you gave me such warm memories from my retreat. thank you. had a similar experience, it was life changing really, those ten days were so different from anything i'd experienced. to everyone who's planning on going: afterwards, do not stop practising. i did, and i keep wishing i hadn't. it's difficult to pick up again because you lose focus of your mind, and you can't feel as sharply after a while.
I am attending a vipassana course very soon! VERY EXCITED! your video is very encouraging. I wish you had posted more updates of what you did after, and how your life has changed if it did.
Very nice, thanks for sharing the results it had for you (in stead of describing the process). I was hesitating to take a course but now I decided to do it, am going next week. I am curious on the long time results for you, hope you can post a video or comment on how you are doing now.
This is just the beginning. The next step is to do Vipassana with the eyes slightly open--which facilitates staying in present time, here and now. Check out the Shambhala Training which teaching this method.
Yoga Nine Vipassana" is a Facebook page that offers free resources for meditation, including articles, quotes, recent research, excerpts from well-known teachers, etc. Please come and check it out.
thanks for sharing. I know what you mean. I've done a couple 10 day retreats myself. Just finished the last one past saturday. Still not easy, but so incredibly rewarding. the Best present one can give to oneself.
thanks for sharing. I know what you mean. I've done a couple 10 day retreats myself. Just finished the last one past saturday. Still not easy, but so incredibly rewarding. the Best present one can give to oneself.
Vipassana had changed my life. Gave me a real push out of illusion. It's been incomparably better since. I am not a mindless zombie anymore! And it's beautiful that it's free from commercialism.
I walked there just 8 months ago! I sat and then served!! And you forgot the share the best part of that luxurious nature - GLOW WORMS!!!! (It's little bugs that glow at night with this greenish color, hundreds of them, like magic.)
Thanks for the video. I'm leaving this wednesday for my first Vipassana and i'm very exited and very scared. You'r video made the fear a little less. I'm determined to stay the whole course.
Thank you for a great share ypud .. & @chin248 .. Haha .. that's sooooo funny "and you are booooound to be successful... bound to be successful" Love & Peace & Happiness for ALL :o)x
Wow, thank you so much for sharing such a positive experience. I am due to sit my first 10 days from May 25th, the last day of my end of year exams, so quite a nice time to relax and allow things to be felt and come to the surface... i hope! Thank you
Great share. It's is hard to describe, but you did. And it does stay with you, even if you don't keep practicing. I was ready to bounce on day one but the female manager wisely told me that meant it was working. Serving is a great way to experience it from a different perspective too. I'm about to do my second sit.
My first 10-day is coming up this April the 13th. Even though I've heard so many good things, I am frightened. I feel like I can anticipate having to relinquish who I am now and become something or someone else. I suppose this happens whether I relinquish or not.. but that it's still a bit scary! Either way I'm greatly looking forward to it.
thanks so much for your video on your experience, i'm on waiting list for March at Hereford and a bit scared but also excited. I know it's gonna be hard but like you said it's only ten days of your life and more than anything i want to be learn how to be in the present moment. Thanks again you've reinforced what i feel about it :)
mate I am going to the course in Kaukapakapa which is where you did it and I hope it is everything that it was for you. i have spoken to many people like yourself about it and they all say pretty much what you have said. good on you for letting the world know about your experience.
Anyway, regarding your (ypud) experience of the Vipassana retreat, how wonderful for you that it turned out so well, I hope the happiness you felt spurs you onward in the path of Mindfulness!
For the record, I'm not trying to preach to anyone here, god forbid that! Just that I've learned from my own bitter experience that the Dharma isn't so much something that we attain by an attitude of conquest (I've tried that), but rather becoming quite simple really, and attempting to live it on a daily basis. We don't OWN this mind, so we can't awaken by an act of will. We are rather CUSTODIANS of this mind, gardeners who need to plant good seeds, prune back weeds, and observe it's Nature. :)
One of the reasons problems can arise from Vipassana courses is that the path of Mindfulness, like any spiritual practice, isn't just a ten-day effort or a month-long effort, but is really something you aim to live every day of your life, obviously in varying degrees according to what each day needs. If you try to integrate the 5 precepts into daily life as much as possible, and meditate a bit every day, then when retreat time comes you are ready for what may come; the groundwork is daily life.
Haven't practised for 20 years, your straight forward account of feelings and benefits brings it all flooding back - literally. Just so happens the link was sent by a friend I hadn't seen in as long, so between you both thanks for the inspiration.
I really appreciate the posts here. I have heard about Vipassana for 6 years now, and even though I prefer the process claimed by Holosync to give the same or similar results, and is way more comfortable and enjoyable, I am going to give Vipassana a try in order to compare the two techniques. There are mixed feelings about it here in these posts alone, so it may just be one of those things that each person has to find what works for them. Namaste
@Rhiannon2 I have done Vipassana for 6 and a half years and I've also done holosync. I gotta say that holosync works. The major difference between it and Vipassana is that with Vipassana you awaken to yourself. I mean you become aware that you are the cause of your own suffering and therefore are given the knowledge to stop causing that suffering just like if the car over heats and you don't know anything about mechanics then you can't fix it or prevent it from happening again.
@vipassanut I appreciated your thoughts, and after a year now I see how much the Vipassana experience impacted me with that understanding. I've been to some Vipassana group sits, but haven't stuck with it regularly. I wonder how people keep up with work, sleep, some time on the computer, reading, cooking, errands, cleaning, laundry, exercise, and still have a free hour for meditation!
@Rhiannon2 You can meditate while you're doing all of those things.....Vipassana is a way of life...When you establish yourself in this technique and really experience its benefits everything else will become a lower priority in your life because you realize that every experience will come to an end and therefore holds no real value...It's only the wisdom we take with us that matters....peace and love to you, may you find your path...
@RyanDotTv Thanks for your comment. I have Holosync, and have used it inconsistently for a year and a half. I lead such a chaotic life that it's hard for me to spend an hour every day with it, then I think I'm failing and then don't even try for awhile. I've signed up for a Vipassana 10-day meditation. I do wonder, though, if Holosync gives the same results.
Holosync is better and faster than traditional meditation... haven't time to use holosync for a hour a day ?? Yet you have the time to spend 10 days at a vipassana retreat?. mmmm. I'm on Awakening Level 3 and I never imagined the results could be this profound!! And I've got about 7 years to go still!LOL...I'm gonna be superhuman by the time I get to Floweing Level 4!!hehe.. Just stick at it, get up an hour earlier.
@RyanDotTv Thank you for this note. It's been awhile, and my life got even more full than it was back then. I took the 10 days off, but then came back to the busy life. I've been doing just the Dive, sporadically, but now coming back to your experiencing "profound" results tells me I have to make sure to get back on track. Thank you for this.
I did 4 courses between 2001 and 2003 in Massachusetts (and one short course with Goenkaji himself!)
The experience waseverything you said. Challenging, frustrating, liberating, fufilling.'i served a course as well.
Now I live in New Mexico and we don't have a center here so no 10 day retreats, unfortunately. But i have found a local sangha that sits once or twice a week which has been great.
Have you been keeping up or have you done any more courses?
Thanks for your post. I'm real screwed up right now, I left my first Vipassana course at the end of day three (9pm last night). Now I'm shaking and crying in my bed, trying to reconcile an overwhelming failure complex. Whatever you do DON'T LEAVE. I practised hard for 3 days in Anapanna breathing and have brought a lifetime of shit to the surface and for some reason have chosen to take that away with me instead of taking away a total resolve and a feeling of achievement - a real Dhammadrama!
