A View on Buddhism

[Nools]

Hi everyone,

I've been looking around for a good while to see what Buddhist retreats and groups are in my country. I've found that there is a 10 day Vipassana retreat. I've heard that these Goenka retreats are very tough but I think it might be a good way to learn to meditate.

What do you guys think?

[rudyh01]

Definitely a good way to feel what genuine meditation is about and what the feeling of a retreat means! This retreat has proven itself around the globe. When I'm correct, I think they do exactly the same retreat everywhere, same time schedule, same teachings, only the building and the weather changes.
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Love & clear light,
Rudy

[Nools]

Thanks Rudy, that's reassuring. It sounds very difficult for someone like me who is definitely not used to getting up at 4am! But I think the discipline of meditating for 10 days would help make it a habit and help me find a way to sit that is comfortable. Since this one is in Ireland during the winter, the weather will almost certainly be wet and cold! But at least I won't be wishing I was outside rather than sitting on a cushion!

[Mani]

Hi Nools.

Though I've only participated in numerous shorter retreats- usually about three days or so, I think they are very beneficial to a person and their practice.

Yes, sometimes a bit more of a "grueling" schedule then we are used to, but this can help with our discipline.

Some retreats observe silence (aside from maybe prayers, chanting and so-on) and this is very helpful when we realize just how much energy is spent talking, plus it allows more mindfulness in any activity we do, like eating and any other activity away from the cushion.

A great chance to spend some time with a settled mind away from all the normal distractions of every day life.

Good luck to you!

[Nools]

Hi Mani,
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm not a very disciplined person any more and I think that's partly what attracts me to this one.

I did one 6/7 day retreat this year but it was quite relaxed in lots of ways and started at 6.30am which now seems like a lovely lie-in compared to a 4am start! I found that as the days went on, I wanted to be silent and talking was an effort. I remember getting the bus home after I finished and my sister rang me for a chat - I could hardly speak to her! All the usual meaningless chit chat felt uncomfortable and she said I took a long time to respond to all her questions. Didn't take me long to get back to "normal" but it made an impression on me all the same.

[rudyh01]

Hi nools, that's a good sign I would think! It is one of those odd side-effects that quite a few people notice after intensive retreats. Fairly uncommon that you already had it after a week already, but that probably means you really put some effort in it!
_________________
Love & clear light,
Rudy

[Nools]

Thanks Rudy - I'm not sure if I put a lot of effort in. I don't think I was very good at meditating as my mind did not stay on my breath for long! But on the other hand, the whole experience was wonderful. I found it easy to leave "the real world" behind and even when I was distracted during meditation I was thinking about things like the Four Noble Truths. I felt very immersed in Buddhism. I also found a meditative quality in everyday tasks like chopping vegetables or walking in the garden. But I would like to learn how to meditate "properly" - I just don't seem to be disciplined enough to try to do it every day at home.

[Gary]

Hi Nuala.

Can you give me some details on this please?
_________________
Oneness is reality.
Oneness perceived is duality.
Duality is illusion.
Oneness perceived is illusion.

[Nools]

Hi Gary,

No problem at all, here's the link to the Irish page:
http://www.dhamma.org/en/schedules/noncenter/ie.shtml

It's held in St Flannan's College (I think) in Ennis, Co Clare. I decided to go ahead and book. It sounds really tough and I hope I'm able for it!

Nuala