There is a hushed silence in the hall at the impressive auditorium of the Brookline High school as S.N.Goenka walks in with his wife to take a seat in front of an audience of more than 300 people. There is an air of expectancy and reverence around as he is introduced. Mr. Goenka looks around the room , pauses and then proceeds to speak on Vipassana, a meditation technique that is fast gaining popularity all over the world. Curiosity and a compelling sense of what this form of meditation is all about, brings me to this talk that is organized solely by the students and volunteers of this foundation

SN Goenka , the internationally known teacher of meditation is currently on a tour of North America to teach and speak on this ancient practice that has its roots in Buddhism. Vipassana means “to see things as they really are.”This non sectarian technique appeals to the mind as it emphasizes the control and discipline that can be achieved solely by self observation and truth realization

Vipassana is spiritual in nature, a facet that Goenka emphasis every religion embraces, As he talks he explains the practical aspect of the form. One , it teaches us to abstain from any sinful action. Secondly it helps develop mastery of the mind and lastly it makes your senses sharp,subtle and sensitive to the physical world around you.

The 10 day residential course is designed to train the mind to exercise control and discipline. It is no easy task however. Day one is the hardest when the mind constantly wanders and needs to be drawn back to the awareness zone. Concentration of the breath is essential There is no verbalization and participants barely talk during his period. Continuity of this awareness is what brings about the inner peace. Negativity is removed and it helps people develop insights into their own nature. There are no charges for the courses - not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the opportunity to benefit from it also.

Questions from the audience varied from why is 10 days significant, can one take anti depression medication while doing Vipassana, why does it help both prisoners and non prisoners, what should be the focus when we meditate and if I am already happy, why do I need Vipassana etc. Mr Goenka patiently offered answers in a soft spoken voice and the benefits of this form of meditation

Between April to August 2002, Mr Goenka is on a North America tour with public talks in 35 cities, ten day meditation courses, a meditation retreat for leaders and executives and one day courses for returning students. Ramkrishna Raju, a dedicated local volunteer in Boston who has successfully completed the 10 day course informs me that children’s courses are also offered in the age groups of 8 to 12

Vipassana has been practiced with success in many parts of the world and has centers in southern Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan and has been incorporated in Government offices as well as in prisons. In fact, ‘The Spirit in Business World Conference,’ that was held around April 21st in New York featured S.N. Goenka, and Kiran Bedi, joint commissioner for training with Delhi Police, who enlightened the executives ranging from chief executives officers (CEOs) to middle-level officers how they can better their personal and professional lives by looking inwards through meditation, yoga and other practices.

For more information visit www.dhamma.org or www.meditationnow.org

|