Vipassana

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In a message dated 5/12/00 11:52:44 AM Central Daylight Time,

agougeon writes:

 

<< but the books i had find always mentionned that it had to be teached

personnaly and that it could not be learned from the book itself, >>

 

Yes and no. Finding a living teacher who embodies what s/he teaches - is

always preferable. But - lacking that - a really well-written book can be

very helpful! This particular book ( " The Art of Living " by William Hart) -

consists of the lectures given by master viapssana teacher Goenka. So it is

almost like being there.

 

What is missing - of course - is the social pressure of having other people

around. If other people are there - you cannot just get up and walk around.

Or go watch tv and forget about the whole thing. And you cannot ask questions

of a book.

 

However - if you are determined to do something with your own mind and life -

then you can do it! Many of us 'find' meditation after years of struggling

unsuccessfully with deep-seated personal issues. After years of addictive

behaviors of various sorts. After we become so tired of our lives as they

have been - that we will try anything to make it better. Even - meditation <g>

 

In Buddhism - this is known as the attitude of renunciation. To renounce (of

our own free will and with deep conviction) what we have been doing as

unsuccessful - and to begin doing something new. In this case - to begin a

sincere and dedicated effort of personal examination. To begin an unstoppable

campaign - to know ourselves. Nothing else we have tried has ever worked -

and we are very sure of that from personal experience.

 

If you have that View - then meditation will be successful for you. And

eventually - you will probably find a class somewhere. Possibly not near you.

But if you are determined to attend a class - then you will find one.

 

Wishing you all the best in your life and spiritual journey-

diana