Hi Jess , the centre I went to had plastic chairs available with backs. They cut the legs a bit shorter so your thighs are level. You should ask about availability ahead of time or ask about bringing your own chair. With those chairs you don't lean back against the back because you want your back straight. They also had 'chairs' with no legs - imagine a seat and seat back only. The seat goes on the ground and your knees are high - people did lean against the backs with those. I suggest you have a chat with the centre and explain any concerns you have. It's important to find a suitable pose.
Im having a soft, kindly laugh here. Whats most important in my personal view, is to 'go within'. Dont observe others, focus on yourself, your own, very unique journey. I think thats why, having now watched -or partially watched- some of these "reviews". Im wanting to advise you not to. Everything you need to know to prepare, is in the written material given on the Vipassana website. Trust that if you follow that, you will be well prepared. Listening and watching these reviews will only give you an unqualified view of someone elce's experience. I call that 'outside noise'. If you are going to take your first course, congratulations. Work hard to quiet the 'outside noise and stimulous'. Go within. On the last day, when you practice metta, this is an appropriate time to re-focus outside yourself upon others. May all beings be happy. ❤
Thanks for sharing ur experience. It was a Refresher for me. I hv bn doing Vipassana since 1993. I hv a tilted spine resulting in a 1inch shortening in my right foot. Every posture was difficult in the initial courses but I hd wonderful teachers. They were compassionate n encouraging. Gradually the sitting became more n more comfortable. I went on to do many 10-Days, Satipatthanas, 20-Days, 30-Days, 10-Day Specials.. Here I am.. No more physiotherapy n pain killers. A more sorted out human being, trying ti improve everyday..
Great advice. My first course was in Asia and there was little in the way of matting or pillows, no chairs. It was the most painful experience I ever had. By the end of the hour of strong determination I was shaking and sweating and my thighs were on fire. I had no choice but to work through the pain or quit and it was the most valuable mediation period I've had. You start to realize that the pain intensifies as you become distracted. When you observe the pain as you're supposed to it dissipates. Forcing yourself to deal with this intensifies the results of the mediation I believe. By day 6 or 7 I had the pain completely under control, as I'd rest my attention on the painful places and observe objectively and they would quickly pass away. That's a crash course in the technique. So I think for anyone young and brave enough to endure the pain wold find benefit working though it.
@@tomtillman I hear you! Even if we have not been fortunate or taken the opportunity to take a 10 day retreat, when younger, we can be grateful for the opportunity when it comes at any age. Three years ago, I was scheduled to take the 10 day; and then there was Covid. Smile We have applied again and if accepted, I will be 70 when sitting my first 10 day! And, this time, my 40 year old son is going with me. I feel blessed!😂❤
Thanks. An excellent and informative presentation. I would only add, from experience, that the full lotus asana is by far the most stable position, more comfortable than a chair, hence favored by serious meditators. It takes training and patience, but is a worthwhile achievement that will last decades. Starting from scratch, go easy, alternating one leg at a time for short periods of duration. Do not be in a hurry.
