I basically no longer have a night life. When I first committed to meditating, it was a major struggle to force myself to stay at home rather than going out drinking with my friends. I just loved the excitement and adrenaline rush of getting a little crazy, and not doing so seemed like an empty …
What Is My Belief?
I've heard that one of the stages along the path is the point where you are 100% confident that Vipassana is the technique that will take you to the final goal of liberation. Since I'm not even sure exactly what liberation is, I am obviously a long way off from reaching this stage, but what …
Giving Up Alcohol
The 5th precept - abstaining from intoxicants- has always been a part of Vipassana that I have conveniently forgotten. My job, the people in my life, where I live - key elements that make up who I am, tend to revolve around alcohol. Being able to choose from time to time to enjoy a good whiskey or …
Group Sitting Persistence
I started hosting a weekly group sitting 1 year ago. My simple goal was to meet other meditators in my area, and since there wasn't currently a group sitting close by, I created one. I managed to track down about 8 meditators who had completed a 10-day course and I did my best to encourage them …
Just Rushing By
“You always look like you’re running from somewhere,” said a coworker as I rushed by. “Well, I always am.” I laughed as I said it. But if how we talk about time reflects and affects our relationship with time, then my response—which felt natural and true—is worthy of reflection. I’ve done a lot of simplifying …
Vipassana and Mindfulness Meditation
The SIY ( Search Inside Yourself) organization founded by Chad Meng Tan had recently organized a small competition in which we had to share a story of how meditation has impacted our lives. The most liked story on the forum was expected to win a free copy of SIY book written Chand Meng Tan and …
A New Perspective on Leadership
I've recently accepted a new leadership role. I haven't been in a legitimate leadership role since before I started meditating so it has been interesting to observe how my perspective has changed. I feel less of a need to win over the audience. I'm not trying as hard to connect with the audience and drive them in …
Pain: a Blessing in Disguise
My second ten day course was overall less of a rollercoaster than my first. Samādhi was not as strong; meaning sensations were milder, but as a result, I remained more focused to understanding the practice and equanimity. I also had the good fortune of being taught by the wizardly, senior A.T. Michael Gelber who imparted much helpful …
Unsettled Transitions
I've become more accepting of my agitated mind. When there are major decisions to be made, regardless of whether the outcomes are positive or negative, my mind seems to chatter away during meditation. I'm lucky if I can sustain Anapana for long stretches of an hour sit so I can forget about scanning the body. …
Exploring an experience at a deeper level
In one of the recent posts I shared an experience to explain the difference between knowing the path and walking the path. I would like to explore that experience further and understand different components in the same. I would strongly recommend this post to understand the context of following writing. Awareness: Sanket believes that the …
Living Vipassana 