cult of vipassanā?

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Dhammarakkhito
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cult of vipassanā?

Post by Dhammarakkhito »

has anyone else noticed something like
goenka or 10-day course harassment
it seems separate from the buddha's teachings
Off top of head just the emphasis on vipassana esp. over samatha
And the belief that their courses are necessary whereas sutta are not
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retrofuturist
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Re: cult of vipassanā?

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings,
And the belief that their courses are necessary whereas sutta are not
I can certainly attest to having seen this belief expressed on many occasions.

Metta,
Paul. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Garrib
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Re: cult of vipassanā?

Post by Garrib »

I just signed up for a 10 day course in the Spring, but I'm not planning on joining the Vipassana cult, if there is such a thing.
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retrofuturist
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Re: cult of vipassanā?

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings,
Garrib wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2017 1:40 am I just signed up for a 10 day course in the Spring, but I'm not planning on joining the Vipassana cult, if there is such a thing.
Enjoy. There's nothing to be concerned about, particularly if you already have a good grasp of the Buddha's teaching.

Metta,
Paul. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
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Dhammabodhi
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Re: cult of vipassanā?

Post by Dhammabodhi »

As someone who has experience of practicing in the Goenka tradition- I can say with 100% certainty that it is NOT a cult.

What you perceive as cultish behaviour is a few over-zealous practitioners who haven't understood Goenkaji's message (e.g. it is explicitly warned in courses not to preach others or be forceful in trying to convince other people to attend a 10-day course, as much as possible). So I request you to rather inform yourself of his views by reading his books and listening to his talks directly, and avoid false perceptions.

:anjali:
"Take rest, take rest."-S.N.Goenka
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Bhikkhu Pesala
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Re: cult of vipassanā?

Post by Bhikkhu Pesala »

Dhammabodhi wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2017 11:52 amWhat you perceive as cultish behaviour is a few over-zealous practitioners who haven't understood Goenkaji's message
q.v. Family Guy on Buddhism

Christopher Titmuss makes some valid points.
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