"Buddha’s way was Vipassana - vipassana means witnessing. And he found one of the greatest devices ever: the device of watching your breath, just watching your breath. Breathing is such a simple and natural phenomenon and it is there twenty-four hours a day. You need not make any effort. If you repeat a mantra then you will have to make an effort, you will have to force yourself. If you say, “Ram, Ram, Ram,” you will have to continuously strain yourself. And you are bound to forget many times. Moreover, the word ‘Ram’ is again something of the mind, and anything of the mind can never lead you beyond the mind .Buddha discovered a totally different angle: just watch your breath - the breath coming in, the breath going out. There are four points to be watched. Sitting silently just start seeing the breath, feeling the breath. The breath going in is the first point. Then for a moment when the breath is in it stops - a very small moment it is - for a split second it stops; that is the second point to watch. Then the breath turns and goes out; this is the third point to watch. Then again when the breath is completely out, for a split second it stops; that is the fourth point to watch. Then the breath starts coming in again… this is the circle of breath. If you can watch all these four points you will be surprised, amazed at the miracle of such a simple process - because mind is not involved. Watching is not a quality of the mind; watching is the quality of the soul, of consciousness; watching is not a mental process at all. When you watch, the mind stops, ceases to be. Yes, in the beginning many times you will forget and the mind will come in and start playing its old games. But whenever you remember that you had forgotten, there is no need to feel repentant, guilty - just go back to watching, again and again go back to watching your breath. Slowly, slowly, less and less mind interferes. And when you can watch your breath for forty-eight minutes as a continuum, you will become enlightened. You will be surprised - just forty-eight minutes - because you will think that it is not very difficult… just forty-eight minutes! It is very difficult. Forty-eight seconds and you will have fallen victim to the mind many times. Try it with a watch in front of you; in the beginning you cannot be watchful for sixty seconds. In just sixty seconds, that is one minute, you will fall asleep many times, you will forget all about watching - the watch and the watching will both be forgotten. Some idea will take you far, far away; then suddenly you will realize… you will look at the watch and ten seconds have passed. For ten seconds you were not watching. But slowly, slowly - it is a knack; it is not a practice, it is a knack - slowly, slowly you imbibe it, because those few moments when you are watchful are of such exquisite beauty, of such tremendous joy, of such incredible ecstasy, that once you have tasted those few moments you would like to come back again and again - not for any other motive, just for the sheer joy of being there, present to the breath. Remember, it is not the same process as is done in yoga. In yoga the process is called pranayam; it is a totally different process, in fact just the opposite of what Buddha calls vipassana. In pranayam you take deep breaths, you fill your chest with more and more air, more and more oxygen; then you empty your chest as totally as possible of all carbon dioxide. It is a physical exercise - good for the body but it has nothing to do with vipassana. In vipassana you are not to change the rhythm of your natural breath, you are not to take long, deep breaths, you are not to exhale in any way differently than you ordinarily do. Let it be absolutely normal and natural. Your whole consciousness has to be on one point; watching. And if you can watch your breath then you can start watching other things too. Walking you can watch that you are walking, eating you can watch that you are eating, and ultimately, finally, you can watch that you are sleeping. The day you can watch that you are sleeping you are transported into another world. The body goes on sleeping and inside a light goes on burning brightly. Your watchfulness remains undisturbed, then twenty-four hours a day there is an undercurrent of watching. You go on doing things… for the outside world nothing has changed, but for you everything has changed."
I've been to many of these courses and watched a fair few youtube videos on them too and this is probably the best video I've seen anyone do on Vipassana courses. I would add on the subject of cushions, that if you use one of the higher firmer cushions it's usually best to sit towards the cushions edge rather square in its center. This makes it easier to raise the hips slightly above the knees and so keep the back straight. On the subject of keeping the back straight, I'd say this means a looser relaxed 'comfortable' straight back, not a 'military' straight back which is a more rigid posture that would get painful eventually.
Just finished my first course. Around day 6 I found a posture where I had 3 cushions to get some height, and had the soles of my feet together. This avoided extra pressure from my shins on the other ankle. That and ensuring I had my core engaged to keep my lower spine straight really made things easier for me.
Great advice and preparation. Thank you, Mike. I have taken two 10-day courses. I believe the key to being comfortable is to use the easy pose while making sure your hips are high enough.
This was so helpful because this was my main fear, that i would be expected to sit in a specific posture despite losing blood flow to my legs and feet. I’m glad to know I can find a posture that I can maintain and these suggestions are super helpful. Thank you!
Om! Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhi Tata! May all beings be happy! The Dhammapada says, " Whoever is rich in insight and wisdom,discerning both the right and wrong paths, having attained the highest good---him do I call a noble one." Thank you for this discourse on Right mindfulness and Right meditation. Peace and Joy.
Re cushioning and sitting: I did my retreat in Auxerre France in 2008. The centre provided a cushioned mat about 1m square and both cushions and/or seats plus as you say lots of blankets. People changed positions and supports regularly throughout the day. I like your idea of rounded feet to allow different angles for one's knees. From what I understand it is imperative that one's knees are lower than one's hips.
