Dear Brother Chia & Sis Foo
Many thanks for allowing me to share my Vipassana Meditation experience here. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sister Gin, Brother Chia & Sister Foo & family members, Sister Kelly and all the other helpers who have taken care of me during the Meditation Retreat. Without your help and caring, I really couldn’t do my meditation well and smoothly. I thank my teacher sister Gin, for her guidance, teaching vipassana meditation and the interview sessions which were very valuable to me.
This Vipassana Meditation Retreat was a precious event in my life. I experienced a lot of things which I never know before and they were very amazing. I really couldn’t believe it sometimes when I reflected on it, on hindsight but it happened. In my busy life, I do all my activities very fast because I don't like to waste time and am lazy to use my mind to think. During the retreat, my walking & eating, in fact all my motions slowed down. I really tried to be aware of every motion I was doing. It was a very clear movement as I noted it, and my mind was empty. I tried not to look around as I know that if my eyes see things on account of that seeing, some thoughts will come up in my mind. Actually, every process of our movements can be noted if we try to be focussed.
On the 2nd day during sitting meditation, I experienced the rising falling like a very big wave going up and down, up and down very fast until my chin. I could not handle it because that was very fast, but when I really noted it, the rising falling became smaller and smaller waves and slowly went into my stomach. It then slowly disappeared.
Another clear experience was the momentary itchiness on my head. It came suddenly and i noted it. As soon as I noted it disappeared but appeared again on my head but on the other side. This went on for a few times. The itchiness always disappear whenever i noted it and I felt like it was challenging me. I just know I noted it when it came and it disappeared promptly. I also experienced pain on my thigh, hand, ear and back also, it came I noted it and it disappeared. After that, I noted my lungs/chest going outward and inward, and my diaphragm moving up and down when I breathe in and breathe out.
Lastly I had a very strange experience. I saw my head (float) which is just my head and my two eyes closed appear in front of me(sitting), I could not see my nose, mouth, ears, just could see my head and two closes eyes only(floating in front), i know that was "me"( in front), and this image go away slowly and disappear. Strangely I was aware all the time that I was still sitting there watching all this happening.
I do not know how to explain this experience more clearly though I have tried to.
I want to add something here. Basically, everyone can practise vipassana well, if they are really intent on doing it. One important reminder - just need to let go of all worries and mental burden (empty your mind). Then really put in your effort. If you can’t make it for 2 days retreat, 5 minutes is also worth the effort. You can at least get 5 minutes of Dhamma wealth and joy. Then accumulate all those 5 minutes of wealth & joy, we will become very rich in Dhamma later on. This wealth is unique because nobody can steal it from us. It is our real property.
I just want to tell everyone " you must try to meditate yourself as only you yourself will gain from the benefits later". Meditation is indeed very amazing!
“Sukhi hontu”
With metta,
Libby
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Report from Sis.Loga
First at all, I would like to say I appreciate very much the good opportunity I had to learn and experience the Vipassana meditation. Special thanks goes to Sis Gin, who spent her precious time guiding us throughout the course and retreat. Thanks also to all the Ti-Ratana Dhamma-family members who organised the course and retreat.
This was my first experience attending a retreat. I feel the 2 days is not enough for me. The 1st day during the walking meditation I was feeling sleepy and unable to concentrate. Sometimes I feel like I was going to fall down because of the sleepiness but after breakfast, I was able to concentrate in my waking meditation. Same goes to my sitting meditation . I could sit for only 30 minutes because of unbearable pain in my thighs.
The 2nd day I felt very fresh and calm when I did the walking meditation. During sitting meditation I feel so relax and experienced joy. I found I could accept the pain and be aware of it but after some time when unbearable pain came, I got up to do walking meditation.
Once again , I would like to thank Sister Gin for teaching us the eating mediation. The 1st day I felt it was very difficult to eat slowly but I tried my level best and during that time I saw how Sister Gin was eating so I followed her. The next day I really could eat more slowly and was able to taste the food better. I could feel the food being digested very fast. I’m still following this method whenever I eat food. Thanks to all and I hope to attend more retreats in future. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu.
I also thank my boss Ms Wai Thuy Fong ,who invited me to this Vipassana Mediation course and retreat.
