Vipassana Meditation Discussions - Architects of a New Dawn2024-03-29T06:40:36Zhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/group/vipassanameditation/forum?feed=yes&xn_auth=noThe Buddha and Modern Sciencetag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-10-27:2227378:Topic:1347832009-10-27T22:48:12.516ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
<b>I am fascinated by the interconnected of all beings, and how modern science is so fascinated with Buddhism, and how it's theology lines up so well. Buddha sat there in his Inquiry Meditation (Vipassana - to see Reality), and realized all the inner workings of the body which parallels the outer workings of the Universe. How stars and planets and shooting stars are like the atoms, electrons, protons, nuetrons, quarks in our bodies. Buddha observed tiny objects moving and disappearing (causing…</b>
<b>I am fascinated by the interconnected of all beings, and how modern science is so fascinated with Buddhism, and how it's theology lines up so well. Buddha sat there in his Inquiry Meditation (Vipassana - to see Reality), and realized all the inner workings of the body which parallels the outer workings of the Universe. How stars and planets and shooting stars are like the atoms, electrons, protons, nuetrons, quarks in our bodies. Buddha observed tiny objects moving and disappearing (causing "sensations' in the body) while he was meditating that Goenka writes about this with another name but sounds like "quarks" to me. How "emptiness" is related to space which is the medium that all of this can occur. How Buddhism helps tell the story of our beginnings, our connectedness, the impermanence, and ironically our infiniteness. Science is still behind with the last part. They start with the "big bang" (which helps explain our interconnectedness) but Buddhism says the Universe is infinite, so the Dalia Lama wants to know what went on before the "big bang". What about science of Loving Kindness? The scientists really are inspired by the compassion shown by Buddhists, and realize it has a lot to do with our interconnectedness - our Oneness.<br />
<br />
I want to understand better the Science of Love. How does Science line up with Unconditional Love? Why did my Grandmother's energetic transmission (she was physical or verbal) of unconditional love affect me so positively'<br />
that I felt it saved my life?<br />
<br />
Here is a sample quote from another helpful book:<br />
<br />
"I once asked my physicist friend David Bohm this question: From the perspective of modern science, apart from the question of misrepresentation, what is wrong with the belief in the independent existence of things? His response was telling. He said that if we examine various ideologies that tend to divide humanity, such as racism, extreme nationalism, and the Marxist class struggle, one of the key factors of their origin is the tendency to perceive things as inherently divided and disconnected.</b><br />
<br />
" His Holiness The Dalia Lama from p. 51 of his book <u>The Universe in a Single Atom.</u> Equanimitytag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-10-15:2227378:Topic:1314082009-10-15T16:40:44.167ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
Not transcendance, not trance, not out-of-body, not egolessness, although these states happen in meditation, in Vipassana, our goal is equanimity according to Goenka.<br />
<br />
To me equanimity is real peace, real joy, real balance, and is the middle road that Buddha teaches.<br />
<br />
Agree? or not?
Not transcendance, not trance, not out-of-body, not egolessness, although these states happen in meditation, in Vipassana, our goal is equanimity according to Goenka.<br />
<br />
To me equanimity is real peace, real joy, real balance, and is the middle road that Buddha teaches.<br />
<br />
Agree? or not? Bodhisattva in metro - videotag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-10-07:2227378:Topic:1290792009-10-07T05:21:11.216ZElizabeth Feissthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ElizabethFeisst
<object width="660" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jedd2FiZTqM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><embed wmode="opaque" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jedd2FiZTqM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" width="660" height="525"></embed> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param></object>
<object width="660" height="525"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jedd2FiZTqM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jedd2FiZTqM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" width="660" height="525"></embed></object> Oprah's interview with Jenny Phillips - Dhamma Brothers Documentary & book Letters From the Dhamma Brotherstag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-17:2227378:Topic:1230172009-09-17T05:05:57.772ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866180895?profile=original"></img></p>
Jenny Phillips Cultural anthropologist, writer and psychotherapist Jenny Phillips has been working in the field of mental health for more than 15 years. Much of her work has been with male prisoners, teaching inmates courses on emotional literacy and vipassana meditation, an ancient meditation technique based on the teachings of Buddha. Her work has helped inmates—many serving multiple life sentences—transform their lives, face their pasts and become…
