What no one tells you about Vipassana retreats

The best (& worst) bits of 10 day silent Vipassana retreats taught by S.N Goenka
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@tobiasjohnson_
tobiasjohnson_

[@theliterarytarot]

Vipassana changed my life. It was a beautiful way to start building mindfulness and a mind-body connection. It’s about forming a relationship with yourself.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Happy to hear it

[@ToddDouglasFox]

They don’t follow you when you leave the retreat. They don’t ask for money. They don’t solicit. It’s more like sweat lodges in that it’s hard to face one’s self especially when it’s something new for a person. A cult takes over your life and doesn’t allow you freedom when you want to do something else. In Vipassana it really isn’t about beliefs or sticking to a way of life, it really isn’t even about the method of meditation, it’s about being a more fully alive and authentic person. That is not “cult like”. Vipassana wasn’t controlling for me. Yes there were requirements like silence and sitting but they were not enforced. If one went outside of the requirements, they were gently guided and not forced to leave or comply. The one thing you said I agree with is that some people are not ready for something intensely personal and perhaps transforming whether it be through meditation or some other intensive spiritual pursuit. The retreat organizers for Vipassana do not screen. Everyone is welcome. If something comes up for someone, the organizers will reach out to obtain outside professional assistance. I’m glad you got so much benefit. It’s one more step in life’s journey when you do these types of inner experiences. In the case of Vipassana it’s not an effort to recruit or take advantage of one’s sincere intentions. One is there meditating with guidance and food and sleep quarters and afterword the retreatant simply leaves. I applaud all who improve themselves by becoming more of themselves. 🥂 🙏 👊

[@johnrichards6080]

Before Vipassana, I'd never meditated at all, not a single second, so I was entirely unprepared. Since then I've done seven 10-day courses, in Australia and India. I'm not inclined to do any more as I've moved in another direction. But the retreats transformed my mind which therefore shaped my life. Definitely worth the days of struggle. And it's not all struggle. There are days of joy too.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

nice job brother

[@pieropaolo6569]

Sadu sadu sadu❤

[@Godfather-qr6ej]

Can I ask? What another direction did you go?

[@butterfliesONrainbows]

I would also like to know. ​@@Godfather-qr6ej

[@ivonnelopez8203]

@@Godfather-qr6ejyes I’d love to know as well

[@willieluncheonette5843]

"Buddha’s way was Vipassana - vipassana means witnessing. And he found one of the greatest devices ever: the device of watching your breath, just watching your breath. Breathing is such a simple and natural phenomenon and it is there twenty-four hours a day. You need not make any effort. If you repeat a mantra then you will have to make an effort, you will have to force yourself. If you say, “Ram, Ram, Ram,” you will have to continuously strain yourself. And you are bound to forget many times. Moreover, the word ‘Ram’ is again something of the mind, and anything of the mind can never lead you beyond the mind .Buddha discovered a totally different angle: just watch your breath - the breath coming in, the breath going out. There are four points to be watched. Sitting silently just start seeing the breath, feeling the breath. The breath going in is the first point. Then for a moment when the breath is in it stops - a very small moment it is - for a split second it stops; that is the second point to watch. Then the breath turns and goes out; this is the third point to watch. Then again when the breath is completely out, for a split second it stops; that is the fourth point to watch. Then the breath starts coming in again… this is the circle of breath. If you can watch all these four points you will be surprised, amazed at the miracle of such a simple process - because mind is not involved. Watching is not a quality of the mind; watching is the quality of the soul, of consciousness; watching is not a mental process at all. When you watch, the mind stops, ceases to be. Yes, in the beginning many times you will forget and the mind will come in and start playing its old games. But whenever you remember that you had forgotten, there is no need to feel repentant, guilty - just go back to watching, again and again go back to watching your breath. Slowly, slowly, less and less mind interferes .And when you can watch your breath for forty-eight minutes as a continuum, you will become enlightened. You will be surprised - just forty-eight minutes - because you will think that it is not very difficult… just forty-eight minutes! It is very difficult. Forty-eight seconds and you will have fallen victim to the mind many times. Try it with a watch in front of you; in the beginning you cannot be watchful for sixty seconds. In just sixty seconds, that is one minute, you will fall asleep many times, you will forget all about watching - the watch and the watching will both be forgotten. Some idea will take you far, far away; then suddenly you will realize… you will look at the watch and ten seconds have passed. For ten seconds you were not watching. But slowly, slowly - it is a knack; it is not a practice, it is a knack - slowly, slowly you imbibe it, because those few moments when you are watchful are of such exquisite beauty, of such tremendous joy, of such incredible ecstasy, that once you have tasted those few moments you would like to come back again and again - not for any other motive, just for the sheer joy of being there, present to the breath. Remember, it is not the same process as is done in yoga. In yoga the process is called pranayam; it is a totally different process, in fact just the opposite of what Buddha calls vipassana. In pranayam you take deep breaths, you fill your chest with more and more air, more and more oxygen; then you empty your chest as totally as possible of all carbon dioxide. It is a physical exercise - good for the body but it has nothing to do with vipassana. In vipassana you are not to change the rhythm of your natural breath, you are not to take long, deep breaths, you are not to exhale in any way differently than you ordinarily do. Let it be absolutely normal and natural. Your whole consciousness has to be on one point; watching .And if you can watch your breath then you can start watching other things too. Walking you can watch that you are walking, eating you can watch that you are eating, and ultimately, finally, you can watch that you are sleeping. The day you can watch that you are sleeping you are transported into another world. The body goes on sleeping and inside a light goes on burning brightly. Your watchfulness remains undisturbed, then twenty-four hours a day there is an undercurrent of watching. You go on doing things… for the outside world nothing has changed, but for you everything has changed."