@NMWMN Sorry to hear about that mate - could you not just enrol on another 10-day course and stay the whole time? Perhaps you could start from where you left off. Good luck whatever you choose to do anyway; but remember it's all fleeting, even the feelings. Whether or not you're into any of this, what they say about 'anicca' is certainly true in all aspects of life.
@ypud thank you for your kind words. Today is day 10 for the rest of the folk completing the course. Metta day! (as far as I understand, from others who have completed the full retreat). I'll be ok in a week or so. Once I know my retreat has ended it's cycle, then I should be able to let it go (hope). Been drinking St. Johns Wart tea all week. I'll look into 'Anicca'. I'm into it totally... just screwed it all up and screwed myself in the head by doing so. Much Metta to you mate. Best!
@NMWMN when I did my first course I was continually bombarded by terrible memories of the past, but I soon realized that this was simply the cleaning process like if you're using a feather duster to clean furniture the air in the room will initially be full of dust and it's hard to breathe and see but when the dust settles you will see your furniture SHINE!! You will soon realize that this is the natural healing process and it won't scare you much anymore but you MUST learn how to do Vipassana!
@NMWMN you shouldn't feel failure, you're just creating aversion this way, more sankhara for you ;) so just choose to feel positive about it, if you had lots of bad, scary stuff in your unconscious mind, then it's ok. all this 'determination to stay for 10 days' thing is for guys like you to try to wait these feelings over, this way you use that to get stronger, not feel weaker like you do now. I've completed 3 courses now, and I also had lots of bad experience there (panic attacks, anxiety)
@NMWMN your not alone. A few people always quit during the first few days... one of the things about vipasanna meditation is that it brings up insecurities/inner conflicts from our past. It's tough, but so rewarding if you work through it.
@NMWMN If you're still having difficulties I can only suggest you continue with the anapana-sati practice regularly, especially the first part, "I am breathing in/out long/short", etc, focusing on the breath this way can lead us to jhana, complete absorption with the breath. The reason I suggest this is because upon jhana all defilements are let go, leaving only sensations of calm, oneness, joy and bliss. So it is very powerful method for us to let go of all problems being carried. Namaste.
@NMWMN If you're still having difficulties I can only suggest you continue with the anapana-sati practice regularly, especially the first part, "I am breathing in/out long/short", etc, focusing on the breath this way can lead us to jhana, complete absorption with the breath. The reason I suggest this is because upon jhana all defilements are let go, leaving only sensations of calm, oneness, joy and bliss. So it is very powerful method for us to let go of all problems being carried. Namaste.
Thankyou for taking the time to record and post this clip, it has helped me a lot as i prepare for my first 10 day Vipassana retreat. Hope you still in a place of balance and awareness of the now. :-)
Its been a while since your Vipassana experience...I was wondering how things are going for you now? Do you still use the experience to focus on things or has it slipped out of your existence?
Your video is wonderfully amazing. I heard about Vipassana in 1995 from my little sister who had a friend do it. This friend described the feelings you expressed to my sister. I am booked into the 10 course next year, and lately I have been feeling extremely anxious and scared about the course. But now after hearing your experience and seeing the happiness and joy in your eyes this has placed a huge calmness into my body. I am now looking forward to the course.You are an inspiration. Well done.
very good video - just returned from my first ten day experience and like yours my body was ready to go another 10 days; environment was as peaceful as NZ but not as stunning -still Herefordshire is a beautiful place. Stay equinimous and alert.
It's beautiful to see your pure and untouched first minutes in the outer world after Vipassana. It's how i feel right now. Two days ago I came back home. Still feeling the warmth and softness and strength within me despite all daily chaos that's part of 'my path'. Wish you the best.
@fiscornioman I have also experienced similar sensations but they are only sensation and try to simply remain equanimous during them rather than forming attachment or aversion towards them. Life is trying to show you something so Listen and Learn and you will move closer and closer to enlightenment, but keep in mind that continually trying to pass through that portal will most probably result in craving and push you further away from reaching your goal!
I'm also in New Zealand, and I am about to partake in my Vipassana retreat which begins tomorrow evening. I am really anxious, but also looking forwards to it at the same time. Thankfully, watching this video has given me a hope that I really will make it through the 10 days.
thx for making this video, I'm currently considering trying it, but the thing that keeps me from doing it is my addiction from cigarettes and discipline, I'm terrible in obeying rules. even though they are for my own benefit. But who knows maybe some day I will give it a go. :)
Wow, thank you for sharing your experience. I heard about Vipassana retreats about a year ago, I suppose, and have been wanting to attend one ever since. Watching your video has reaffirmed my belief that this would be an amazing experience. I guess all that's left now is to just do it! So tell me, have you managed to incorporate what you learned into your daily life?
Thank you so much brother for sharing your experience, I'm going to take the course in december, here at Bogotá, Colombia... Again, thank you thank you thank you... I'm so excited to go to this course, I know that what you're telling here is 100% truth... thank you man. :)
i'll be going to Burma to have a 10 days course in september;
my parents are followers of buddha and they were trained in the vipassana center by goenka long time ago....and now they are always telling me to have a try since i reached my 18 a few months ago....
i initially didn't want to go but i'm quite motivated after seeing your video...thanks :)
Cheers for your great job. I would suggest you that go to Burma and learn some more further. You will be surprised what you can achieve and truly happiness.
As it not has you want to be ~ understanding reality and having a experience that is completely your own imprical experience. This is a gift and if you find Vipassana you will experience your own real reality.
If you have time do try to understand "Satipatthana Sutta". This is all about the strategies of your liberation from "Samsara" by "vipassana Medition"
if you never were in the present, I'm wondering where you were all this time for there is no other time. You don't need to be in the woods to find out. As a matter of fact, further you look for, further you get lost.
I have calmed down a little since my disappointing experience. The evening videos become awful pseudo science 90min nightmares. For anyone interested please google Vipiassana Critique and look for the excellent article by Mr Harmanjit Singh. This may not be a cult yet, but this is exactly how these things start. Give me Zen meditation anyday.
Thanks. Does anyone have any advice for me as a boyfriend. Once my girlfriend comes back from Vipassana? Should I ask lots of questions? Let her talk about it in her own time?....any other advice?
The Vipassana technique works in the same way for everyone but some people have more demons than others and these issues all need to be faced to be resolved rather than putting it aside in your mind by experiencing continuous pleasant sensations and then waiting for it to be triggered. Vipassana will HEAL you once and for all if you are dedicated to it...So please, everyone don't be afraid to try it.....
I'd like to encourage all those who are considering doing this meditation course. It has totally transformed my life, the benefits are indescribable. Don't be afraid of trying the 10 day retreat. It is difficult to lose all that you love in your every day life for 10 days but you will gain something much greater that you will take with you for eternity...Good luck and best wishes to you all....
I had the same kind of electricity-like sensations. Struggling to explain or understand them. Many people during the retreat became either emotional or ecstatic during that experience.
Great video as it exactly describes what I felt too. It is amazing, and then to know that everyone can do. A place where you can go to where you can feel that way. Just amazing, you never are the same. Everyone should do it.
Nice comment on your course. The nice thing is you now can go all over the world, to serve or to meditate. So if you ever want to hit Belgium, let me know' Be Happy.
