COMMENTS FROM YOGIS AFTER THE HARI RAYA RETREAT AT NMC AUG. 2012

Funny how my shift from Breathing In, Breathing Out practice to Vipassana practice had brought me to a different level of understanding in the world of Meditation. I was less tired physically and mentally even though I slept much less at night and did not take naps in the afternoon. Effort was boosted up and so was my initiative. No doubt the first few days were quite terrible, being restless, sleepless nights, having to wake up at 4am but after experiencing the results, it was really worth every bit of it. Vipassana had made me observe the “happenings” within me to a more precise degree where I am able to understand them (mind and matter) more deeply and profoundly. There was no more of the wanting to get into “Jhanas” and stay there; to avoid all pain and simply to enjoy the bliss. Vipassana according to my understanding is to watch the Rising and Passing away of all the phenomena of Mind and Matter, which deepens the realization of Cause and Effect, Impermanence and of course, Dukkha. Oh! How full of suffering this body is. Even eating with mindfulness was such an interesting chore. Watching the mind choosing the food first, then noting the hand stretching going for the food, scooping, lifting, bringing the food to the mouth, opening the mouth etc. Lastly, watching the food going down from your throat and all the way into your stomach. It’s certainly not an easy task to feed this body! I And it took me at least 45 minutes just to finish my lunch. I never thought eating a meal could be so tedious. But it is when we practice noting all our daily activities like this, from moment to moment, our mind becomes purified; there is no chance for craving, anger, and other defilements coming in. The mind becomes tuned into the present moment…so much PEACE and CLARITY. Surprisingly pain also became less oppressive and more bearable when watched closely and it’s characteristics of being ever changing and non-self, became evident. Now the half hour of painful sittings have become an hour and a half of pleasant mindful sittings. Overall,I certainly had a very uplifting experience and am planning to go back again for another retreat very soon. Sis. Vidita