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Beautiful instruction brah thanks for sharing. Source?

[@willieluncheonette5843]

@@tobiasdecimusmeridius from a talk by Osho.

[@DylanDenaliSullivan]

This problematic for me. I get lost when my consciousness expands. I need Jesus as my bro.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

@@DylanDenaliSullivan how can consciousness ever expand or contract. It has no shape, no size. It's beyond space and time

[@jayam2078]

So well explained. I just finished my first 10 day course..

[@bubblefish76]

In regards of clothing, people is requested to dress "with modesty", being so, wearing long pants/trousers/skirts, not wearing see-through or tight revealing clothes, wearing sleeved T-shirts/shirts. This is in order to help others to maintain their mind focused without unnecessary triggers 🙏🏼 Every norm or rule in the Vipassana centers, is to benefit the meditation procces but many people fail to understand it. The best advise to go for a 10 day Vipassana retreat, it's to surrender for that period. You are there to experience the process of deflection of the ego. It's beautiful to watch how much you (your ego) wants to fight revolve resist and refuse go by those small basic simple seemingly unimportant "rules". Surrendering for those 10days, makes your life so much easier. Understand also that, Vipassana is a technic to learn to see and accept the reality of the present moment as it is, remain equanimous to it; Well, the reality is that there's a code of conduct to which you (your ego) is reacting, and by doing so, you fail to accept the reality as it is 😊

[@danielr3522]

Yeah, I just assumed the ruling on clothing was to try to cut down on distractions - and let's face it, sexual attraction is a BIG distraction for most people.😂

[@niccicanada]

I'm appalled that people fought this rule. If you don't like the rules don't attend.

[@missmerrily4830]

My first Vipassana 10 day retreat was hard. I felt I was failing... I seemed to lose all concentration, and wriggled and squirmed during the hours of sitting. Only when we spent time meditating in front of the class, with our meditation teachers did my mind feel really calm and peaceful. No-one left though. Every last one who entered, met together at the end to discuss our experiences. On the day of the forgiveness meditation, first one person cried, then we all did! I imagine they are well used to it! But the real benefit came when I got back to normal life. Suddenly I was more peaceful, calmer.... walking along the street i would automatically step aside for other people, and my meditation practice was so much deeper. Now I know what to expect I don't go through all this stuff... but then again, I don't have the massive leap forward that I took with the first one.

[@squamish4244]

At several of mine, people have been taken away in ambulances due to massive energetic and emotional upheavals. They are good stuff, but proceed with caution and know the risks.

[@fernandolobo8297]

This is the one of the many great benefits meditation brings to our lives! Glad you enjoyed the experience, happy cultivation!🙏👍✌💪

[@user-pl6zh8li8r]

Keep Meditating and Be Happy. Don't forget to continue 1 hour Morning and Evening Vippassana Session after 10 days Discourse. This will be really helpful in long-run.

[@ginamanriquez2237]

Wonderful words of wisdom from such a young man. You can see that meditation has really influenced his growth.

[@oyandakona5994]

He is handsome too God too his time with him 🤭

[@surabisulamanidoraisamy6270]

Hi all Im a hindu and this silent retreat is not a cult or religious thing. Its been pratised thousands of years thru mayan age. We call it 'mouna virtham'. It means getting detached from all negativities. Rejuvenating our body, mind and soul. It brings us towards consciousness. If you are near any hare rama hare krishna centres I would like you to go and attend some events to understand how the hindus practice unity, harmony and kindness. These good qualities embraces you as you practise silent retreat, get connected to nature and meditate to find out who you really are.

[@alastairleith8612]

What the Buddha taught has some commonality in Vedic practices but also some important differences. The Buddha (re)discovered the technique taught on these courses and Vipassana is beyond Janas and absorption states. It's three-fold set of practices, sila (moral conduct, right speech, right livelihood etc), samadhi (right concentration, right mindfulness, right effort) & panna (right view, right understanding). Its the wisdom practice of Vipassana which is unique to all Buddhas and fully enlightened beings who escape the cycle of rebirth, whether they teach it or not.

[@shekhargarhwal9516]

Hey..dont play Hindu card with Vipassna. Keep Hindu nonsense away with it

[@margaretnash6403]

that was a bit unkind@@shekhargarhwal9516

[@shekhargarhwal9516]

@@margaretnash6403 thats how a degraded religion want a side of some buddhist technique which actually thrash all religions today including buddhism.

