Report from Sis. Jotipali (who attended the course in USJ21 & Hari Raya Retreat)
I have been attending short retreats since I learnt vipassana meditation a few years ago but all this while, I felt I didn't really progress much. I thought I was stuck and doubts arose in me regularly especially with regards to whether Vipasana is suitable for me or not. I even stopped practising in daily life for a long time and even contemplated learning other techniques but teachers of other techniques are rare. I had tried to go to other centres and learnt with other vipassana teachers too. Then I made a wish to be able to meet the right teacher to guide me in my practice. I was so happy when I found out that Sister Gin was teaching at BDBS and I immediately asked to attend her class. I believed I have benefitted tremendously by attending the classes and the retreat.
On the 3rd day, I could see changing physical phenomena rapidly appearing and disappearing in many ways and forms, sometimes the phenomena was moving very fast, at times moderate, sometimes slow. The phenomena appeared at various parts of the body, at times at the abdomen, chest area, heart, face and jumping onto my hands and shoulder. These happened very fast but were very distinctly noted.
In this retreat I realised that I need to be really serious about the 1 hour walking session as I found that I could have better sittings, can observe better, the mind being more alert and sharp. I could see tingling sensations clearly and catch it the moment it arises. I was amazed that the mind was quick enough catch the ‘thinking’ and ‘wandering process’; something I never thought was possible even though I had heard about it.
Pain was experienced in a very intense but clear manner. I remember feeling a very sharp pain on the right side of the buttock (always the same spot) like ‘drilling’ into it. This phenomena happened for 2 days. On the last occasion, I was surprised that this sensation appeared for only a short while in my sitting. It never appeared again after that. My mind seemed to be very clear too.
With Sis.Gin’s careful observation, correction and guidance, I learnt how to do the walking properly and meticulously so I could concentrate better in my walking. I was able to walk in a more mindful and balanced manner, and catch all the sensations that arose together with the movement of the foot. Right after leaving the retreat centre, while driving on my way home, very strong tingling sensations in circular/swirling motion was felt. What surprised me was it came very suddenly and unexpectedly. It lasted for about 1 min and then dissappeared only to arise again. When I arrived home, I watched it and it became sharper and it also felt warm at the soles.
At home and at work, the next day, I noticed I became more mindful naturally without putting in much effort and it lasted until the second day although I was too busy to do any formal practice. At this moment too, while typing this report, the tingling sensations of the toes can be felt on my right and left legs.
All these never happened in my past retreats so I am very grateful to Sis.Gin for her guidance and encouragement. I finally managed to put away many of my doubts especially regarding my own ability to practise well in vipassana.
During the talks, she shared her experiences with us so we are motivated to strive on further. All we need to do, is to practise. My motto is: “Just do it without any expectations and insight will come when the time is right.”
A Word of Appreciation.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the organiser Ti-Ratana Buddhist Centre (NBC) Klang, helpers and sponsors of this retreat, who have gone the extra mile to make this retreat smooth and conducive for all the retreatants. I would like to say a big “Sadhu” to Sis Gin for her selfless contribution to the Sasana (Buddha's Dispensation) and for spending extra 3 days to guide me. Special thanks also goes to Maha Karuna Buddhist Society for allowing us to extend our retreat until 1st September and Buddha Dharma Buddhist Society (BDBS) USJ21 for allowing us to use their centre from 2nd to 4th September 2011.
Sukhi Hontu & With Metta,
Jotipali
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Hi Bro. Chia,
I am Bro Tham from Persatuan Buddhist Hilir Perak, Teluk. I just attended the Raya retreat organised by your committee. I found the retreat very beneficial for me.
Brothers and Sisters in Klang Valley are indeed very blessed to have Sis Gin guiding them to walk the Dhamma path.. Please treasure this golden opportunity and once missed you may never get it back.
With Metta,
Tham
Vayadhamma sankhara appamadena samapadetha
"Transient are all component things. Work out your deliverence with mindfulness"
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