BG 029: Mass Producing Meditators
Episode Description:
In this episode Vince talks with Theo Horesh and Duff McDuffee, two S.N. Goenka practitioners. They discuss the effects of what can be called the mass production of meditators. They also explore the differences in using a single technique or multiple techniques for realization.
This is part 2 of a two-part series. Listen to Part 1: Entrepregurus and the Meditation Factory.
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Transcript:
Transcript coming soon…
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Great content. Interesting discussion.
One thing though, and this is a big and common misunderstanding it seems, is that Goenka's tradition 'forbids' meditation students to try other meditation techniques. This is a big misunderstanding, a 'rule' made up by people for reasons unknown and perpetuated in this podcast.
Well, I happen to know that meditation students are welcome to try as many techniques and traditions as they like, and are still very welcome to attend the 10-day Vipassana course at Goenka's meditation centers. Of course, one agrees to follow the instructions given while attending the course, which includes setting aside all other practices for 10 days. But at home, you decide yourself what you want to do, and you can still go back and sit another 10 day course.
It used to be true in that tradition that one could take only three or five 10-day courses while dabbling in other techniques, but then ultimately one should decide which technique was most suitable. That rule was lifted long ago and people can take as many 10-day courses as they wish. As long as they agree follow the guidelines during the course. Which sounds pretty reasonable to me.
What technique you practice at home is not regulated by Goenka or anybody.
Then of course if anyone claims to be a teacher, it is assumed that they already know what there is to know about meditation. So there is no point in taking a 10 day introductory course with Goenka.
I believe the same holds true for any other self respecting retreat centers, for that matter.
I did my first Vipassna retreat in 1999. I agree with the commentor above. Goenka says while you are at the 10 day retreat let go of any other practices so that you can give Vipassna a fair chance. I find that while 10 days is a huge time commitment, Vipassna is tried by a variety of people of different background and socioeconomic means, so it is very accessible for the willing.