Just got back a couple days ago from my first retreat in Northern CA. Watched your vid before I did it and it set a great tone. Brilliant and very accurate. Thanks, man!
isn't it great? thanks for your post. I hope more ppl will experience this bliss as they tread the path to enlightenment...to becoming a more evolved being. Waking up before sunrise is the first step. That's when your energy levels are the highest...when you'll feel most at peace...when your more productive. it's natural...this is how are biological clocks are meant to run.
isn't it great? thanks for your post. I hope more ppl will experience this bliss as they tread the path to enlightenment...to becoming a more evolved being. Waking up before sunrise is the first step. That's when your energy levels are the highest...when you'll feel most at peace...when your more productive. it's natural...this is how are biological clocks are meant to run.
I went to NZ to years ago.This country is just magical... :) During my trip i was reading "the power of now" and my life completly changed! Last summer I went to thailand for a 10 days vipassana retread and i experienced pretty much the same like you. I saw the light in allmost everithing and i fell so in ease :) I am so happy to see more and more people getting aware of the now! =)
I have been to NZ 2 years ago and i found this country is just magical... during my trip in NZ i ret the book "power of now" and my life just chaged completly :) but last year I went to thailand to go to a 10 days vipassana meditation cours and i just experienced the same thing like you! Just STUNNING =) I am so happy to see that more and more people become aware of the now :)
Thanks a lot. I am attending a 10 day session starting this week and this account really helped me get mentally prepared. The calm look on your face is just wonderful!
I have done a vipassana course 3 years ago in India. Many people told me similar experiences. It was a very pleasent and wonderful experince of my life. I am very glad to say that my attitude towords life has changed and i am living very happy, balanced and successful life. My relations with my parents, friends and most importantly with myself become very healthy and stress free. I request u all if possible attend it. best wishes.
I'll be going on the retreat in early July. I was really looking forward to it then, and after watching your video I'm extremely excited. I've been hoping to find something that could bring me to a sense of presence, and I knew I wasn't going to be able to do it alone. Now I know I've made the right decision to go. Thank you for this video!
Thank you so much for this detailed day to day account of your experience andof the good and difficult parts of the practice. It helped me to make the decision to do it. New Zealand is beautiful.
lovely video. going to book in for my 1st 10 day stint in june or july of this year and i am excited and shit scared at the same time. hahaha. thanks for putting this up. greatly appreciated
doooooode, i was dithering over whether to youtube vipassana having signed up for a retreat in 2 months time in canada. youre honest and straightforward account has made me lose a bit of the fear i had. trust in the now is the message i got from you and go with it... youre a legend my friend.
@ypud - well i did it and it was amazing on so many levels, i just watched your vid again because im just about to do another vip in april and remembered how id enjoyed your account that gave such a lift to me before that first time. it has again now, although this time around ive shared your experience. it was a rollocoaster of highs and lows but i loved it - 2nd time around, i know whats coming and am going to focus on the practise and enjoy whatever happens. thanks again, top vid - peace
@ypud - well i did it and it was amazing on so many levels, i just watched your vid again because im just about to do another vip in april and remembered how id enjoyed your account that gave such a lift to me before that first time. it has again now, although this time around ive shared your experience. it was a rollocoaster of highs and lows but i loved it - 2nd time around, i know whats coming and am going to focus on the practise and enjoy whatever happens. thanks again, top vid - peace
great inspiring video.. my son is in retreat right now.. I did the 100 day qigong and it did some similar benifits but want to do this in the future. I still feel vibrations. I've come to see that language is imperfect that vibrations is the truth. Not to take things personal because nothing is. its only about you and how you respond to whats going on. Peace love and to our journey
I'm glad I stumbled upon your video. I'm going on my first retreat in a couple weeks, and I've been feeling nervous about it. Your video was encouraging. Thanks for posting.
whn i did it i had a similar experience... total bliss and euphoria. i still vividly remember walking around the walking area it a total euphoric trance like state thinking this is bliss. soo much change so much change
I just escaped (literally) from my "Goenka" retreat this morning - i can't believe we were on the same course. What kind of vipassana ? A switch at day 4 is certainly not what the gruelling Goenka process is about.
His is a growing pseudo- scientific personality cult. Google it PLEASE !
Awful awful stuff -very difficult to leave, elders policing your every move etc.
I agree he can be a little self-indulgent (when he preaches not to be) and his practices can appear 'cultish' (especially during the chanting - freaky!) but when you have a particular way of doing things to create a specific outcome it's always going to be that way. This surely applies to anything in life don't you agree? To anyone else reading this, just go with it - you're not going to get hurt; the worst that can happen is that you have a 10-day digital detox :)
@mmmzyx I attended my Vipassana retreat in August last year. During day 5 I had a strong desire to escape too, particularly that a bunch of my friends were staying and having fun in a cottage 20 mins drive away. I chose to stay though and have no regrets now. It's hard to do things that are contra-intuitive. The cult allegation are blown out of proportions. I've known people who've been practicing Vipassana for 6 years now they were never forced to engage in anything other than meditation.
@mmmzyx Before embarking upon a Vipassana retreat, you are asked three times to commit to staying the course and warned that it may be dangerous for your mental health to interrupt the process and run away. That's why 'elders' will try to persuade you to stick it through to the end, because they sincerely want you to get it.
@ninorc2003 I have calmed down a little since my disappointing experience. The evening videos become awful pseudo science 90min nightmares. For anyone interested please google Vipiassana Critique and look for the excellent article by Mr Harmanjit Singh. This may not be a cult yet, but this is exactly how these things start. Give me Zen meditation anyday.
@mmmzyx Most students find the discourses both entertaining - because Goenka is quite funny - and reassuring, as they explain what's happening and what to expect. Those who wish to review them are directed to 'The Art of Living' book. It sounds as if you've found a meditation technique that you prefer. Fair enough, but that doesn't mean there's anything sinister about Vipassana.
Mate, Just joined utube so I could leave you this! I have been thinking about it, I have booked to go (nepal) and very nearly bottled it! I am now going 100%. All it needed was a an honest
Mike - your message made my day! It's so nice that my video has had a positive effect for so many people, including you. I wish you all the best mate and I have to say (in complete contrast to what this course teaches) I'm a little jealous that I don't get to go to Nepal too :) Hope you get what you want out of it - I'm sure you will. Please post a video if you get the chance.
@mmmzyx I googled it.. but .. so what? There is nothing profound in what I found... Just people who for whatever reason didn't dig it. No biggie, it isn't for everyone :).
I myself got into meditation in quite a bizarre way. I watched a very brief clip of Bill Hicks and heard him mention that 'we are all one collective conciousness/unconciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves'. At first this made no sense at all, but after really getting to grips with the ideas behind the statement it changed my life completely.
That's funny - I actually started my quest with the indirect influence of Bill Hicks too! I read one of his favourite books, "The Holographic Universe" by Michael Talbot and it opened my eyes a lot. The next obvious step for me was the meditation.
@ypud I'll take a look at that book, it sounds interesting. If your looking for another read, I can recommend Hicks's 'Love All The People'. It's basically a collection of all his standup, interview and article work up until his passing. Some of it is repetitive, but it's a bag of laughs.
Parting shot. Eye opener for meditators/students of altered states = Eliz. Mayer's 2007 book "Extraordinary Knowing: Science, Skepticism and the Inexplicable Powers of the Human Mind." Forword by physicist Freeman Dyson. Stolen harp found by map dowsing; explores from there. No gobbledegook page turner. TM
Hate to press the point, but did your 10 day course a few months back produce worthwhile change for you, or just whet you appetite for more meditation? I am considering a Vipass. course here - but then, there is a down-to-earth map dowsing course coming up in Arkansas, on the other hand. T.M.