At a couple of moments watching him drawing and analysing, I thought he was about to bist out some equations 😅 Very helpful advice - have a battle tested position before you go to war!
Excellent, well-thought out presentation. I LOVE the visuals and appreciate your pacing. You confirmed some things I'd been thinking. There were other considerations I hadn't thought of. I have some experience with meditation but was still nervous because I've suffered from back pain over the years. I've rehabbed my back and can sit in meditation for over an hour either in easy pose or using a seiza bench with the rounded edge sides. You covered things so well, that I feel a good deal more confident that I'll make it through my first 10 day retreat. Thank you so much!
Hello Mike, your video has blown away many cobwebs, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I didn't know there were breaks at the 60-minute mark! That made me very happy! Also, the sitting is a worry but your discussion and diagrams are very helpful. My first Vipassana course is in July. All the best to you.
@@tslomt actually I couldn't go in the end even though I had built my own bench and everything, I will get around to it as soon as I can, do you think you would ever try it again? at least you tried,
Thanks so much Mike. I plan to go to the meditation for the 1st time this year, outside of Dallas. I am 59 yrs young and so appreciate your "engineering" advice on sitting postures and how to prepare!
Sounds like your on a good path now! This retreat is called a boot camp of meditation it’s not always been beneficial for people. They are researching the negative effects that can happen at Brown University. Cheetah house. Many come back with difficulty. Sounds like your on a good path now! You might not need this retreat. I was sorta talked into my first retreat and looking back I don’t recommend it to people. Don’t discount your own hard work to get where you are now. That’s awesome!! Good luck!
A good posture dramatically reduces your suffering during the course. I would add that the height of the bench or pillows is very important for yet another reason as well - it determines where you lean your body. If the height is too low, you will lean back, and have hard time keeping your back straight. If it is too high, you'll start leaning forward, which is not good as well. So at some optimal height, you will feel that you are not falling back or forward anymore, and it helps a lot. Another important thing is when you use pillows, put also smaller pillows below your knees to support your legs' weight. It is tricky to find your optimal support level, if it is too low or too high, then there is no support, and your bottom will feel the pressure. However, with optimal height and pillow placement (for me it was not directly under the knees), you will alleviate all your legs weight.
Hey Mike. Go to a Yoga centre & see the cushions that are used. Particulary the long 'firmish' bolster type. So you can sit comfortably for long periods of time with little or no discomfort. Sit cross legged, with your bottom on the edge of bolster, your bottom will be higher than your knees. It takes the pressure off. You only need the one bolster. Simple...... Fantastic advice about practising sitting prior to going to Vipassana !!!!!
Thanks Van, I do yoga so I know what you mean by bolster. I didn't see anyone using a bolster at my retreat but I think it would be a reasonable substitute for a meditation cushion for a cross-legged posture. You could use a bolster also as a substitute for a seiza bench but I reckon the bench is better because you don't have your feet splayed out away from the bolster, so there is less pressure on the knees with the bench. These small things make a difference after 8 hours of sitting....
Thanks I will begin prepping and trying your tips for the easy position. I was doing the schoolyard one here at home and it’s murder after about 20 min 😂; I’ll try the seiza bench at my sangha which I typically haven’t used for more than 30 min. I was beginning to be intimidated as the date draws closer as I’m old and have all sorts of knee and hip issues. I’m determined not to use a chair !
Wonderful tip Mike, extremely helpful and the way you explained via the drawings was super. Nobody talks about these subtle nuances which makes a great impact on the practice. Thanks a lot for this, highly appreciate it.
Thanks a lot for your tips. After having attended 4 ten-day courses, at the end of the 4th, I "discovered" the *cushion* ! I think I was too immersed into my body ...but, yes, definitely using the bench or the cushion is the better option than keeping the knees up. I wonder why in the Vipassana web site they don't mention such a possibilities, so that people can train at home ... greetings from Italy and thanks again
I attended 10 days meditation camp at bhopal. Although it was tough but real wonderful and inspiring experience. It gave me tremendous strength and courage to lead a calm and peaceful life. The vipassana meditation technique as taught by Late Shri S.N. GOENKA is unique of its own kind. Wish to attend another camp in near future.