Loga
This was my first experience attending a retreat. I feel the 2 days is not enough for me. The 1st day during the walking meditation I was feeling sleepy and unable to concentrate. Sometimes I feel like I was going to fall down because of the sleepiness but after breakfast, I was able to concentrate in my waking meditation. Same goes to my sitting meditation . I could sit for only 30 minutes because of unbearable pain in my thighs.
The 2nd day I felt very fresh and calm when I did the walking meditation. During sitting meditation I feel so relax and experienced joy. I found I could accept the pain and be aware of it but after some time when unbearable pain came, I got up to do walking meditation.
Once again , I would like to thank Sister Gin for teaching us the eating mediation. The 1st day I felt it was very difficult to eat slowly but I tried my level best and during that time I saw how Sister Gin was eating so I followed her. The next day I really could eat more slowly and was able to taste the food better. I could feel the food being digested very fast. I’m still following this method whenever I eat food. Thanks to all and I hope to attend more retreats in future. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu.
I also thank my boss Ms Wai Thuy Fong ,who invited me to this Vipassana Mediation course and retreat.
Loga
Report from Bro. Arumugam
Dear Bro Chia and others
I am indeed fortunate to have participated in the course and retreat under the guidance of Sis Gin. For the 2 days my mind was filled with awareness I felt a sense of spirituality. However, this state did not last long after the retreat when I returned to the “other world”-of family, friends, work, social needs etc. I certainly felt that my mind was being “tamed” during the retreat and I did have some new experiences too which I am happy to share with others. I experienced itchy sensations all over my face on day 2, it did not happen on day 1. During walking meditation, for a split moment (3 seconds or so), I could not sense my being, as though I was walking in space. The sitting meditation was good for a while but often sleepiness creeps in and undermined my effort. On day 1, I had severe discomfort around my knee area that made me restless after 15-20 minutes. However, this pain disappeared the next day and I could sit for more than 35 minutes. I also felt tingling sensations on my fingers during the walking meditation. I thought this was really a good achievement. I think my experiences were not much and profound compared to other yogis but I thank my good kamma for having had the opportunity to learn and experience Vipassana meditation.
Sis Gin has given the simple steps and knowledge about this wonderful meditation technique. I am indebted to her (Sis Gin). I also would like to thank Sis Foo and all her helpers as well. Thanks for enabling me to take the first step to learn Vipassana meditation.. As a Hindu, I was taught to respect the Lord Buddha so getting into Buddhism and its teaching is nothing surprising. I feel fortunate to receive Lord Buddha’s teaching and principles. I will not stop here but will definitely take all opportunities to participate in such retreats again.
“Sadhu” 3x.
Dr. GS Arumugam
I am indeed fortunate to have participated in the course and retreat under the guidance of Sis Gin. For the 2 days my mind was filled with awareness I felt a sense of spirituality. However, this state did not last long after the retreat when I returned to the “other world”-of family, friends, work, social needs etc. I certainly felt that my mind was being “tamed” during the retreat and I did have some new experiences too which I am happy to share with others. I experienced itchy sensations all over my face on day 2, it did not happen on day 1. During walking meditation, for a split moment (3 seconds or so), I could not sense my being, as though I was walking in space. The sitting meditation was good for a while but often sleepiness creeps in and undermined my effort. On day 1, I had severe discomfort around my knee area that made me restless after 15-20 minutes. However, this pain disappeared the next day and I could sit for more than 35 minutes. I also felt tingling sensations on my fingers during the walking meditation. I thought this was really a good achievement. I think my experiences were not much and profound compared to other yogis but I thank my good kamma for having had the opportunity to learn and experience Vipassana meditation.
Sis Gin has given the simple steps and knowledge about this wonderful meditation technique. I am indebted to her (Sis Gin). I also would like to thank Sis Foo and all her helpers as well. Thanks for enabling me to take the first step to learn Vipassana meditation.. As a Hindu, I was taught to respect the Lord Buddha so getting into Buddhism and its teaching is nothing surprising. I feel fortunate to receive Lord Buddha’s teaching and principles. I will not stop here but will definitely take all opportunities to participate in such retreats again.
“Sadhu” 3x.
Dr. GS Arumugam
Thursday, June 16, 2011
COMING RETREAT AT DENGKIL MEDITATION CENTRE (18 & 19 June, 2011)
Invitation to attend this Weekend Retreat at Dengkil is extended to those who have attended the courses that I have conducted.
Please email me to confirm your participation by Fri 17/6/11.
Bring along your sleeping bag or other bedding stuff and breakfast for Sunday morning.