No, wooden stairs suddenly collapsed, me on them; right hand shot out, crashed stair window on way down. Scrap steel + cement + me dropped 1 floor = small thumb scratch. Last 3 years intense meditating, I seem strangely protected when in crisis. Before meditating, took usual lumps. I actually meditate to increase healing skill, can't explain all this, perhaps string theory will answer. T.M.
Wow. That's quite impressive! We all have our differing reasons for meditation; I just know that it's so beneficial when I do it and I'm happy yours is working so well for you.
Been meditating on emptiness 3 hours a time; at 3rd hour, color blobs appear, signalling halt of awareness. This has sharpened my psychic abilites a bit and ? improved my luck in emergencies - hand through window last month left no cuts. Surprised me. Now considering vipassana practice. Did 10-dayer change your health, stability, life purpose? Thanks. T.M.
Hi TM. Did you put your hand through a window on purpose just to test a theory? I hope not.
Comments like this from people like you and Rob below really make me want to get back into deep meditation in a big way. There's so much we humans don't know.
you gave me such warm memories from my retreat. thank you. had a similar experience, it was life changing really, those ten days were so different from anything i'd experienced. to everyone who's planning on going: afterwards, do not stop practising. i did, and i keep wishing i hadn't. it's difficult to pick up again because you lose focus of your mind, and you can't feel as sharply after a while.
cidp012 1 week ago
Thank you mate for this and telling us how you feel. All the best to you and I hope you can continue to get something form the practice.
tokai1999 3 weeks ago
Thanks so much. Im about to go on one myself. Really re assuring thank you
TheGuywheeler 3 weeks ago
you seem like such a cool dude, all the best to you man and thanks for sharing your experience
germanphil112 3 weeks ago in playlist Liked videos
I am attending a vipassana course very soon! VERY EXCITED! your video is very encouraging. I wish you had posted more updates of what you did after, and how your life has changed if it did.
Farahosophy 1 month ago
just about to go in, your little video was reasurring, thank you so much xx
appidamis 2 months ago
Is this something you couldn't learn to do yourself, without a teacher? I can't find any closeby retreats, or schools for this.
HylianSpirit 2 months ago
@HylianSpirit Because we are full of doubt so teacher must be needed. To search: Vipassana and your country
annkimlong 1 month ago
Very nice, thanks for sharing the results it had for you (in stead of describing the process). I was hesitating to take a course but now I decided to do it, am going next week. I am curious on the long time results for you, hope you can post a video or comment on how you are doing now.
mworkel 3 months ago
Very nice comments thanks. I'm about to start a course, not the 10 days one yet, just an introduction but i'm already very excited.
Hope everything 's fine for you now
adriano54015 4 months ago
I'd love to go on one of these and I've found out there's some not far from me so I'm thinking of doing it :) Sounds like a really great experience.
BalletDancer312 4 months ago
This is just the beginning. The next step is to do Vipassana with the eyes slightly open--which facilitates staying in present time, here and now. Check out the Shambhala Training which teaching this method.
MtShastaPeter 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
MEDITATION RESOURCES:
Yoga Nine Vipassana" is a Facebook page that offers free resources for meditation, including articles, quotes, recent research, excerpts from well-known teachers, etc. Please come and check it out.
Look up "Yoga Nine Vipassana" on Facebook.
anapanasati1970 5 months ago
We pay nothing...only pay is you think it helped you. Remembering my Vipassana experienced in India 12 years ago! still amazing :D
corazonvenerable78 5 months ago
you can see it in your eyes. Well done
mbad315 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
thanks for sharing. I know what you mean. I've done a couple 10 day retreats myself. Just finished the last one past saturday. Still not easy, but so incredibly rewarding. the Best present one can give to oneself.
shanna1950 5 months ago
thanks for sharing. I know what you mean. I've done a couple 10 day retreats myself. Just finished the last one past saturday. Still not easy, but so incredibly rewarding. the Best present one can give to oneself.
shanna1950 5 months ago
How much did you pay for this ?
gimbutas1 5 months ago
@gimbutas1 Its free. go to dhamma.org
ienjoymusic27 5 months ago
@gimbutas1
Free In India....I dont know abroad...
Desishikamaru 5 months ago
Thanks a lot for ur video
ladyrafiuscks 6 months ago
Vipassana had changed my life. Gave me a real push out of illusion. It's been incomparably better since. I am not a mindless zombie anymore! And it's beautiful that it's free from commercialism.
wisesakura 6 months ago
I walked there just 8 months ago! I sat and then served!! And you forgot the share the best part of that luxurious nature - GLOW WORMS!!!! (It's little bugs that glow at night with this greenish color, hundreds of them, like magic.)
wisesakura 6 months ago
Thanks so much mate. Im excited and scared for this.
MonarchHill 6 months ago
Thanks for the video. I'm leaving this wednesday for my first Vipassana and i'm very exited and very scared. You'r video made the fear a little less. I'm determined to stay the whole course.
erikdevierde 6 months ago
dude i can't hear a d*** thing. why didn't u speak louder a little
aloozer 7 months ago
That is really kind of you to share your beautiful experience with us. Thank you for that.
I have done the course twice and You braought some of the most beautiful and peaceful moments back into my memory...
To everyone - Vipassana is a ,what teaches you the art and only pure way of life
lovea and peace
sven
scarden99 7 months ago
hi there sorry but ı didn't understand my english is not that good where did you take the course?
Thanks
g2sezer 8 months ago
where do you live in the world? there are several vipassana centres, I live in London so will go to the one in Herefordshire
ReEducateYourself 8 months ago
@ReEducateYourself Just submitted an application for the 17th Aug course a few hours back!!! :) Hope I'm accepted!!! Peace be with U!!! :)
amuline13 7 months ago
Thank you for a great share ypud .. & @chin248 .. Haha .. that's sooooo funny "and you are booooound to be successful... bound to be successful" Love & Peace & Happiness for ALL :o)x
ShmOprah 8 months ago
thanks for this video. i'm going for a 10 day course on the 11th. Appreciate it.
sufiheart 8 months ago
Wow, thank you so much for sharing such a positive experience. I am due to sit my first 10 days from May 25th, the last day of my end of year exams, so quite a nice time to relax and allow things to be felt and come to the surface... i hope! Thank you
Gouchism 9 months ago
Been there for the 3rd time 2 day ago.. :-) fantastic as always...
ericfreitas76 9 months ago
Great share. It's is hard to describe, but you did. And it does stay with you, even if you don't keep practicing. I was ready to bounce on day one but the female manager wisely told me that meant it was working. Serving is a great way to experience it from a different perspective too. I'm about to do my second sit.
heidilaursen 10 months ago
My first 10-day is coming up this April the 13th. Even though I've heard so many good things, I am frightened. I feel like I can anticipate having to relinquish who I am now and become something or someone else. I suppose this happens whether I relinquish or not.. but that it's still a bit scary! Either way I'm greatly looking forward to it.
ddpsp 10 months ago
Work diligently, diligently. Work paaatiently and persistently (patiently and persistently)
Lol
Amen brother!