[@saad-wd6fd]

Hello I’m a Pakistani is there any chance I could take part in such a retreat? Sadly because how things are between our countries I am scared but I would love to connect with my Hindu ancestry and its culture.

[@Louisadamson]

My first was in 2012, and remember it vividly. The discourse toward the end when goenka described the change in demeanor common between arriving and the last day, where the students change to a lighter and loving existence is so clear. I attended a second one, and then began trying to serve a course and sit a course every 12 to 18 months, which I found very helpful in keeping the benefits and practice during regular daily life. As a volunteer server, which is often in the kitchen, it requires interacting with the other servers and the three main group meditation sittings each day. There is some other meditation time besides the group settings, and the rules outside the kitchen are just as is expected of new and old student practicing Nobel silence. This is a great video and does a excellent job laying out the expectations and traditions goenka maintains for anyone planning to attend. I'm out of practice now and from the pandemic restrictions I'm definitely overdue to attend a retreat. Thanks.

[@user26912]

There are other types of vipassana retreats than those of goenka. Look for example for Mahasi Sayadaw inspired retreats.

[@kasturiswami784]

I really think that you have understood meditation. Wish you all the best. I am from India, a 77 year old grand mother of a 24 year-old boy.

[@maitran1704]

I love how you just randomly make an awesomely high-quality video with articulated thoughts and over-the-top delivery, then stop posting any other serious video. Such a G 😂

[@toddgy.4089]

I cannot wait. I’m going in December. It’s exciting. I’ve come into a very centred and free place in my mind lately. Clarity at an all time high. I’m exciting to practice and further this experience! It’s all stemmed from quitting alcohol forever, about 11 weeks ago. I simply let it go. I am finished with it. So finally I’m able to keep my mind in the place of clarity. It’s honestly been life changing already. ❤

[@forcolor9494]

Sounds like your on a good path now! This retreat is called a boot camp of meditation it’s not always been beneficial for people. They are researching the negative effects that can happen at Brown University. Cheetah house. Many come back with difficulty. Sounds like your on a good path now! You might not need this retreat. I was sorta talked into my first retreat and looking back I don’t recommend it to people. Don’t discount your own hard work to get where you are now. That’s awesome!! Good luck!!

[@roudys]

I've been clean and sober for nearly 34 years (for good reason). I'm an atheist but walk a spiritual path. There is life before and after sobering up and for me this applied to learning to meditate too. Noticing more closely urges, compulsions, cravings has been so helpful in every area of life. I was 20 years sober when I sat my first retreat...wish it could have been a little sooner...Cheers.

[@jaycowijaya4058]

If you seen the whole you won't be so excited, the very centre and free place in mind is also delusional, you will see, it will change One cannot progress in meditation, it is the dropping off from progress and gaining and accumulating Don't look for life changing experience, just a deep understanding of life would free you from your own mind and delusion, there you can be free and enter world of no mind

[@_swordfern]

Hehe. "Can't wait" 🤭

[@toddgy.4089]

@@_swordfern maybe you should attend ? Learn to not be petty 😉

[@elitemeemoosood9869]

I did mine about a year ago sometime in April 2022 and it is really helpful. I didn't get to do the adult course as I am not an adult but I tried out the 3 day one they do for minors. Its an eye-opening experience. Our schedule wasn't as strict as adults (which my dad had done) and we were allowed to talk to other people but it was still an eye-opening experience. And as you said after you do it, there is a sort of negative thought spiral for some time after. I never tried to meditate again ironically until today - 1 day before my first GCSE. It is an interesting process. I am definitely going back again so I can incorporate into every part of my living.

[@PrudentStudent666]

I went to one of their retreats several years ago and it was at first difficult but you do adjust. It is not that bad. I did have a room mate at the retreat that completely broke down and had to leave. I got to have the cabin all to myself which was great. The meals were okay and were vegetarian with two meals per day. No coffee but tea was allowed. It is great to get away from cell phones and computers and television. I view it as a positive experience and will do it again and as I look back really enjoyed it.

[@nicolettew1]

This is the most succinct explanation of what one is supposed to achieve through meditation -- detaching oneself from the story running in our heads and simply observing our lives as they are so that we don't have to live in misery -- that i've watched in a long while. The delivery is on-point too. Nice work!

[@laskaarlaskaar2467]

I also just did it & that was easily one of the most powerful experiences of my Life thx 4 sharing🙏🏽

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Congrats!! Happy for you

[@charmjasmi]

i am glad that i accidentally found yours, i also had 10 days experience of meditating at retreat many years ago , 8 hours and about 2 hours of listening to masters teaching every day. it was really exhausting, you are right, even I was just sitting, i just could not sit with crossed legs on floor anymore as days went by no matter what kind of cushion i changed, hahaha. but the experience throughout that process was amazing, it was really eye-opening wow experience , that i really want to go through again and again. and as times go by, i think i am also getting wiser, :) listening to teachings of all these Buddhist meditation masters and many meditation sessions. and i found out that all these so called sufferings, pains are just labels our mind projects unconsciously to the emotions and sensations which is also the way of habits we are bought up since birth or other previous life cycles. letting go and being relaxed truly helps a lot, it is also deeply related to the breathing method and postures. S.N Gonenka is truly amazing meditation teacher, I also read some about his mother regarding how meditation changed her life, it was amazingly wonderful and impressive !