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866180895?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
Jenny Phillips Cultural anthropologist, writer and psychotherapist Jenny Phillips has been working in the field of mental health for more than 15 years. Much of her work has been with male prisoners, teaching inmates courses on emotional literacy and vipassana meditation, an ancient meditation technique based on the teachings of Buddha. Her work has helped inmates—many serving multiple life sentences—transform their lives, face their pasts and become more peaceful, purposeful people.<br />
<br />
In 2008, Jenny released the self-produced documentary The Dhamma Brothers, which followed 36 prisoners at the Donaldson Correctional Facility in Alabama through a 10-day silent vipassana meditation course. Her book Letters from the Dhamma Brothers: Meditation Behind Bars is a collection of letters and interviews from inmates who took part in the meditation course. The book depicts prison life and the journey many of the prisoners took to better understanding the teachings of Buddha and achieving inner peace.<br />
<br />
Jenny has doctorate in anthropology from Boston University and is currently researching a book—along with her husband, journalist Frank Phillips—on author Ernest Hemingway's 22 years in Cuba. Jenny's grandfather, Maxwell Perkins, was a legendary book editor and close friend of Hemingway's.<br />
<br />
<br />
Fatal error: <u>Allowed memory size of 50331648 bytes exhausted</u> (tried to allocate 44564480 bytes) in /apps/socialnetworkmain/widgets/video/lib/helpers/Video_ImportHelper.php on line 15<br />
This is what happened when I tried to embed part 1 below. go to this link - you will really get alot out of these interviews by Oprah:<br />
<br />
<b>http://www.oprah.com/article/spirit/inspiration/pkgoprahssoulserieswebcast/20081013_oaf_oss_jphillips</b><br />
Part 1 Watch Now Listen Now<br />
<br />
Part 2 Watch Now Listen Now True Middle Pathtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-13:2227378:Topic:1224232009-09-13T12:22:03.593ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
<b>“In themselves, morality (sila) and concentration (samadhi) are valuable, but their real purpose is to lead to wisdom. It is only in developing wisdom (panna) that we find a true middle path between the extremes of self-indulgence and self-repression (renunciation). By practicing morality, we avoid actions that cause the grossest forms of mental agitation. By concentrating the mind, we further calm it and at the same time shape it into an effective tool with which to undertake the work of…</b>
<b>“In themselves, morality (sila) and concentration (samadhi) are valuable, but their real purpose is to lead to wisdom. It is only in developing wisdom (panna) that we find a true middle path between the extremes of self-indulgence and self-repression (renunciation). By practicing morality, we avoid actions that cause the grossest forms of mental agitation. By concentrating the mind, we further calm it and at the same time shape it into an effective tool with which to undertake the work of self-examination. But it is only by developing wisdom that we can penetrate into the reality within and free ourselves of all ignorance and attachments.”</b><br />
<br />
p. 88 of Hart’s The Art of Living -Vipassana Meditation as taught by S. N. Goenka Right Thoughttag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-13:2227378:Topic:1224192009-09-13T12:18:32.910ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
One part of Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path is “Right Thought”.<br />
<br />
<i><b>“It is not necessary for all thoughts to cease in meditation before one begins Vipassana. Thoughts may still persist, but if awareness is sustained from moment to moment, that is sufficient to start the work.<br />
<br />
Thoughts may remain, but the nature of the thought pattern changes. Aversion and craving have been calmed down by awareness of breathing. The mind has become tranquil at least at the conscious level, and has begun to…</b></i>
One part of Buddha’s Noble Eightfold Path is “Right Thought”.<br />
<br />
<i><b>“It is not necessary for all thoughts to cease in meditation before one begins Vipassana. Thoughts may still persist, but if awareness is sustained from moment to moment, that is sufficient to start the work.<br />
<br />
Thoughts may remain, but the nature of the thought pattern changes. Aversion and craving have been calmed down by awareness of breathing. The mind has become tranquil at least at the conscious level, and has begun to think about Dhamma, about the way to emerge from suffering. The difficulties that arose on initiating awareness of respiration have now passed or at least have been overcome to some extent. One is prepared for the next step, right understanding.”</b></i><br />
<br />
p. 88 of Hart’s The Art of Living -Vipassana Meditation as taught by S. N. Goenka. Ten Days of Silence for Peace of Mindtag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-07:2227378:Topic:1211802009-09-07T21:46:16.378ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
Ron Alexander<br />
<br />
<i><b>After I returned from a ten day silent Vipassana Retreat, I have been asked "Why would you even want to be in silence for ten days?" That was a good question. I would have thought it crazy, if I had not seen the "Dhamma Brothers" documentary, about the amazing transformation of lifer prisoners (some convicted murderers), after they spent ten days of silent Vipassana Meditation.<br />