Spread the word!
chin248 10 months ago
@chin248 and you are booooound to be successful... bound to be successful
:)
lysergicaltools 9 months ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
@chin248 and you are boooound to be successful... bound to be successful
:)
lysergicaltools 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@chin248 and you are boooound to be successful... bound to be successful
:)
lysergicaltools 9 months ago
thanks so much for your video on your experience, i'm on waiting list for March at Hereford and a bit scared but also excited. I know it's gonna be hard but like you said it's only ten days of your life and more than anything i want to be learn how to be in the present moment. Thanks again you've reinforced what i feel about it :)
gailmusicformysoul 10 months ago
mate I am going to the course in Kaukapakapa which is where you did it and I hope it is everything that it was for you. i have spoken to many people like yourself about it and they all say pretty much what you have said. good on you for letting the world know about your experience.
scullen 11 months ago
i did my first vipassana course when i was 19... just brilliant!
ImSoJohnDeleted 11 months ago
Anyway, regarding your (ypud) experience of the Vipassana retreat, how wonderful for you that it turned out so well, I hope the happiness you felt spurs you onward in the path of Mindfulness!
hearts0ngs 11 months ago
For the record, I'm not trying to preach to anyone here, god forbid that! Just that I've learned from my own bitter experience that the Dharma isn't so much something that we attain by an attitude of conquest (I've tried that), but rather becoming quite simple really, and attempting to live it on a daily basis. We don't OWN this mind, so we can't awaken by an act of will. We are rather CUSTODIANS of this mind, gardeners who need to plant good seeds, prune back weeds, and observe it's Nature. :)
hearts0ngs 11 months ago 2
One of the reasons problems can arise from Vipassana courses is that the path of Mindfulness, like any spiritual practice, isn't just a ten-day effort or a month-long effort, but is really something you aim to live every day of your life, obviously in varying degrees according to what each day needs. If you try to integrate the 5 precepts into daily life as much as possible, and meditate a bit every day, then when retreat time comes you are ready for what may come; the groundwork is daily life.
hearts0ngs 11 months ago
Awesome bro. I recently applied for a 10 day retreat in Illinois. This only strengthens my desire to go through with it. Thanks mate. Peace...
darysons1 11 months ago
I hae done mine in Jesap, Georgia. Nice vid mate.
flashbang04 11 months ago
Haven't practised for 20 years, your straight forward account of feelings and benefits brings it all flooding back - literally. Just so happens the link was sent by a friend I hadn't seen in as long, so between you both thanks for the inspiration.
mattpball1 11 months ago
Lose the beard and the hippy hat so we can take you more seriously.
BayviewFinch 11 months ago
Be happy :-)
gudonus77 11 months ago
I really appreciate the posts here. I have heard about Vipassana for 6 years now, and even though I prefer the process claimed by Holosync to give the same or similar results, and is way more comfortable and enjoyable, I am going to give Vipassana a try in order to compare the two techniques. There are mixed feelings about it here in these posts alone, so it may just be one of those things that each person has to find what works for them. Namaste
Rhiannon2 1 year ago
@Rhiannon2 I have done Vipassana for 6 and a half years and I've also done holosync. I gotta say that holosync works. The major difference between it and Vipassana is that with Vipassana you awaken to yourself. I mean you become aware that you are the cause of your own suffering and therefore are given the knowledge to stop causing that suffering just like if the car over heats and you don't know anything about mechanics then you can't fix it or prevent it from happening again.
vipassanut 11 months ago
@vipassanut I appreciated your thoughts, and after a year now I see how much the Vipassana experience impacted me with that understanding. I've been to some Vipassana group sits, but haven't stuck with it regularly. I wonder how people keep up with work, sleep, some time on the computer, reading, cooking, errands, cleaning, laundry, exercise, and still have a free hour for meditation!
Rhiannon2 1 week ago
@Rhiannon2 You can meditate while you're doing all of those things.....Vipassana is a way of life...When you establish yourself in this technique and really experience its benefits everything else will become a lower priority in your life because you realize that every experience will come to an end and therefore holds no real value...It's only the wisdom we take with us that matters....peace and love to you, may you find your path...
vipassanut 1 week ago
Just use Holosync!
RyanDotTv 1 year ago
@RyanDotTv Thanks for your comment. I have Holosync, and have used it inconsistently for a year and a half. I lead such a chaotic life that it's hard for me to spend an hour every day with it, then I think I'm failing and then don't even try for awhile. I've signed up for a Vipassana 10-day meditation. I do wonder, though, if Holosync gives the same results.
Rhiannon2 1 year ago
Holosync is better and faster than traditional meditation... haven't time to use holosync for a hour a day ?? Yet you have the time to spend 10 days at a vipassana retreat?. mmmm. I'm on Awakening Level 3 and I never imagined the results could be this profound!! And I've got about 7 years to go still!LOL...I'm gonna be superhuman by the time I get to Floweing Level 4!!hehe.. Just stick at it, get up an hour earlier.
RyanDotTv 1 year ago
@RyanDotTv Thank you for this note. It's been awhile, and my life got even more full than it was back then. I took the 10 days off, but then came back to the busy life. I've been doing just the Dive, sporadically, but now coming back to your experiencing "profound" results tells me I have to make sure to get back on track. Thank you for this.
Rhiannon2 1 week ago
Fantastic! New Zealand looks amazing.
I did 4 courses between 2001 and 2003 in Massachusetts (and one short course with Goenkaji himself!)
The experience waseverything you said. Challenging, frustrating, liberating, fufilling.'i served a course as well.
Now I live in New Mexico and we don't have a center here so no 10 day retreats, unfortunately. But i have found a local sangha that sits once or twice a week which has been great.
Have you been keeping up or have you done any more courses?
osummer 1 year ago
thank you for sharing your experience. Namaste
silvamargarete 1 year ago
Love this video. nice work on the course.
Svenrox 1 year ago
Comment removed
vipassanut 1 year ago
Cool ! Im excited im soon to do this course. any recomemdation? Im looking forward to see people who has dne this before.
latinamega17 1 year ago
Thanks for your post. I'm real screwed up right now, I left my first Vipassana course at the end of day three (9pm last night). Now I'm shaking and crying in my bed, trying to reconcile an overwhelming failure complex. Whatever you do DON'T LEAVE. I practised hard for 3 days in Anapanna breathing and have brought a lifetime of shit to the surface and for some reason have chosen to take that away with me instead of taking away a total resolve and a feeling of achievement - a real Dhammadrama!
NMWMN 1 year ago 7
@NMWMN that was dumb.. but im glad you learned ur lesson
StokesDaddy 1 year ago
@StokesDaddy ... ouch
NMWMN 1 year ago
@StokesDaddy ... ouch, that was harsh! Metta to you!
NMWMN 1 year ago
@NMWMN Sorry to hear about that mate - could you not just enrol on another 10-day course and stay the whole time? Perhaps you could start from where you left off. Good luck whatever you choose to do anyway; but remember it's all fleeting, even the feelings. Whether or not you're into any of this, what they say about 'anicca' is certainly true in all aspects of life.
ypud 1 year ago 6
@ypud thank you for your kind words. Today is day 10 for the rest of the folk completing the course. Metta day! (as far as I understand, from others who have completed the full retreat). I'll be ok in a week or so. Once I know my retreat has ended it's cycle, then I should be able to let it go (hope). Been drinking St. Johns Wart tea all week. I'll look into 'Anicca'. I'm into it totally... just screwed it all up and screwed myself in the head by doing so. Much Metta to you mate. Best!
NMWMN 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@NMWMN when I did my first course I was continually bombarded by terrible memories of the past, but I soon realized that this was simply the cleaning process like if you're using a feather duster to clean furniture the air in the room will initially be full of dust and it's hard to breathe and see but when the dust settles you will see your furniture SHINE!! You will soon realize that this is the natural healing process and it won't scare you much anymore but you MUST learn how to do Vipassana!
vipassanut 1 year ago
Comment removed
vipassanut 1 year ago
@vipassanut Thank you. I'll try again next year. Best wishes. Metta!
