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Gently radical changing 2

My experience of the silent meditation retreat that I attended (see October 18, 2009, Gently radical changing 1) encompasses much more than my blog response, and uniqueness describes each individual’s involvement, so please take my words as inadequately explanatory and not at all definitive.

However, I do want to state 2 facts clearly and to suggest a reading if you’d like to know more. First, the Vipassana practice that I learned is not connected with any religion. The method and concepts adhere to the Buddha’s teachings, but the practice is not Buddhist. Second, retreat participants pay nothing, for food, accomodations, instruction. Nothing. That in itself attracted me, the purity of giving, as did the separateness from any religion. The reading is Paul Fleischman’s essay, “Vipassana Meditation: A Unique Contribution to Mental Health,” in his book Karma and Chaos, published by Vipassana Research Publications. I know you can find it at pariyatti.org. If the term “mental health” sends you reeling into mild nausea, as it does me–something creepily clinical and institutionalizing about it–don’t worry. The essay is friendly, human, and engaging.

• October 19, 2009
• Filed under: Body and mind, Bookshelf, art, and media
• Comments 0