[@sbphillipsmd]

What a wonderful video. Your description, storytelling, and analogies were so crisp, concise, and clear. Thank you

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Thank you friend

[@ContinualShiftwithDaveRogers]

Nicely shared

[@sat1241]

@@tobiasdecimusmeridius Thanks for the video, it was well done. A couple of questions, 1) Did you meditate this week and if so how many days in the week and at what average duration each day? 2) Was the 83 year old man someone who completed the 10 day retreat also? If so, did you make it through the whole 10 days and conclude he felt terrible by the end of it? If this is what happened after you laughed he smiled, seemingly not feeling so terrible as to have lost the ability to to laugh. I am curious about this guy

[@mandakinikale1866]

Thanks Tobias for this video, I am sure it will encourage others to go for the retreat. I am a Vipassana meditator for last ten years and loving it.

[@kagie2219]

Vipassana is the best thing that I have ever done. Changed my life forever. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@imagine7generations]

I signed up for my first course without knowing much, including the schedule. I had no expectations and gave it a fair trial. I also had been told by my friend that it was pure torture. So I was prepared. I had a great course! Second course I had expectations, and it was quite a difficult course. But of course, in the end it was worth all the pain and effort. My best course was one I attended after meditating daily one hour a day for a year, it was easy to sit and I uprooted some deep stuff. Serving a course full time is just as beneficial and definitely makes one more mature in their practice.

[@briann5524]

I'm usually critical of "hippy talk" or "unconciously repeating dogma" but nah this sounded like your genuine experience and perspective, so thanks for sharing!

[@revelrove]

Thank you for making this video. I've the utmost respect for anyone who does a 10 day course. It was the hardest thing I ever did and maybe the most important thing. I walked away feeling like I was shining from being purified from the technique. It seated me in meditation so I am always in that space. I found my center. All invaluable, but not for the faint of heart. Your energy feels bright and clear so kudos to you!

[@donovana2861]

Do you still meditate daily?

[@revelrove]

Yes, but I use a different technique. I'm committed to growing as much as I can spiritually since that is what we take with us.@@donovana2861

[@sheilagarrick]

Thank you for sharing your experience. The deeper you delve, the more you know that you don't know anything. Your 83 year old friend is correct and wise. There is nothing to attain. Nowhere to go. Just learning how to be. here. now.🙏🙏🙏

[@Celia-pj9kz]

Well said Tobias. My husband and brother in law and other friends have been doing Vipassana for years. It really helps them in their lives. Like you say - it's very difficult - and there are casualties - like in any seriously difficult endeavour - but it is an ancient practice - and absolutely not the dangerous culty thing that those Financial Times podcasts seem to want to imply.

[@morg37]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m looking into going to a vipassana retreat myself and found this video so inspiring and exciting. I’m hoping to go in August!

[@cruvi-ahuvi]

Above all, there's 1 thing that must be remembered - you enter the course on your own will, it is your choice to stay there and its your choice to adhere to the rules and regulations. Ultimately, if you do not wanna be there - no one (and I mean no one) can and will force you to stay. No one expects you to donate anything after the course has ended, no one will follow you anywhere or tell you off because you did something wrong. It's 100% on you, the student. Is it hard? very hard. Is it strict? by all means. Is it for everyone? I don't think so. For some its just too much. BUT - when the meditation works and daily practice is adhered to, it is a true life saver. A real gem.

[@BDBD05]

Very candid!!! Beautiful video Tobias!! Lots of love to you and God bless you!

[@dt4243]

Hey man, thanks for taking the time posting this, valuable insight, many thanks!

[@Nisha_Your_Bestie]

Very beautifully explained. I am so glad you did experience it and I wish you could keep the practice going on . 🙏🏻

[@dupeit007]

It was physically a challenge. Yeah, its hard to sit I can totally identify with that. I didn't feel sad, it was one of the most peaceful time, so peaceful that I didn't want to leave. I didn't even feel like talking as you said it was magical ....I had to cancel my second course, but I'm planning to do it soon. Thank you for sharing this

[@arI-Yabs]

It's not a cult. It is amazing to be skeptical about it and about the technique they teach as well. If you blindly follow it all you will probably not actually understand or experientially learn it. Also keep in mind that the results (heightened awareness, mental clarity, enhanced morality, mental sensitivity to vibration and everything else that they say) needs to be experienced and you can't convince yourself that you've experienced it, you will 100% know it when you experience the changes. After experiencing those changes I personally decided to keep going to the retreats and practice two hours a day just like keeping up with my progress at the gym. If I ever find the technique harmful or disturbing I will definitely stop doing it. The reason why they insist on you finishing the course is the fact that it is a process that affects your mind a certain way and leaving at the middle can be harmful to your mind.

[@naturecure280]

IT IS CULT.

[@arI-Yabs]

@@naturecure280 maybe SN Goenka's Vipassana retreat can be considered a cult(which I personally don't think so) but Vipassana itself is just a meditation technique that you can learn from different teachers. There are many different meditation techniques that just work with your breath and sensations of your body(Anapana/Vipassana and others). These retreats just teach this technique.