NMWMN 1 year ago
@NMWMN Metta to you too brother....
vipassanut 1 year ago
@NMWMN you shouldn't feel failure, you're just creating aversion this way, more sankhara for you ;) so just choose to feel positive about it, if you had lots of bad, scary stuff in your unconscious mind, then it's ok. all this 'determination to stay for 10 days' thing is for guys like you to try to wait these feelings over, this way you use that to get stronger, not feel weaker like you do now. I've completed 3 courses now, and I also had lots of bad experience there (panic attacks, anxiety)
fifekk 1 year ago
@fifekk thanks man :)
NMWMN 1 year ago
@fifekk thanks man :) Metta!
NMWMN 1 year ago
@NMWMN
hey dont beat yourself up. if you feel like you need to do this then you definitely should.
maybe check either or both these books for a little more inspiration.
"Beyond the Breath" Marshall Glickman "Breath by Breath" Larry Rosenberg
no one is judging you, so just like in practice, dont judge, dont get down on yourself, just come back to mindfulness when you you've gotten off.
jtravelle 1 year ago
@NMWMN
hey dont beat yourself up. if you feel like you need to do this then you definitely should.
maybe check either or both these books for a little more inspiration.
"Beyond the Breath" Marshall Glickman "Breath by Breath" Larry Rosenberg
no one is judging you, so just like in practice, dont judge, dont get down on yourself, just come back to mindfulness when you you've gotten off.
jtravelle 1 year ago
@NMWMN your not alone. A few people always quit during the first few days... one of the things about vipasanna meditation is that it brings up insecurities/inner conflicts from our past. It's tough, but so rewarding if you work through it.
ImSoJohnDeleted 11 months ago
@NMWMN dude you going back then? because what your feeling is past hurt that the egoic mind is attached to. Much love and healing to you
ReEducateYourself 8 months ago
@ReEducateYourself ... metta to you. I am trying to work up to a return visit. maybe in October. Best wishes.
NMWMN 8 months ago
@NMWMN
The Goenka tradition of Vipassana is a tough road to travel...
I did my first course at the age of 14, then one at the age of 16, then one at 20, and then one at 33...
In all these courses, especially when I was a teenager, I had terrifying dreams and violent bodily sensations...
That's because it's the most direct way I know to expunge Sankaras... Surgery of the mind...
But that's not all there is to the Dharma...
Hammersley1967 8 months ago
@NMWMN If you're still having difficulties I can only suggest you continue with the anapana-sati practice regularly, especially the first part, "I am breathing in/out long/short", etc, focusing on the breath this way can lead us to jhana, complete absorption with the breath. The reason I suggest this is because upon jhana all defilements are let go, leaving only sensations of calm, oneness, joy and bliss. So it is very powerful method for us to let go of all problems being carried. Namaste.
kensei85 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@NMWMN If you're still having difficulties I can only suggest you continue with the anapana-sati practice regularly, especially the first part, "I am breathing in/out long/short", etc, focusing on the breath this way can lead us to jhana, complete absorption with the breath. The reason I suggest this is because upon jhana all defilements are let go, leaving only sensations of calm, oneness, joy and bliss. So it is very powerful method for us to let go of all problems being carried. Namaste.
kensei85 3 months ago
Thankyou for taking the time to record and post this clip, it has helped me a lot as i prepare for my first 10 day Vipassana retreat. Hope you still in a place of balance and awareness of the now. :-)
rikstar23 1 year ago
Its been a while since your Vipassana experience...I was wondering how things are going for you now? Do you still use the experience to focus on things or has it slipped out of your existence?
ReverendPeaches 1 year ago
lots of metta!
wish you all the strengths to cut off all the defilements. trust me you'll get help along the way :)
maverickasim 1 year ago
Your video is wonderfully amazing. I heard about Vipassana in 1995 from my little sister who had a friend do it. This friend described the feelings you expressed to my sister. I am booked into the 10 course next year, and lately I have been feeling extremely anxious and scared about the course. But now after hearing your experience and seeing the happiness and joy in your eyes this has placed a huge calmness into my body. I am now looking forward to the course.You are an inspiration. Well done.
pusmanthegreat 1 year ago
very good video - just returned from my first ten day experience and like yours my body was ready to go another 10 days; environment was as peaceful as NZ but not as stunning -still Herefordshire is a beautiful place. Stay equinimous and alert.
honeybozo 1 year ago
It's beautiful to see your pure and untouched first minutes in the outer world after Vipassana. It's how i feel right now. Two days ago I came back home. Still feeling the warmth and softness and strength within me despite all daily chaos that's part of 'my path'. Wish you the best.
1000xLidy 1 year ago
Vipassana is not a cult. For those that are considering about taking a course - All that is asked of you for those 10 days is to observe yourself.
polyparticle 1 year ago
Yesterday during meditation i reached a point where i felt i was upside down, and i began to lose contact with reality, but i freaked out and stopped.
But i know its all fear, im afraid of opening my eyes and seeing myself, or some spirit, or something like that.
But i WILL keep on trying to pass through that portal.
fiscornioman 1 year ago
Comment removed
vipassanut 1 year ago
Comment removed
vipassanut 1 year ago
@fiscornioman I have also experienced similar sensations but they are only sensation and try to simply remain equanimous during them rather than forming attachment or aversion towards them. Life is trying to show you something so Listen and Learn and you will move closer and closer to enlightenment, but keep in mind that continually trying to pass through that portal will most probably result in craving and push you further away from reaching your goal!
vipassanut 1 year ago
I'm also in New Zealand, and I am about to partake in my Vipassana retreat which begins tomorrow evening. I am really anxious, but also looking forwards to it at the same time. Thankfully, watching this video has given me a hope that I really will make it through the 10 days.
homicidalfriend 1 year ago
thx for making this video, I'm currently considering trying it, but the thing that keeps me from doing it is my addiction from cigarettes and discipline, I'm terrible in obeying rules. even though they are for my own benefit. But who knows maybe some day I will give it a go. :)
Guuster00 1 year ago
Wow, thank you for sharing your experience. I heard about Vipassana retreats about a year ago, I suppose, and have been wanting to attend one ever since. Watching your video has reaffirmed my belief that this would be an amazing experience. I guess all that's left now is to just do it! So tell me, have you managed to incorporate what you learned into your daily life?
Pythes 1 year ago
Well, I am fascinated, I am going on a Vipassana course next week, such differing views! Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences...
DHeatherC 1 year ago
Great vid, thanks for the inspiration, I was wondering how are you doing one year later?
sirgerry 1 year ago
Thank you so much brother for sharing your experience, I'm going to take the course in december, here at Bogotá, Colombia... Again, thank you thank you thank you... I'm so excited to go to this course, I know that what you're telling here is 100% truth... thank you man. :)
Spacebull 1 year ago
i'll be going to Burma to have a 10 days course in september;
my parents are followers of buddha and they were trained in the vipassana center by goenka long time ago....and now they are always telling me to have a try since i reached my 18 a few months ago....
i initially didn't want to go but i'm quite motivated after seeing your video...thanks :)
ghanashyamghimire 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing your experience!
fuser1984 1 year ago
Cheers for your great job. I would suggest you that go to Burma and learn some more further. You will be surprised what you can achieve and truly happiness.
microdot27 1 year ago
As it not has you want to be ~ understanding reality and having a experience that is completely your own imprical experience. This is a gift and if you find Vipassana you will experience your own real reality.
venuseed55 1 year ago
If you have time do try to understand "Satipatthana Sutta". This is all about the strategies of your liberation from "Samsara" by "vipassana Medition"
usoemin 1 year ago
Dude I have seen your vid about 5 times now....I am going tomorrow to my first 10 days retreat.
