I heard a lot about vipassana. It sounded like a very demanding practice, something next level – 10 days spent in silence as a minimum. The idea of silence meditation always appealed but 10 days of it, mostly sitting and meditating, I am not sure I can do it… After reading about Leo Cosendai’s DIY vipassana and watching this amazing documentary (have tissues on hand around 48:00), I feel inspired and am adding it to the list of practices to try next year. Have you tried vipassana? How did it go?
I have a friend who has been doing it up in some remote location in Herefordshire for years. He claims much benefit. Frankly, I don’t think I could follow that regime – especially the lack of exercise – they are only “allowed” to wander around an adjacent field.
Like you however I have always meant to go on an extended retreat, and silent meditation would most definitely form a part of that. Call me weird but although I am not a “believer” in Christianity, my thoughts always veer towards a Christian retreat. Familiarity perhaps. Perhaps a love of the KJV of the Bible. Perhaps a passion for choral music.
On infrequent occasions I have popped along for meditation to the Buddhist monastery in Wimbledon and adored the temples in Japan.
I was recently thinking of going on a Buddhist retreat to a centre near Cork.
But no; I could not do zazen for 10 days on the trot.
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