy, peaceful and liberated,

Lujan

Prabodh - December 2, 2010

Dear All,

I have been practicing Vipassana meditation since 1991 when I was 19 years old and have been to six 10 days courses since then. I would really recommend everyone to take up the 10 day course and experience the benefit themselves. In short I would have been a totally different person had I not been introduced to this meditation by one of my cousin sister.
Yes in the beginning it sounds like a torture but once you are used to it, it’s the best and the purest form of meditation. Experience it yourself as every being is different and everyone has his own bags of sufferings so get liberated one by one. It’s a slow process but sure path for leading a happy life until your death. I am 38 years now and leading a peaceful life with my wife and 2 kids. Although life is full of challenges and the practice of Vipassana gives me the strength to face these challenges. You also try and find out yourself how it could be useful to you. As Goenka Ji says that it is a difficult path but sure success path to reach at the top state of being liberated from all your suffering.

May All Being Be Happy

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