After going through a difficult time, I started observing a new pattern in my life. Instead of jumping head first into a difficult situation, I was shutting down when situations became complicated and confusing. I had made some mistakes that had hurt myself and others and I was afraid to make any further wrong decisions. …
A pure and simple practice
Reading a couple of different magazines that deal with Buddhism and meditation (and related matters) I could not avoid reflecting (once again) on how everything can become another “product” and how spirituality is the umbrella under which books, cds, seminars, dvds and many other things are sold. Masters, gurus and leaders of different groups/ …
Compassion Factory
I've struggled when attempting to explain the value of these meditation centers and their 10-day courses. People in my circles are starting to hear more frequently of the benefits of meditation, but it's extremely hard for them to relate to 9 days of silence and constant awareness and internal observation. It just doesn't make sense to most western minds that doing …
Take Rest, Wherever You Go (Another Love Letter to Georgia)
“I long, as does every human, to be at home wherever I find myself.” ~ Maya Angelou Went back to my childhood home for Christmas. Slept in the same seaside bungalow I slept in as a kid and ate Grandma’s rum cake with my loving family 'round the same mahogany table. Then drove down to …
Continue reading Take Rest, Wherever You Go (Another Love Letter to Georgia)
Extending our meditation practice into different areas of my life.
Some easy things I've been trying lately: -Focusing on my breathing while driving, showering and other activities. Of course is not as intense as in Anapana when sitting in a quiet space, but I’m finding it a helpful practice to calm my mind. -Bringing awareness over my body several times a day: am I relaxed …
Continue reading Extending our meditation practice into different areas of my life.
Vipassana Research Project_2_Can humiliating past experiences distracts Vipassana Practitioners?
Let me start by wishing all the blog readers – a very happy, prosperous New Year!! Let me start by wishing all the blog readers – a very happy, prosperous New Year!! At times, we are told traditionally to divert the attention to positive thoughts when some undesirable memories occupy our mind. We are often …
Some Inspirational Words
My name is Sam Biggs, from New Zealand. I completed a 10 day course at North Fork, California some three months back and like many of you reading this blog I had a great experience with Vipassana. Now that I'm back home I really don't want to lose what I've gained. I've been doing two …
Seven Days of Christmas
On the first day, the 23rd of the month of December, on the road from the city did I go, laden with warm clothes, presents and intensifying thoughts of panic of thinking another CHRISTMAS! This will also change Next year I am to marry. The woman by my side is the water to my fire, …
Changing the Family Dynamic
My family just had one of the best holiday seasons we've had in a long time. It seemed like there was no drama and everyone enjoyed the loving atmosphere that was created by us coming together. It's hard for me to remember the last time the holidays were drama free. This experience got me wondering what role Vipassana …
Basketball, Buddha, and Sangha
So my gig as a basketball coach isn’t going very well. Not only do I find myself angrily whining and whimpering about the officiating like every single coach I ever made fun of during the 10 years I spent as a player did, but there’s this little thing called teamwork… That doesn’t come easily. You …
Living Vipassana 