May all beings be happy!
Bassmystic 1 year ago
if you never were in the present, I'm wondering where you were all this time for there is no other time. You don't need to be in the woods to find out. As a matter of fact, further you look for, further you get lost.
perlaand 1 year ago
Hi ya Gav I was on
This course with you and really enjoyed watching your review just now. I too found it great. Hugs Nic
Oolongboy 1 year ago
Thank you. Please think about me being able to experience Vipassana Im so stoked i really wanna go :)
SuperHappyCakesHehe 1 year ago
I have calmed down a little since my disappointing experience. The evening videos become awful pseudo science 90min nightmares. For anyone interested please google Vipiassana Critique and look for the excellent article by Mr Harmanjit Singh. This may not be a cult yet, but this is exactly how these things start. Give me Zen meditation anyday.
mmmzyx 1 year ago
Thanks. Does anyone have any advice for me as a boyfriend. Once my girlfriend comes back from Vipassana? Should I ask lots of questions? Let her talk about it in her own time?....any other advice?
farishde 1 year ago
The Vipassana technique works in the same way for everyone but some people have more demons than others and these issues all need to be faced to be resolved rather than putting it aside in your mind by experiencing continuous pleasant sensations and then waiting for it to be triggered. Vipassana will HEAL you once and for all if you are dedicated to it...So please, everyone don't be afraid to try it.....
vipassanut 1 year ago
I'd like to encourage all those who are considering doing this meditation course. It has totally transformed my life, the benefits are indescribable. Don't be afraid of trying the 10 day retreat. It is difficult to lose all that you love in your every day life for 10 days but you will gain something much greater that you will take with you for eternity...Good luck and best wishes to you all....
vipassanut 1 year ago
I had the same kind of electricity-like sensations. Struggling to explain or understand them. Many people during the retreat became either emotional or ecstatic during that experience.
Hyrshau 1 year ago
Very nicely explained ..Thanks bro for the motivation :)
guruvengat 1 year ago
Thank you ...I was nervous about going to the one i signed up for. You made me feel eager to go.
DEBRACRANFORD 1 year ago
Thank you for this wonderful video, Gavin. I am very seriously considering taking the plunge too into this. You ve helped me a lot... peace!
mmyylleenn 1 year ago
Great video as it exactly describes what I felt too. It is amazing, and then to know that everyone can do. A place where you can go to where you can feel that way. Just amazing, you never are the same. Everyone should do it.
MrArafat2009 1 year ago
Dog shit, dont slag off the UK !
WildmanBorneo 1 year ago
Nice comment on your course. The nice thing is you now can go all over the world, to serve or to meditate. So if you ever want to hit Belgium, let me know' Be Happy.
danskonijn 1 year ago
Just got back a couple days ago from my first retreat in Northern CA. Watched your vid before I did it and it set a great tone. Brilliant and very accurate. Thanks, man!
hawk365 1 year ago
Thank you for sharing. My partner is currently at the Northwest Vipassana Center in Washington state. I hope his experience is as positive as yours.
tabularasa 1 year ago
love it!!!
missiformation 1 year ago
isn't it great? thanks for your post. I hope more ppl will experience this bliss as they tread the path to enlightenment...to becoming a more evolved being. Waking up before sunrise is the first step. That's when your energy levels are the highest...when you'll feel most at peace...when your more productive. it's natural...this is how are biological clocks are meant to run.
KMones 1 year ago
isn't it great? thanks for your post. I hope more ppl will experience this bliss as they tread the path to enlightenment...to becoming a more evolved being. Waking up before sunrise is the first step. That's when your energy levels are the highest...when you'll feel most at peace...when your more productive. it's natural...this is how are biological clocks are meant to run.
KMones 1 year ago
I went to NZ to years ago.This country is just magical... :) During my trip i was reading "the power of now" and my life completly changed! Last summer I went to thailand for a 10 days vipassana retread and i experienced pretty much the same like you. I saw the light in allmost everithing and i fell so in ease :) I am so happy to see more and more people getting aware of the now! =)
butterflywithease 1 year ago
I have been to NZ 2 years ago and i found this country is just magical... during my trip in NZ i ret the book "power of now" and my life just chaged completly :) but last year I went to thailand to go to a 10 days vipassana meditation cours and i just experienced the same thing like you! Just STUNNING =) I am so happy to see that more and more people become aware of the now :)
butterflywithease 1 year ago
thanks for sharing this. i have done two courses so far. liked them very much. i live in seattle, wa usa. just wanted to say hi.
peace, shannon
shannonkringen 1 year ago
i got depression in 12 days and got al most mental
for beginerrs meditation should be of less hours how they can meditate for 12 to 14 hours
core stupidity
though i like there philosophy
Magarmach09 1 year ago
thank you for your video!!:..
saraswuati 1 year ago
Thanks a lot. I am attending a 10 day session starting this week and this account really helped me get mentally prepared. The calm look on your face is just wonderful!
subra010 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing ur experience.
I have done a vipassana course 3 years ago in India. Many people told me similar experiences. It was a very pleasent and wonderful experince of my life. I am very glad to say that my attitude towords life has changed and i am living very happy, balanced and successful life. My relations with my parents, friends and most importantly with myself become very healthy and stress free. I request u all if possible attend it. best wishes.
mtiit13 1 year ago
I'll be going on the retreat in early July. I was really looking forward to it then, and after watching your video I'm extremely excited. I've been hoping to find something that could bring me to a sense of presence, and I knew I wasn't going to be able to do it alone. Now I know I've made the right decision to go. Thank you for this video!
bn312104 1 year ago
great to know.... not just me fill like this!! I loved!!
rano2rano2 1 year ago
Thank you for this. I want to do this soon. You have given me the green light to go ahead! Thank you!
MatthewKeehan 1 year ago
Thank you so much for this detailed day to day account of your experience andof the good and difficult parts of the practice. It helped me to make the decision to do it. New Zealand is beautiful.
bellehaup 2 years ago
lovely video. going to book in for my 1st 10 day stint in june or july of this year and i am excited and shit scared at the same time. hahaha. thanks for putting this up. greatly appreciated
MrDieselpower78 2 years ago
doooooode, i was dithering over whether to youtube vipassana having signed up for a retreat in 2 months time in canada. youre honest and straightforward account has made me lose a bit of the fear i had. trust in the now is the message i got from you and go with it... youre a legend my friend.
jimboext 2 years ago 11
It's comments like this that really make me glad I made this video - thanks, you made my day! :)
ypud 2 years ago
@ypud - well i did it and it was amazing on so many levels, i just watched your vid again because im just about to do another vip in april and remembered how id enjoyed your account that gave such a lift to me before that first time. it has again now, although this time around ive shared your experience. it was a rollocoaster of highs and lows but i loved it - 2nd time around, i know whats coming and am going to focus on the practise and enjoy whatever happens. thanks again, top vid - peace
jimboext 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@ypud - well i did it and it was amazing on so many levels, i just watched your vid again because im just about to do another vip in april and remembered how id enjoyed your account that gave such a lift to me before that first time. it has again now, although this time around ive shared your experience. it was a rollocoaster of highs and lows but i loved it - 2nd time around, i know whats coming and am going to focus on the practise and enjoy whatever happens. thanks again, top vid - peace
jimboext 11 months ago
great inspiring video.. my son is in retreat right now.. I did the 100 day qigong and it did some similar benifits but want to do this in the future. I still feel vibrations. I've come to see that language is imperfect that vibrations is the truth. Not to take things personal because nothing is. its only about you and how you respond to whats going on. Peace love and to our journey
swtwil24 2 years ago
I'm glad I stumbled upon your video. I'm going on my first retreat in a couple weeks, and I've been feeling nervous about it. Your video was encouraging. Thanks for posting.
alainsaleh 2 years ago
whn i did it i had a similar experience... total bliss and euphoria. i still vividly remember walking around the walking area it a total euphoric trance like state thinking this is bliss. soo much change so much change
peace love and metta!
jojojames1995 2 years ago
beautiful video from the heart:-)
I share your experience.