<br />
Vipassana means to see things as they really are, and was started by Gautama Buddha 2600 years…</b></i>
Ron Alexander<br />
<br />
<i><b>After I returned from a ten day silent Vipassana Retreat, I have been asked "Why would you even want to be in silence for ten days?" That was a good question. I would have thought it crazy, if I had not seen the "Dhamma Brothers" documentary, about the amazing transformation of lifer prisoners (some convicted murderers), after they spent ten days of silent Vipassana Meditation.<br />
<br />
Vipassana means to see things as they really are, and was started by Gautama Buddha 2600 years ago. "...Buddha taught: an art of living. He never established or taught any religion, any 'ism'. He never instructed those who came to him to practice any rituals, any empty formalities. Instead, he taught them just to observe nature as it is, by observing the reality inside. Out of ignorance we keep reacting in ways which harm ourselves and others. But when the wisdom arises-the wisdom of observing reality as it is-this habit of reacting falls away. When we cease to react blindly, then we are capable of real action-action proceeding from a balanced mind, a mind which sees and understands the truth. Such action can only be positive, creative, helpful to ourselves and to others." S.N. Goenka "The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation".<br />
<br />
Science also supports the premise behind the Buddha’s meditation, as can be read about in Tolle’s books –specifically identifying with inner space (formlessness) instead of form.<br />
<br />
Daily eleven hours of meditating was not easy, many times I felt like just bolting. However, I am glad I didn’t. I am meditating more and more effectively experiencing much more peace and joy.<br />
<br />
Goenka advises practice – “persistence, and you will succeed." Also, we are to end each sitting with a ‘Metta’ (Loving Kindness) prayer:<br />
May all beings be happy, be peaceful and be free!”</b></i> In Search for Stillness - Monkey's Mind or Monk's Mind?tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-08-28:2227378:Topic:1151562009-08-28T09:30:27.519ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
<b><br />
After I returned from a ten day silent Vipassana Retreat, I have been asked "Why would you even want to be in silence for ten days?" That was a good question,I,too, would have thought it crazy, if I had not seen the "Dhamma Brothers" documentary, about the amazing transformation of lifer prisoners (some convicted murderers) after they spent ten days of silent Vipassana Meditation. The dedicated teacher and servers were locked in the prison with them. Are not many of us prisoners' of our own…</b>
<b><br />
After I returned from a ten day silent Vipassana Retreat, I have been asked "Why would you even want to be in silence for ten days?" That was a good question,I,too, would have thought it crazy, if I had not seen the "Dhamma Brothers" documentary, about the amazing transformation of lifer prisoners (some convicted murderers) after they spent ten days of silent Vipassana Meditation. The dedicated teacher and servers were locked in the prison with them. Are not many of us prisoners' of our own wild mind?<br />
<br />
Now it is about 4:30 in the AM while I am writing this - the time of our first meditation at the monastery. The first of 11 hours of meditating, with no talking allowed for the whole ten days. It was not easy, many times I felt like just bolting to the off limits parking lot, and driving away leaving with some lame excuse. I think this early AM time is significant. It is one of the quietest times of the day. In searching for this quiet, this stillness, I am searching for clarity and mainly for peace of mind. And isn't that what we all want really? More than anything else?<br />
<br />
Gordon Hempton wrote in his book, One Square Inch of Silence : "We all have special places, we seek to be in quiet, in peace, in silence. Silence makes me feel alive. There are no distractions in silence and it is here that I find what is truly important in life." In another place, he wrote "my most powerful instruction comes to me in silence and it is simply this: That everything in life is about love."<br />
<br />
Well, "love" is a very large subject, so for me what distills my answer to what I seek for in stillness, in silence is best described as peace of mind. I went in looking for clarity, and I have more of that, however that is because I have more peace in my life. I continue the practice, the teacher recommends - one hour of meditation in the AM and one hour in the PM - truthfully not 100%. However, the more I become quiet, the more I want it. And practically, it makes me more rational, more reasonable and easier to get along with.<br />
<br />
Quoting Hempton again: "There is Quiet, a stillness in all of us. Therefore, we thirst for quiet and silence, as we thirst for water. We search for silence in quiet places such as forests, oceans, gardens, churches, libraries, and in our homes. Our quest for silence comes also in prayer or sleep."<br />
<br />
Buddhists have that special monkey mind name for the crazy uncontrollable thoughts that imprison many of us - moi for sure! However, the quieter Monk's mind is better suited for daily life - relationships at home and at work and creativity. The more I meditate, the more of a Monk's Mind I have to soothe my almost out of control mind. Meditation is helping me find that still place within - finally more peace of mind!</b> Inner Space in Meditation - A Choice Point?tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-08-27:2227378:Topic:1149842009-08-27T17:32:42.829ZRon Alexanderhttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonAlexander
Inner Space in Meditation - A Choice Point?<br />
The Dalia Lama on Space:<br />
<i><b><br />
Many Eastern Philosophers and Buddhists in<br />
particular speak of four elements of earth, water, fire<br />
and air, which space is added as a fifth element.<br />
The first four elements exist thanks to the fifth one,<br />
space, which allows them to manifest and function.<br />
<br />
According to certain Buddhist texts like the<br />
"Kalachakra Tantra", space or ether is not a total<br />
void or nothingness. It is composed of "emptiness<br />
particles". The four…</b></i>
Inner Space in Meditation - A Choice Point?<br />
The Dalia Lama on Space:<br />
<i><b><br />
Many Eastern Philosophers and Buddhists in<br />
particular speak of four elements of earth, water, fire<br />
and air, which space is added as a fifth element.<br />
The first four elements exist thanks to the fifth one,<br />
space, which allows them to manifest and function.<br />
<br />
According to certain Buddhist texts like the<br />
"Kalachakra Tantra", space or ether is not a total<br />
void or nothingness. It is composed of "emptiness<br />
particles". The four elements arise from these<br />
emptiness particles, going from the subtlest<br />
matter to gross matter(air, fire, water, and earth),<br />
and this process is called generation.<br />
Then they dissolve back, from gross matter to subtle<br />
matter, and dissolve into emptiness particles,<br />
and this process is called dissolution. Space,<br />
or universal emptiness, is the basis of the entire<br />
process.</b></i> "Light of Consciousness<br />
(Journal of Spiritual Awakening) Autumn 2009 Issue"<br />
<br />
In his <u>New Earth</u>, Eckhart Tolle writes about<br />
the amazing amount of space in our bodies -<br />
<b>99.99%<br />
is space" compared to the minuscule amount of physical<br />
form.<br />
"So your physical body, which is form, reveals itself<br />
essentially formless when you go deeper into it. It<br />
becomes a doorway into inner space. That inner space is<br />
intensely alive, although it has no form. It is life<br />
in its fullness, the unmanifested Source out of which<br />
all manifestation flows. The traditional word for that<br />
Source is God.<br />
That "intense aliveness is an intrinsic part of the joy<br />
of Being."<br />
..."Through complete acceptance of the form of the Now,<br />
you become spacious inside. Aligned with space instead of<br />
form: that brings true perspective and balance into your<br />
life."</b> (P. 250-253)"<br />
<br />
Now this brings me to similar personal experiences of<br />
enlarged inner space during Vipassana meditation, and<br />
a good description from Iman Omar Rahman in<br />
<u>Letters from the Dhamma Brothers</u>:<br />
<b>"Experiencing openness and learning to open<br />
myself more has allowed me to access more of the space<br />
of my existence. When an adverse occurrence arises<br />
around me I'm less reactive because I have space to<br />
see and act with skill, I'm less caught up in anger<br />
when it flares or any other negative feelings. I'm<br />
less hooked if you will. I can let go. I have more<br />
space within me to be otherwise..."</b><br />
P. 117-118<br />
<br />
Ron's question:<br />
Does this inner space allow us choice point to<br />
respond rather than to react? What I took Away from Vipassanatag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-08-24:2227378:Topic:1142102009-08-24T13:13:19.163ZElizabeth Feissthttps://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/ElizabethFeisst
<b>Hi All<br />
<br />
I completed 3 10 day Vipassana meditation retreats in Pomona, Queensland Australia 1999-2001 before I emigrated to Isle of Man in 2003.<br />
<br />
What I took away mainly from these experiences is the power of observation and the ability it gives one to shift circumstances, situations and feelings through allowance and acceptance of all being as it is in the Now Moment. For through observation, change is inevitable...and for the better!<br />
<br />
I have never been one for accepting anything as a "fait…</b>
<b>Hi All<br />
<br />
I completed 3 10 day Vipassana meditation retreats in Pomona, Queensland Australia 1999-2001 before I emigrated to Isle of Man in 2003.<br />
<br />
What I took away mainly from these experiences is the power of observation and the ability it gives one to shift circumstances, situations and feelings through allowance and acceptance of all being as it is in the Now Moment. For through observation, change is inevitable...and for the better!<br />
<br />
I have never been one for accepting anything as a "fait accompli" and tend usually to adapt any so called "system" to suite my own way...apologies S.N.Goenka...but that is who IAM. ... { Psssttt.... I never did really enjoy SN Goenka's lectures in the evenings of each course. Instead I tended to go off into my own space of silence and meditation once again...one can never get too much of that space!}<br />
<br />
I now tend to not defer to anyOne outside of Self.....yet having said that I do honour all that Vipassana has contributed to my present state of Being....and for that I am eternally grateful.<br />
<br />
In Love, Joy & Freedom<br />
<br />
Elizabethx</b>