[@naturecure280]

@@arI-Yabs Yes I understand. Vipassana is very technique. When we are learning from teachings of Buddha, it's always good to praise Buddha, not someone else who claims to be Buddha predicted person. It's always good to double check the teachings with SUTTAs. It's always good to change your meditation with different methods(Buddha's). It's good to change the teachers sometimes too. But my main point is we have to understand 4 noble truths, noble eithfold paths, Kamma, Dependant Origination, 3 marks of existence DEEPLY DEEPLY DEEPLY. Without having very good knowledge of these things, doing meditation is really nonsense thing. Also cults never lead to good things. But i understand lots of people study vipassana at Goenka training and later on they understand lots of things and move on to pure Buddha's teachings. In that sense, goenka training is good. because it's helping people. but when it becomes cult and leading people to things that Buddha didn't teach, that's very sad. I hope you understand my point. With Metta.

[@naturecure280]

@@HumanBeing-jv8dp maybe its not your time yet to realize it's cult. And cult is no good. In that case, i can't make you understand. We need more parami hey? 😂🙏♥️👍👌

[@arI-Yabs]

@@naturecure280 that's what I'm saying, it's basically Goenka's gym😂. You go workout your mind and if you find something more pure you're always very welcome to leave. I think due to how powerful the technique is a lot of people get attached to it easily.

[@venumuraharishetti5877]

Great Video.... It was great pleasure to meet Thomas, who is 84years now. Met him today at my serving. He is going to Sit his next 10 day course from this Friday. What a man. I am very fortunate to talk and take some important information from this young senior. Metta to you.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

That's so cool, he's a great man. Much love bro

[@nomadicsketch6934]

About the part where he speaks about sleeping. I think that must be very individual. I slept more than normal. I kept falling asleep during meditations, I slept at every longer break we had (after breakfast and after lunch), i fell asleep when we were allowed to meditate in our room, I couldn’t get enough sleep, I was so tired! So I wouldn’t rely on this info. I felt really horrible that it was happening to me and was beating myself up for it, fearing that I’ll not get all the benefits from being there but when I came out I realised it doesn’t matter. I gained a lot, a lot anyway and that just thought me to accept it how it is. I guess I was panicking that this amazing thing won’t help me because I was in a low place in my life before going there and in a way this was my last hope. It worked.

[@john0ldman.]

Vipassana change many lives. It actually works very well for every single one. I totally RECOMMEND.

[@Yuliya.Amelchenko]

Thank you for this great informative post! I canceled my upcoming Goenka Vippassana due to family circumstances but certainly hoping to sit my first one this year. You are so amazing with words and the way you describe things, I was watching you in awe 👌🏻🌷💚🦋

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Thanks and good luck with your first retreat

[@mikes2136]

I've found the technique and courses to be invaluable. One drawback with it though, is that once you really get what is, you realise that everything else is a waste of time. And I mean EVERYTHING.

[@user26912]

After my vipassana retreats (not in style of Goenka, but different ones) I always seriously start pondering to become a monk yes. But difficult to leave behind my parents and ambitions of writing a book.

[@juliagohlke]

This video makes me miss New Zealand. That's where I did my first Vipassana Retreat. I'm inspired to do another retreat now. Thanks. 🙏🏻

[@TheJMB3000]

Thank you for your insights. Im looking forward partcipating in a 10 day retreat myself in two days and this video helped me shaping my expectations a lot :)

[@msmanager2775]

How did it go for you ? I’m going into the centre in a fortnight.

[@Selfunraveled]

I like how level headed you are , I want to try this but perhaps alone somewhere , not necessarily at an official retreat

[@vvp1229]

Mate this is well said. Just finished a retreat today and needed to hear this perspective. Loved what you said about metta

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Glad you found value bro. much love

[@gecko197101]

TY for your story. A Vipassana meditation i did in Thailand was a bit different. We were isolated in individual cabins, but met with the Nun 1:1 daily for 10 mins. The suggestion was to observe the body as an object with its desires. Not to fend or resist but to observe the changes via the 4 positions, thru lying, sitting, standing and walking as one willed. Just observing and noting the suffering inherent at the point of desiring to change position. It brought me more compassion for my dear human vessel! Time, suffering and change became synonymous. Fascinating but not my most pleasant meditation experience. Lots of relief at having a break from my IRL experience with pressures and others' expectations. I slept most of the first 3 days. Quite depressed and bored at times. Then a bit psychadelic for a couple of days. Especially with roosters crowing under the cabin from 3am. Then in a strange wakeful dreamlike state for a couple more days. Unsure if i was mainly microsleeping on and off fhru the night. Yet, overall a good challenge and life contemplation from a different perspective. 😅

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

I like the sound of this retreat, what's the name of the retreat centre?

[@TheScarnak]

I'm also looking for retreats in Thailand and your experience sounds amazing. Would you mind sharing the name of the retreat?