Meet at the centre at 3pm on Sat 18th June or at my place at 2pm to organise car pool.
This will be the first retreat for the Intermediate Course (Tiratana Centre).
Please email me to confirm your participation by Fri 17/6/11.
Bring along your sleeping bag or other bedding stuff and breakfast for Sunday morning.
Meet at the centre at 3pm on Sat 18th June or at my place at 2pm to organise car pool.
This will be the first retreat for the Intermediate Course (Tiratana Centre).
Monday, June 13, 2011
RETREAT EXPERIENCE - Bro. Khoo Khay Lin
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Brenda and I had attended Day Retreat once or twice over the years, but really nothing much came out of it for us then, but this time it was a different kind of experience.
Somehow, we find ourselves seriously engrossed in the practice from the moment we stepped into Klang & Coast Buddhist Centre and it was all the way until the session ends at night.
Walking Meditation (1st Day ) In the walking meditation, I was noting the 'Wobbling' of my legs each time I transfer my weight onto it and also the feeling of the sole of the feet on the floor. I was doing this over a few stretches up and down the hall and out of nowhere, I had this 'light and elated' feelings - very light and blissful; nothing else and that you do not feel that 'yourself ' is there. Funny, its a kind of feeling I had never felt before. Then I also had an emotional feeling. Both these feelings stay for a brief moment and then its back to noting and feeling again.
Sitting Meditation (1st Day ). Same kind of feeling again when I was noting the 'pulling' pain starting at a point at the top of my left thigh and it travels down to just a point above the knee. Then it dissipates and re-appear at the same point where it started. And its all over again; sometimes same place, some other time at the back of your shoulder, etc
It was during this noting that I again experienced that very kind of 'Light and Elated' feelings as in the Walking Meditation.
I was almost getting the same feeling again in the Sitting Meditation when the bell just sounded; and it was all over.
The Interview ( 1st Day ) : - I reported my experience to Sis Gin and she concurred that Yogis do experience this momentarily during their meditation practice and for those experienced preceptors, it stays for quite a while before it dissipates. She mentioned something like 'Spiritual Joy' and a Pali word for it which I do not remember.
During the Interview I also suddenly realised that this body is full of pain and discomfort everywhere and every moment - and this is really suffering. Then the on and off of the pain, and this is impermanence and that unexplained feeling which I think is non-self.
2nd Day: I was mentally and physically drained during the second day of the Retreat. However hard I tried, I could not concentrate, even as basic as noting the primary object.
However, the whole day, during the sitting meditation, I found my body shrinking and leaning at a precarious angle towards my right and me struggling to keep myself from falling over. It was like this each time during the sitting meditation.
The Venue: For a short Retreat, the Venue, Klang Coast is fine; but frankly one needs a more conducive environment for a longer one.
Logistics: Credit goes to the Organiser for the Food and Services - 5 Star rating.
Conclusion: Brenda and I had learned from this Retreat and will be more confident in the next one. We have learned to be more mindful and restrain each day and to reflect on the experience we gained from the Retreat.
We would like to thank to Committee of Ti-Ratana Centre (NBC)Klang, for organising this Retreat.
With metta
Khoo
Brenda and I had attended Day Retreat once or twice over the years, but really nothing much came out of it for us then, but this time it was a different kind of experience.
Somehow, we find ourselves seriously engrossed in the practice from the moment we stepped into Klang & Coast Buddhist Centre and it was all the way until the session ends at night.
Walking Meditation (1st Day ) In the walking meditation, I was noting the 'Wobbling' of my legs each time I transfer my weight onto it and also the feeling of the sole of the feet on the floor. I was doing this over a few stretches up and down the hall and out of nowhere, I had this 'light and elated' feelings - very light and blissful; nothing else and that you do not feel that 'yourself ' is there. Funny, its a kind of feeling I had never felt before. Then I also had an emotional feeling. Both these feelings stay for a brief moment and then its back to noting and feeling again.
Sitting Meditation (1st Day ). Same kind of feeling again when I was noting the 'pulling' pain starting at a point at the top of my left thigh and it travels down to just a point above the knee. Then it dissipates and re-appear at the same point where it started. And its all over again; sometimes same place, some other time at the back of your shoulder, etc
It was during this noting that I again experienced that very kind of 'Light and Elated' feelings as in the Walking Meditation.
