Vipassana Meditation Courses
In the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin, as taught by S N Goenka |
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Vipassana Meditation
The technique of Vipassana meditation is a simple, practical way to achieve
real peace of mind and to lead a happy, useful life. Vipassana means "to
see things as they really are" and the technique is a logical process of
mental purification through self observation.
From time to time, we all experience agitation, frustration and disharmony.
When we suffer, we do not keep our misery limited to ourselves; instead,
we keep distributing it to others. Certainly this is not a proper way to
live. We all wish to live at peace within ourselves, and with those around
us. After all, human beings are social beings: we have to live and interact
with others. How, then can we live peacefully? How can we remain harmonious
ourselves, and maintain peace and harmony around us?
Vipassana teaches us to observe the reality within ourselves. Through
this impartial observation we gain insight into the causes of our agitation
or dissatisfaction. Out of ignorance we keep reacting in a way which is
harmful to ourselves and to others. But when wisdom arises and one comes
out of this habit of blind reaction one is capable of real action - action
proceeding from a balanced, equanimous mind, a mind which sees and understands
the truth.
In this way Vipassana meditation helps us to dissolve the tensions and
unravel the knots within and lead a more positive, balanced and happy life
- full of peace, harmony and goodwill for others.
Ten-day Courses
In order to learn Vipassana meditation it is necessary to take a ten-day
residential course under the guidance of a qualified teacher. Ten days
of sustained practice have been found to be the minimum amount of time
in which the technique can be learned. During the retreat students remain
within the course site, free from outside distractions. They refrain from
reading and writing, and suspend any religious practices or other disciplines.
They follow a full schedule of meditation, with daily instructions and
an evening discourse elaborating on the technique. They also observe silence,
not communicating with fellow students; however, they may speak with the
teachers whenever necessary and may contact the staff for needs relating
to food, accommodation, health, etc.
During the first three days they learn how to calm and focus the mind
with the help of the breath. On the fourth day they learn Vipassana itself:
the observation of sensations throughout the body, the experiential understanding
of their changing nature and the development of a balanced mind.
On the tenth day students resume speaking, making the transition back
to a more extroverted way of life. The course concludes on the eleventh
day.
Universal Technique
Although Vipassana was practised and taught by the Buddha, it contains
nothing of a sectarian or religious nature, and can be accepted and applied
by people of any background. The technique works on the basis that all
human beings share the same problems and that a pragmatic method which
can eradicate these problems can be universally practised: Moreover, it
involves no dependence on a teacher. Vipassana teaches those who practise
it to be self-dependent. Vipassana courses are open to anyone sincerely
wishing to learn the technique, irrespective of race, faith or nationality.
Members of many religions - monks; priests, nuns as well as lay people
- have all successfully practised Vipassana, as have those of no particular
faith.
Course Finances
All courses are run solely on a donation basis. Donations are given on
the last day of the course from those who, having experienced the benefits
of Vipassana, wish to give others the same opportunity. Neither the Teacher
nor the assistant teachers receive remuneration; they and those who organise
the courses volunteer their time.
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