Goenka Meditation

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I clearly remember the first time I heard about Goenka. It was in 2001, at a Buddhist monastery in England. I was there to practice meditation and a woman who was preparing to become a nun, was a devoted Goenka follower.

Goenka is a highly respected meditation teacher all around the world. He has founded over 50 meditation centers in India and many international centers as well. Goenka was born in Burma to Indian parents. He became a successful businessman and took a great interest in meditation in his free time.

S.N. Goenka studied vipassana meditation under Sayagyi U Ba Khin and quickly became a skilled meditator. Later on, he relocated to India and started to teach the kind of vipassana meditation he had learned from his teacher.

Goenka meditation is a type of vipassana, which focuses on awareness of the mind and the senses. As you may already know, vipassana is a Buddhist form of insight meditation.

Goenka Meditation Centers

The Goenka centers don't charge for their teachings, accommodation and food. Buddhists believe it should be offered for free. It's possible to make a donation though, to help cover the running costs of the meditation centers.

S.N. Goenka has trained hundreds of assistant meditation teachers over the years. He has also established a vipassana research center in India. One of their main objectives is to develop ways to incorporate Goenka meditation into daily life.

Goenka Retreats

Goenka meditation retreats are characterized by their Buddhist forms and strict discipline. The meditators are asked to observe noble silence, which is a Buddhist concept. The idea is that it's helpful to refrain from unnecessary conversation during meditation retreats. As a result, the mind calms down.

The one exception to the rule, is that you can speak to your meditation teacher.

The discipline at Goenka retreats is quite strict. Meditators are asked to meditate for hours without changing body postures. The facilitators also ask the meditators not to stretch or do any yoga exercises during the breaks, which is an effective way of relieving stiffness and physical pain.

Goenka Meditation Techniques

The meditation techniques focus on awareness of bodily sensations. One could say that Goenka meditation is a form of body scanning. The meditators are encouraged to give relaxed attention to bodily sensations, at all times.

Throughout the meditation retreat meditators watch Goenka videos and listen to his talks, where he outlines the meditation techniques in detail and inspires the retreatants to practice well.

Goenka's approach to meditation is most powerful and direct. He stresses that awareness is the key to lasting happiness and liberation.

Moreover, the food at Goenka retreats is known to be first class, as well as the facilities. The Goenka meditation centers are very-well managed.

Developing Meditation Skills

I highly recommend Goenka meditation to anyone who is genuinely interested in developing their meditation skills.

No matter what school of meditation you choose, it will still take a measure of discipline and consistent practice to develop your meditation skills.

Finally, it's somewhat rare that meditation centers offer all of their services free of charge. But when they do, you know they have pure intentions.

Let me know how your Goenka meditation is coming along...

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