LovelyLies2603 2 years ago
Hey there!
Love your lil video! I am just about to do a course in Thailand!!
Thanks for your insight!
Good luck on your lil path!!
lilnic1979 2 years ago
I just escaped (literally) from my "Goenka" retreat this morning - i can't believe we were on the same course. What kind of vipassana ? A switch at day 4 is certainly not what the gruelling Goenka process is about.
His is a growing pseudo- scientific personality cult. Google it PLEASE !
Awful awful stuff -very difficult to leave, elders policing your every move etc.
mmmzyx 2 years ago
I agree he can be a little self-indulgent (when he preaches not to be) and his practices can appear 'cultish' (especially during the chanting - freaky!) but when you have a particular way of doing things to create a specific outcome it's always going to be that way. This surely applies to anything in life don't you agree? To anyone else reading this, just go with it - you're not going to get hurt; the worst that can happen is that you have a 10-day digital detox :)
ypud 2 years ago 7
@mmmzyx I attended my Vipassana retreat in August last year. During day 5 I had a strong desire to escape too, particularly that a bunch of my friends were staying and having fun in a cottage 20 mins drive away. I chose to stay though and have no regrets now. It's hard to do things that are contra-intuitive. The cult allegation are blown out of proportions. I've known people who've been practicing Vipassana for 6 years now they were never forced to engage in anything other than meditation.
Hyrshau 1 year ago
@mmmzyx Before embarking upon a Vipassana retreat, you are asked three times to commit to staying the course and warned that it may be dangerous for your mental health to interrupt the process and run away. That's why 'elders' will try to persuade you to stick it through to the end, because they sincerely want you to get it.
ninorc2003 1 year ago
@ninorc2003 I have calmed down a little since my disappointing experience. The evening videos become awful pseudo science 90min nightmares. For anyone interested please google Vipiassana Critique and look for the excellent article by Mr Harmanjit Singh. This may not be a cult yet, but this is exactly how these things start. Give me Zen meditation anyday.
mmmzyx 1 year ago
@mmmzyx Most students find the discourses both entertaining - because Goenka is quite funny - and reassuring, as they explain what's happening and what to expect. Those who wish to review them are directed to 'The Art of Living' book. It sounds as if you've found a meditation technique that you prefer. Fair enough, but that doesn't mean there's anything sinister about Vipassana.
ninorc2003 1 year ago
Totally agree
Awful stuff that, I think, can actually harm you (beyond the physical)
gffatima 1 year ago
I meant Goenka's Vipassana. Looking for other Vipassana teachings in fact…
gffatima 1 year ago
@mmmzyx do you meditate? what do u suggest
StokesDaddy 1 year ago
why are you negative about goenka's version
StokesDaddy 1 year ago
Mate, Just joined utube so I could leave you this! I have been thinking about it, I have booked to go (nepal) and very nearly bottled it! I am now going 100%. All it needed was a an honest
sounding bloke and I thank you for being him.
Mike from Cornwall.
plootoful 2 years ago
Mike - your message made my day! It's so nice that my video has had a positive effect for so many people, including you. I wish you all the best mate and I have to say (in complete contrast to what this course teaches) I'm a little jealous that I don't get to go to Nepal too :) Hope you get what you want out of it - I'm sure you will. Please post a video if you get the chance.
ypud 2 years ago
I've been thinking about doing this for a while. After watching your video I know it's right for me. I'm gonna book it now.
jezatron 2 years ago
please google vipassana cult
mmmzyx 2 years ago
@mmmzyx I googled it.. but .. so what? There is nothing profound in what I found... Just people who for whatever reason didn't dig it. No biggie, it isn't for everyone :).
lxvlx 1 year ago
Great video, thanks for uploading it.
I myself got into meditation in quite a bizarre way. I watched a very brief clip of Bill Hicks and heard him mention that 'we are all one collective conciousness/unconciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves'. At first this made no sense at all, but after really getting to grips with the ideas behind the statement it changed my life completely.
JM
sailbeyondthesunset 2 years ago
That's funny - I actually started my quest with the indirect influence of Bill Hicks too! I read one of his favourite books, "The Holographic Universe" by Michael Talbot and it opened my eyes a lot. The next obvious step for me was the meditation.
ypud 2 years ago
@ypud I'll take a look at that book, it sounds interesting. If your looking for another read, I can recommend Hicks's 'Love All The People'. It's basically a collection of all his standup, interview and article work up until his passing. Some of it is repetitive, but it's a bag of laughs.
I imagine you may already have it though?....lol
sailbeyondthesunset 1 year ago
@sailbeyondthesunset ha ha, that line had the exact same effect on me.
TroyBagnell 1 year ago
@sailbeyondthesunset Third Eye!
DimebagsLeftToe 1 year ago
Parting shot. Eye opener for meditators/students of altered states = Eliz. Mayer's 2007 book "Extraordinary Knowing: Science, Skepticism and the Inexplicable Powers of the Human Mind." Forword by physicist Freeman Dyson. Stolen harp found by map dowsing; explores from there. No gobbledegook page turner. TM
Zheboah 2 years ago
Hate to press the point, but did your 10 day course a few months back produce worthwhile change for you, or just whet you appetite for more meditation? I am considering a Vipass. course here - but then, there is a down-to-earth map dowsing course coming up in Arkansas, on the other hand. T.M.
Zheboah 2 years ago
No, wooden stairs suddenly collapsed, me on them; right hand shot out, crashed stair window on way down. Scrap steel + cement + me dropped 1 floor = small thumb scratch. Last 3 years intense meditating, I seem strangely protected when in crisis. Before meditating, took usual lumps. I actually meditate to increase healing skill, can't explain all this, perhaps string theory will answer. T.M.
Zheboah 2 years ago
Wow. That's quite impressive! We all have our differing reasons for meditation; I just know that it's so beneficial when I do it and I'm happy yours is working so well for you.
ypud 2 years ago
Been meditating on emptiness 3 hours a time; at 3rd hour, color blobs appear, signalling halt of awareness. This has sharpened my psychic abilites a bit and ? improved my luck in emergencies - hand through window last month left no cuts. Surprised me. Now considering vipassana practice. Did 10-dayer change your health, stability, life purpose? Thanks. T.M.
Zheboah 2 years ago
Hi TM. Did you put your hand through a window on purpose just to test a theory? I hope not.
Comments like this from people like you and Rob below really make me want to get back into deep meditation in a big way. There's so much we humans don't know.
ypud 2 years ago