[@MrRezillo]

I did a couple of Goenka style retreats in the past, and your vid is making me want to do another. Thank you. A couple of points: I've never seen anyone "flip out" from this type of meditation but yes, it is possible. This is not the only form of vipassana meditation, and I'd advise anyone with serious mental health issues not to do a Goenka retreat, but to seek out a local vipassana group, such as the IMS ones, and explore that rather than plunging into a Goenka retreat. Also, the managers may not want you to leave the retreat, but since the Buddhist path is non-violent, I don't imagine anyone would physically try and stop you from leaving if you wanted to. Also, the retreats I went on cost nothing beforehand. While they made a big pitch for donations at the end, the donation was entirely up to you, and you didn't have to give anything if you were so inclined.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

I agree, from what I’ve heard IMS retreats sound far less intense and a little less dogmatic

[@willywalter6366]

Life is suffering - see it like it is - let go and come to peace! Stop looking for it! Happiness is an Illusion! Vipassana is a great mirror into the BS in yourself - what you experience depends alone on what you hide before yourself. Run if you like but you won‘t escape yourself!

[@sharriceowens913]

This video seemed so simple yet it had so many jewels for those who paid attention.

[@nidhibr]

Learning to live with oneself and ones thoughts is bliss.

[@KeremPARLAKGUMUS-uc4xb]

me, who had the 10 day vipassana course one time, benefit the vipassana meditation and 10 day vipassana course in a very positive way. Now I will go to give a service. ı recommend it to everyone. I promise you will be more focused, more feeling "right now" and happier and healtier.

[@JamesSchaefer-pe1dp]

Love this brother, I had a difficult course and I felt totally broken after it. I honestly think for some people there’s just a certain amount of suffering they need to go through before before the can learn to detach and transcend the thinking mind. Wish you the best on your journey 🙏

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Completely agree, cool to hear you pulled those insights out of the mud 𑁍

[@user-ds6gg8ne4f]

Thanks for your video- you may love doing a loving kindness retreat- each day is focused on a different category to offer metta to. My metta retreat changed the course of my life.❤

[@jenniferbutera1866]

Where can you do this?

[@Onthepathofanatta]

Man..thanks for keeping it real. Such a great video.

[@ambujkansal7994]

Truly a pleasure listening your experience. Wish all of your dreams come true!

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Wish the same for you. Let's gooooo

[@Dernoobzusreal]

He's new and don't let his opinions influence you much. Try it for yourself have your experiences

[@ambujkansal7994]

@@Dernoobzusreal Anyways, I wanted someone to share their experience and I found it good the way he shared everything. Of course, each one of us will have different experiences.

[@Caspiansees]

So enjoyed listening to you! Just listening to this was enlightening! Thanks so much.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Happy to hear it man

[@solocede]

Thank you very much Tobias, you have a very informative video.

[@phoenixj369]

Congratulations on completing the retreat despite the difficulties that you have described.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Thank you

[@13c11a]

My first was about '87 and it was with Surya Das, who was underwhelming and self-absorbed. However, it opened my eyes to the fact that there were retreats here in the country and that one didn't have to trek to the Himalayas to get instruction.

[@RuroniSage_1111]

7:51 the stories running in our heads arent just exclusive to the negativity you mention here, its also applied to the positive story we run. Stories like “if I go to a retreat, that is said to grant me *this state of mind*, I will level up on my journey”. This retreat is a valuable tool for a person’s path, but it is ultimately a permission slip for the ego mind, the part of all of us that loves a good story. Sometimes that story is not as in our control as we perceive it to be.

[@ankitsrivastava4986]

Seems like coming from the core of the being. Thanks for sharing. You have good heart 👍

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Thank you, you too

[@vakaliarelis]

Beautiful video. Thank you for sharing! 🙌🙏🏼 sounds beautiful, how you have that silence to face all those fears and insecurities. In the heart of nature. ✨🙌🙌

[@nicolasericson4207]

thank you for your beautiful, lucid and moving video. May your meditational practice ever evolve and flourish. Aum shanti.

[@daspradeep]

you are so spot on; thanks for sharing

[@MrBalty7]

Wow, just - wow. What. A. Freaking. Experience. Came back Sunday August 27 from Montebello, Quebec in Canada and it was marvelous. Learned a tool and technique that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Mark my words. 12/10 would recommend - saaaaaduuuuuuh 🙏🏼

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Congrats bruuu

[@MrBalty7]

@@tobiasdecimusmeridius thank you kindly!! 🙏🏼

[@lucidmindrevolution]

That's a great review. It sounds honest and on point. It didn't sound partial at all (I confess that when I read the title a was doubting about the integrity of the content). I think you did a great job and I hope many people get benefit from it. Nice🙃

[@amandajacobs4222]

I enjoyed my retreat a few years ago in north fork California where it was filmed. Good learning about the risks so I don't lead people into it without a disclaimer. Love the guy at the end, he became Socrates lol

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Hahahah truly a modern day Socrates

[@deela262]

Thank you much. Very inspiring. I needed this right now ❤

[@dissociated578]

Great information from a genuine perspective 🙏🏽 Have been considering attending one for a while and this helps reinforce my decision, thanking you!

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Good luck if you end up doing one!!

