At one of the courses I sat, there was an assistant teacher who had one more thing to say before the course was over. It was the last sit of the morning before everyone went for breakfast and left the center. The last thing he said was, "Take a short break..." People laughed and were …
Author: Anonymous
Ways to See Equanimity
There are many different ways to speak of equanimity and awareness. Most of the spiritual speakers and writers of the world will point to these two principles in some way. They may only point to things that point to these things, but still, they are on the same track to seeing it. They may also …
Simplicity
What amazes me again and again about Vipassana is its simplicity. I've started to get my daily sits in without having to think about TRYING to do so. They are a natural part of my life now. I think this is ideal with any form of art. For it to really be something you're involved …
Ask Yourself What’s More Beneficial
Hi everybody. I used to write once a week for this site, and now I'm back. As I used to, I am once again coming up with these posts during my meditations. Silly mind, focus on breath. I've gone through many stages with my practice since 2012 when I sat my first course. It's been …
Neither the Pessimists nor Optimists
Over the past few weeks a lot has happened in national news, ranging from downright diabolical to morally triumphant. Much has been said about all of it, and my intention here is not to say more about the events themselves, but to explore the honest space between optimism and pessimism as modes of response. After …
An Impersonal War
There is a war to be fought, but it's not against any individual, group, or nation. As I develop an understanding of my mind, I'm realizing that the war is against the impurities within each of us. First, I must carry on the strong fight against my own anger, greed, fear, and ignorance, then I …
Having Patience for Subtlety
How long are you willing to sit in silence with another person? Why are you more comfortable with music in the background? We rarely talk about it, but there is a strong energy associated with silent presence and eye contact. These situations make us feel vulnerable. Even though nothing is happening, sharing silence is intimate …
Afraid to Comform
I've managed to live on the perimeter of society since high school. I played by whatever rules I was presented with, but I also questioned and challenged them. Our world has so many glaring flaws that conforming felt like boarding a sinking ship, but walking away felt scary and lonely, and actually felt unproductive, so I bounced around …
A Healthy Body to See the World
When I started meditating, I lost my motivation to exercise. My desire to compete and "be the best" essentially disintegrated. Then I became a little diluted thinking all of life's answers could be found within sitting on a cushion. Sitting around introspectively isn't exactly the secret to fitness, but who cares, as we're just masses of …
Clarity about vagueness
Nowadays, writing for Living Vipassana seems to be more challenging than ever. The root of this challenge is that no idea sticks to me for a time long enough to catch them and seal them in black and white. I am sorting through the ideas, picking them up, building on them, starting the writing and …
Living Vipassana 