I have just returned from a 12 day silent meditation retreat. This is my 3rd time going, because last summer the center was closed due to the global pandemic. I am practicing an ancient form of meditation called Vipassana. Vipassana is a style of meditation that focuses on the sensations on the surface of the body. The first 4 days we sharpen the mind by focusing on respiration at the triangular area below the nostrils and above the upper lip. Then towards the end of the 4th day we move into observing the sensations on the body surface from head to toe. An itch, a pain, a tickle, tingle, moisture, vibration...any sensation we experience, we are to not attend to it with any opinion of craving or aversion. Hard? You bet. Doable? Absolutely.
The story is that this is the way to use the physical sensations and the focused mind to marry the mind and body together to become a more harmonious and peaceful human being. We learn that all sensations are literally subatomic particles rising up and dissipating. Change is the only thing that is constant and is universal law. Once we truly understand this on an experiential level, we are more liberated in other areas of our life outside of the meditation time. I am learning how to respond to things that need my attention rather than simply reacting.
Sitting for about 12 and a 1/2 hours a day is very challenging on the body. Getting up at 4am is challenging. Giving up my phone, keys and wallet for 12 days is challenging. Add in to the recipe, no talking, no eye contact, no gestures, and no formal exercise is a sacrifice that monks do daily. We freely choose to have this experience and surrender formally to the process. There is no contact with the outside modern world for our own good.
I chose this style to learn and practice because it begins with the premise of respiration. We all breathe. Breathing cannot be denied by any religion or culture. It is a way to enhance our connection to all things in the universe because we are all made of the same stuff, which are protons, neutrons, and electrons. And everything changes, on every level, whether we believe it or not. At the end of every meditation we add a focus of sending our goodwill and love, compassion and caring to all beings and non-beings.
I am grateful for the opportunity. I want everyone to live their life in a more peaceful and gentle way, full of light and laughter, movement, grace, and curiosity. Can we suffer less? Yes. Vipassana meditation is FREE. There are centers all over the world. They do not charge anything. If you want to donate or serve a course afterwards, you may. Their philosophy is that we all deserve the freedom of liberation, and of course it takes hard personal work. If anyone has questions about my experience, or are interested in going to a retreat, please reach out to me or to http://www.dhamma.org.
Blessings,
KJLandis
yes
The story is that this is the way to use the physical sensations and the focused mind to marry the mind and body together to become a more harmonious and peaceful human being. We learn that all sensations are literally subatomic particles rising up and dissipating. Change is the only thing that is constant and is universal law. Once we truly understand this on an experiential level, we are more liberated in other areas of our life outside of the meditation time. I am learning how to respond to things that need my attention rather than simply reacting.
Sitting for about 12 and a 1/2 hours a day is very challenging on the body. Getting up at 4am is challenging. Giving up my phone, keys and wallet for 12 days is challenging. Add in to the recipe, no talking, no eye contact, no gestures, and no formal exercise is a sacrifice that monks do daily. We freely choose to have this experience and surrender formally to the process. There is no contact with the outside modern world for our own good.
I chose this style to learn and practice because it begins with the premise of respiration. We all breathe. Breathing cannot be denied by any religion or culture. It is a way to enhance our connection to all things in the universe because we are all made of the same stuff, which are protons, neutrons, and electrons. And everything changes, on every level, whether we believe it or not. At the end of every meditation we add a focus of sending our goodwill and love, compassion and caring to all beings and non-beings.
I am grateful for the opportunity. I want everyone to live their life in a more peaceful and gentle way, full of light and laughter, movement, grace, and curiosity. Can we suffer less? Yes. Vipassana meditation is FREE. There are centers all over the world. They do not charge anything. If you want to donate or serve a course afterwards, you may. Their philosophy is that we all deserve the freedom of liberation, and of course it takes hard personal work. If anyone has questions about my experience, or are interested in going to a retreat, please reach out to me or to http://www.dhamma.org.
Blessings,
KJLandis
yes
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