[@VriEvolutionTarot555]

I did this once. It was scary, transformative, life changing for me.

[@JeremyWatsonOrion]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am heading into my first 10 day retreat in a few days and am excited and nervous!

[@wehatethecold]

I'm booked on one for next month. Looking forward to it, but I'm nervous too. Whatever happens I'll get through it. Will report back here when it's done.

[@adamseward4713]

I did it in Peru. No dress restrictions, men and women were not separated, to me the silence was the main selling point, there were no chairs for the weaklings, but lots of pillows. I loved the experience and learned at least one thing that I will value through life. I had negative thoughts but that's who I am, they did not emerge from the meditation.

[@TheGuyWithFunny]

Yes. I've lived some retreats without going anywhere. It would be nice to get away from the stories. Not those I run in my own head, but those that others run to me and around me. I can hear them. They're very disruptive, like ongoing stories, as though some people don't have anything better to do than to talk about me in their fruitless ways of speculation, projecting unproductive energy and thoughts onto me without any conception of how that can influence a reality. Imagine if your thoughts were playing in someone else's head. Would those thoughts be as attractive to you then, knowing that someone else is able to sense those things? The reason I found your video is because I searched, "Why people get beaten in ashrams for not being silent." I find this is a more encompassing and beneficial discussion for the greater overall goal and the purposes of meditation as it applies with relevance to why it would not be desired for one to be so noisy and opinionated. We're directed to lose those opinionated ideas, those triggers and realize that they're happening. To "lose" translates in to "overcome" or to "transmute" when you really realize what that's referring to. It doesn't mean to run away. That's what I did for and with myself - I transmuted, transcended all of those ideas, so that now my compassion has opened me to a greater experience of the reality that surrounds me as my experience. Now it becomes a problem as in realizing that there are many who do not have such ability or skill to overcome such ideas, seeing that they're very fixed on things that they shouldn't necessarily be fixed on, as though they are addicted to their unfortunate perspectives. I wish you all the best. Thanks for sharing.

[@benny6556]

“Narrow shouldered granola boy.” 😂😂 But really, what an amazing video and recap of the honest truth of your experience. Thank you for taking the time to share!

[@tionblack]

My man ,you are brave facing yourself is good.Respect.

[@mgc9172]

❤ Great video ! I did many course about to join an executive course now so I can bring more Dhamma in my business. Have a good practice at home and hopefully see you on the path 🙏🏼

[@mariaellers8026]

So wonderful to see you share your experience of the 4 Noble truths, Life is suffering. Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. All associations have disciplinarians that enforce, modify, and enact rules (contingencies of reinforcement). The role and functions of the disciplinarian may be informal and even unconscious in everyday social settings. Disciplinarians enforce a set of rules that aim at developing people by theories of order and discipline.

[@sarahbarber8780]

Thanks for sharing I am leaving to go to a Vipassana retreat today this is really good advice

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

All the best!!! Hope you get so much out of it

[@julianacglrocha2708]

Please make more videos about it! I'm quite excited and nervous about my first experience.

[@Vipassanawithkhalid]

I have some videos out talking about Vipassana if youre interested!

[@agyos]

Beautiful, and helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼❤️🌿🌻🎶

[@maini51]

Enlightenment is “Knowing “ just like a child who learns to stand for the very first time, or riding a bicycle for the first time, or skating or swimming. It all comes in a fraction of a second which you can never forget and then you will never unlearn it and never be the same again, you actually go to another plane, now when you open that unknown faculty that you have which enables you to experience the fourth and fifth dimensions and perhaps many more it will be impossible for you to explain or describe it to others. Vipaasna Meditation will help rid you of the ignorance and darkness that you unknowingly live in. It has nothing to do with religion or cult, it’s all about your individual self. It’s mind over matter so to speak. Just jump into it if you get a chance, it’s life changing for sure.

[@GalDornick]

Loved this video. Thanks for sharing

[@Joyful12345]

Yes I am an old student. It has changed my life

[@nomindmaster2005]

Bro, you go to a retreat where you become like a monk for 10 days. Do you see monks wearing shorts? Your not going to the beach, if you complain about the attire at Vipassana youve missed the point... Also friend, they counsel you away from leaving because as you start instrospecting you start to observe you demons, your suffering, IF you LEAVE instead of staying there and doing the work of observing your suffering and remaining equanimous to it then you simply create an aversion to the entire practice, an aversion to Vipassana ! An aversion to that which helps in liberation! Can you imagine how terrible that is? However I am so happy for your realisations especially the one where you realise that we use a lot of external things to escape from our hardships. Of course its hard to look at your problems, but thats the work and if you persists you change and your perception of the work changes. Oh and no pain no gain, that's right! All in all nice job man! Keep up the practice, it's only by keeping it up that you really see the benifits, or else its just a ritual or a rite or an experience that is ephemeral.

[@joyannesloan8384]

"narrow shouldered granola boys" 😂 you are so funny! But honestly, thanks for your well articulated experience of these retreats. Your video is definitely thought provoking!

