Top products from r/vipassana

>Do you think I should go?

No.

Sometimes "diving in the deep end" is just a great way to add drowning as a fresh trauma (and have it ruin swimming for you as well).

I would, however, definitely recommend developing a serious mindfulness meditation practice. Protip: It doesn't have to be grueling, or even uncomfortable. Not in the least.

There is no "quick fix" available with meditation. Think of it as deciding to start doing what it takes to get a ripped bod... Work out regularly and the benefits will absolutely appear, but the last thing you want to do is just go from an office job to doing a dozen back-to-back triathlons. Slow and steady is the only thing that will "win" this particular race for you.

Sam Harris's Waking Up app/course is a fantastic way for anyone to ramp up and organically work your way into a deep and rewarding meditation practice. It's simple and it's very smart. The book by the same name is actually what drew me initially to Vipassana, and ultimately a 10-day intensive.

Honestly, it's really not a "retreat" at all — much more of an intense workshop. At some point, it will make perfect sense for you to do a 10-day, and you will know it. Take your time and do the work.

Thanks for your response Shuun. I've been exposed to these by this book (get the audio if you can as Ben Kingsley's read is wonderful). https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Buddhas-Teaching-Transforming-Liberation/dp/0767903692

Ty has done a lovely job updating the precepts for modern living too including things like how what you eat effects the climate of the world and how sensory entertainment effects right mind.

Anyhow, I am definitely putting these into practice daily, it's definitely a process which is why I was meant to find the word Kenshō.

In the chan tradition, they have what are known as an Upāsaka a lay person who abides by the precepts without need for ordaining or staying within the temple. This is definitely the middle path I'm taking.

Personally, I struggled with a lot of leg and knee pain until I started using small cushions to support my knees while sitting cross legged on a cushion on the floor. Made a huge difference. I'd recommend testing that at home to see if it helps.

For ankle pain, try floor sitting on a folded blanket or two - something with a bit more padding than what you're using.

I saw several people at my 10 day retreat sitting on the floor but using seats with back support. I think it was this kind of thing - https://www.amazon.com/Floor-Chair-Original-BackJack-Chairs/dp/B009E8DYWK?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_6

Good luck!

You might enjoy reading this: https://www.amazon.com/After-Ecstasy-Laundry-Heart-Spiritual/dp/0553378295

In it there are a number of interviews of what life is like for those who have purportedly reached the end of their particular journey.

Here ya go: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/celtic-mouth-music/258967/2678182947000?st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Core+Catch-All,+Low_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP79700&gclid=CjwKCAjwk9HWBRApEiwA6mKWaYuITFAahfmaYlNMCQV2edPGPC9tlSqXH2isdrYYfB9NRvVAiXmwSxoCxAwQAvD_BwE

and:
https://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Mouth-Music-Various-Artists/dp/B0000059U2/ref=sr_1_43?ie=UTF8&qid=1523883428&sr=8-43&keywords=celtic+mouth+music

Nothing in the rules says I can't share an outside link so here you go. This is the one I bought. My wife got one too. It has allowed her to get on the floor for the first time.

I am going for the 10 day course soon and this is what I bought for myself.


The Loomina Turkish Cotton Blanket

It’s 74” x 82” and it’s cotton ( I was also looking to avoid wool).

I have read of a person who has been banned for life for getting a MBSR certificate, which is bollocks in my opinion.


I just wanted to point you that Thich Nhat Hanh has a book about mindfulness for educators, see https://smile.amazon.com/Happy-Teachers-Change-World-Cultivating/dp/1941529631, which you may or may not all ready know about.

I've always had this problem as well and it kept me from sitting more than 20 minutes. Eventually I got a foam block like this and I found a way to prop up my right leg (the problematic one) putting the block under the knee, so that the nerve doesn't get pinched.

Not sure if this is allowed in the goenka retreats or not.