I was almost getting the same feeling again in the Sitting Meditation when the bell just sounded; and it was all over.
The Interview ( 1st Day ) : - I reported my experience to Sis Gin and she concurred that Yogis do experience this momentarily during their meditation practice and for those experienced preceptors, it stays for quite a while before it dissipates. She mentioned something like 'Spiritual Joy' and a Pali word for it which I do not remember.
During the Interview I also suddenly realised that this body is full of pain and discomfort everywhere and every moment - and this is really suffering. Then the on and off of the pain, and this is impermanence and that unexplained feeling which I think is non-self.
2nd Day: I was mentally and physically drained during the second day of the Retreat. However hard I tried, I could not concentrate, even as basic as noting the primary object.
However, the whole day, during the sitting meditation, I found my body shrinking and leaning at a precarious angle towards my right and me struggling to keep myself from falling over. It was like this each time during the sitting meditation.
The Venue: For a short Retreat, the Venue, Klang Coast is fine; but frankly one needs a more conducive environment for a longer one.
Logistics: Credit goes to the Organiser for the Food and Services - 5 Star rating.
Conclusion: Brenda and I had learned from this Retreat and will be more confident in the next one. We have learned to be more mindful and restrain each day and to reflect on the experience we gained from the Retreat.
We would like to thank to Committee of Ti-Ratana Centre (NBC)Klang, for organising this Retreat.
With metta
Khoo
INVITATION TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE RECENT RETREAT
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
I guess each of you who has attended the retreat would have his/her experience particular to yourself. We would like to collect such experience both for sharing and also as encouragement to other yogis/newcomers to vipassanā meditation. I believe such sharing is good as newcomers to mindfulness meditation in particular need to be encouraged/persuaded/cajoled. As fellow yogis & kalyāna mitta (noble/spiritual friends), we could encourage one another in our striving & pursuit along the Path by such sharing, among others.
It is also important to note the retreat was to serve as a beginning or inducement for further (& longer) retreats at least until we have the unshakeable faith in the 3 Jewels (Ti-Ratana). (The said unshakeable faith is attained when one becomes a sotāpanna or stream-enterer or stream-winner). Even before we have such unshakeable faith, we may also realize that such experience in insight meditation and/or mindfulness are so wonderful/precious that no amount of money could buy (such experience) or we would not exchange it for any amount of money (even if it were possible). It is also a beginning or continuing pursuit of the journey of self discovering. We would understand our own self better. We would know better our inclination, propensity, clinging, desire, fear and the like including those inner feelings, subtle fears or desires that have been long hiding in the deep recesses of our heart.
The skill that we learnt could and should be applied in every moment of our everyday life or as much as possible, such as while waiting, jogging, working etc. The Buddha has said something like mindfulness is necessary or required in everything we are doing, just as salt is to curry. Mindfulness would then becomes our best companion, wherever we may be and whatever we are doing.
So, do share your experience!
With mettā
chia
I guess each of you who has attended the retreat would have his/her experience particular to yourself. We would like to collect such experience both for sharing and also as encouragement to other yogis/newcomers to vipassanā meditation. I believe such sharing is good as newcomers to mindfulness meditation in particular need to be encouraged/persuaded/cajoled. As fellow yogis & kalyāna mitta (noble/spiritual friends), we could encourage one another in our striving & pursuit along the Path by such sharing, among others.
It is also important to note the retreat was to serve as a beginning or inducement for further (& longer) retreats at least until we have the unshakeable faith in the 3 Jewels (Ti-Ratana). (The said unshakeable faith is attained when one becomes a sotāpanna or stream-enterer or stream-winner). Even before we have such unshakeable faith, we may also realize that such experience in insight meditation and/or mindfulness are so wonderful/precious that no amount of money could buy (such experience) or we would not exchange it for any amount of money (even if it were possible). It is also a beginning or continuing pursuit of the journey of self discovering. We would understand our own self better. We would know better our inclination, propensity, clinging, desire, fear and the like including those inner feelings, subtle fears or desires that have been long hiding in the deep recesses of our heart.
The skill that we learnt could and should be applied in every moment of our everyday life or as much as possible, such as while waiting, jogging, working etc. The Buddha has said something like mindfulness is necessary or required in everything we are doing, just as salt is to curry. Mindfulness would then becomes our best companion, wherever we may be and whatever we are doing.
So, do share your experience!
With mettā
chia
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