[@2KEdward]

Hey Tobias, I will be partaking in a 10-day retreat in Belgium in May. Am definitely curious, a bit frightened as well. But will try to go in with an open mind. This video was very valuable, thank you!

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Best of luck man

[@almulla]

how was it?

[@ShivamMishra13]

Tobias. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Last week I completed my first 10-day retreat in Quebec. Where you did the retreat? I am still in the post -vipassana hangover... Missing those 10 days and looking forward to my next one in 6 months.

[@KamaljitSingh89]

Thank you for making this video and sharing your experience. I am planning to go for my first retreat in next few months. Listening to yours and others post retreat experiences of life gets upside down, reminds me of a book I read recently . It’s called “Breaking the habit of being yourself “ by Dr Joe dispenza. If you ever get to read it I’m sure you’ll find it very valuable information. Take care brother 🙏🏻

[@ajitashah9829]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@kamilbraszka6805]

Thank you for the video. I'm literally on the train to vipassana, now, as I write this message. Part of me is slightly nervous, even though I'd done a short course in the past, but only for 3 days, and that was 7 years ago. All the best.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Only just saw this man but I hope you are finding the value you were looking for, and having a beautiful time

[@oyasita8310]

How was it?!

[@Sachin-gv7ik]

@kamil how was it?

[@TheDavidfallon]

Anyone contemplating a 10 day retreat should first prepare themselves with a daily meditation practice at home. Begin with a few minutes, then a few minutes longer. You would be foolish to attempt a marathon unless you've first run 100 metres. Apart from Goenka's retreats, Buddhist temples are always open and conduct free meditation classes. May all beings be happy. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu! 🙏

[@purpleangel6099]

Loved your video. Which center in which country did you go to for Vipassna ?

[@alastairleith8612]

nice video, I sometimes cringe when I watch these "my 10-day Vipassana course reaction video" KZbins! this was a refreshing change and told with humility. well done.

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Ty bro

[@ravelomanarivoemma1031]

My first meditation retreat was this year. The fourth day was rough for me; there were mental fights inside. On the eighth day, I cried a lot while listening to the evening discourse and in my bed when I retired because I recognized myself as a superior and intelligent person, even though I thought I was not. Between those days, I felt happy, sad, and depressed when I couldn't follow the technique the right way. I experienced so many emotions. But on the last day, I was so grateful that I couldn't even find a word to describe my feelings. I have fixed my life, and I know how to manage it now. I never miss the daily meditation because I get many more benefits.

[@dfeil5767]

Yes it is important to be psychological stable and not in any emotional crisis when sitting for a long meditation retreat. Some of the issues you are describing are classic and maybe you weren’t quite ready for this type of retreat. Mindfulness is a gentle way to start, meaning a weekly class and then trialing a half day retreat and working up to an overnight retreat before attending a long silent retreat.

[@jasmineandrew4617]

I found your video so helpful. I even wrote down your analogy of 'telling yourself a story' , i found it very profound and well saod. I like to write everything. I always feel like I need to write things to look back on and reflect. We sre not allowed any writing materials with us amd I am too scared to ask. Is this something I should still take with me, will it be breaking the "rules" of vipassana?

[@shristishristi1883]

Thank you 🙏for sharing your experience. I am planing to join vipassana on August 2024.

[@vibhag7739]

I lost my 18 yr son in hit n run case.. till one year i didn't do anything except my job.. even i don't want to prepare food.. I am a atheist person.. i was so confused its a destiny or a human mistake.. recently I attended 10days Vipassana.. sometimes it was very difficult to sit continuously 10-12 hrs.. back pain..legs pain.. at last i achieved 1 hr sitting without moving.. now i do at home 2 times for 1/2 an hour.. hope it will help to be strong and come out of misery..

[@FreedomBreeze24]

sending you love!

[@marsinfinite1631]

Thankyou 🙏🏾. I'm going on my first one in 17days!

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

Wish you all the best!! Hope it's an amazing experience

[@yahchilyah]

Congratulations. Whatever you do, try to make it through the 10 days. You will be happy you did!

[@dhanushreeab8874]

I completed one 10days course recently it was hard, very hard and rewarding too✨

[@dianapaolapuertamurillo4522]

Hola hola Tobías ✨ how are you doing ? Well , I have been doing a conscious healing journey since one year and a half . I went to Bali for a healing retreat and life has changed a lot . My teacher was asking me if I really want to go because I will go and face my negative patterns and all the overthinking pattern that I’m working on right now . He says it’s your decision but somehow I feel a bit scared to go …. Anyway I have my trip to Katmandú tomorrow and then heading to Lumbini to do the Vipassana . I’m a bit scared but I will go . Thanks for the video Diana

[@Chillington4456]

Hi Diana, How was your experience? I am in a similar situation that you were in, my course being tomorrow. Did you find it to be a good decision to go?

[@user-ds7sv1cf6v]

thanks for sharing :) Truly appreciated ! I think i ll attend the retreat in April. May I ask if you did any meditation practice before the retreat? thank you

[@tobiasdecimusmeridius]

I did 1hr/day. Good luck!!

[@KhanhNguyen-gd8fv]

according to Goenka, you should go there as a blank slate.