Thank you Mike. Good to see an Engineer's perspective 😜 (I am an Engineer too). I have done four 10-day courses. Now, I will be doing a Satipatthana course which is a 7-day course tomorrow in Mumbai's Global Vipassana Centre. I have been through a lot of pain during the Adhishtan sittings but didn't change the position as I learnt to look at it equanimously. Yes, I did use cushions to make a comfortable long-lasting sitting. I had so much pain in the thigh-bone area as well as the ankle area. I determined the cause and used mechanics to nullify the pain lol😂 BTW tomorrow is India-Australia New Year cricket test match in Sydney. I will be missing it haha. We might win the series for the first time in Australia. NO ATTACHMENTS though🙌 Hope to see more videos from you. Good luck Sir. And thank you for posting such a wonderful video.
Thank you very much for this extremely *practical* tip! I've always had trouble sitting and never even thought of the pain I'm setting myself up for, so this was very helpful. Cheers and best wishes, jz
I’ve done 4 10day Goenka silent retreats. I don’t know what “enlightenment” means, but it seems like I’m traveling lighter. Have you ever got the chance to do one or more of these retreats, make every effort to do it, to push through any excuses or distractions or inconveniences that might be required in your lifestyle to take this 10 days. you will never be the same. And that’s a good thing.😊
Great video. Just what I needed before doing my first Vipassana. Pretty fun with such an engineering take on the very important factor, but possible often forgotten; sitting.
Good on you Mike ! I'm going to my first Vipassana tomorrow in north Brisbane, and I'm also glad to be the 33,333 viewer of your video ^^ I'm loving Australia what a beautiful country.. By the way, this glass screen presentation is SUPER original and you're a pretty good drawer ! You should go on with this concept ! Cheers - David
I just saw ur video. I did vipassana back in 2013... I'm going back on 23rd june. This time I'm more disoriented and need to put more efforts. I'm on sleeping pills. I had words with them about this and they said u can take it while being there but earlier as well I discontinued taking pills from the 4th day...because I used to find dizziness in the morning session...any more tips u can provide. I will be thankful...from ur video I got 1 thing remembered and that is called posture...for that, shall I work out for remaining 10 days...like normal stretching and back workouts...doing some yoga related to spinal cord( it plays the vital role)...??
Thank you Mike. Its wonderfully explained about posture at vipassana. I am going to attend here in Adelaide for 10days first time. I pre conditioned my posture comfortable position. Your vedio gave an additional idea to be comfortable at Meditation. Thank you once again
I’m going tomorrow. Thanks for the tip, looks like that bench is the way to go. Getting a little nervous, but it’ll pay off I’m sure! I’ve only meditated for 30 min sessions or maybe an hour with meditation music over the last couple years, sometimes without music, usually sitting on my couch or on the bus. I hope that’s enough for me to make it through
Vipassana meditation purifies the mind and its practice leads to increased concentration, resulting in beneficial effects on the body and mind, and in turn to the entire society, Vipassana comprises three simple precepts -- morality, concentration and self-realisation -- through awareness and insight, and is a non-sectarian meditation technique that applies
I probably will go soon, and it is this one thing that scares me. Gotta start practicing sitting, in some way, else it's going to be touch and go for sure.
Your video was very helpful as I plan to take the course but I was wondering how I'd be able to sit for that long. So it was encouraging to hear your explanation. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! This video was very helpful. Just came back from my 10 day course and everything worked out perfectly. At one point I even had to adjust/shorten the bench to make it a bit more uncomfortable. Another thing to watch our for is the ankles. If you don’t have the flexibility, it can get painful. In that case don’t put the blanked under the ankles. Be happy! :)
Martins Priede well done! It's an achievement isn't it. I also had issues with ankles using the seiza bench. I used a couple of blankets on the mat and let my feet hang over the edge - that meant my ankles weren't bent back so much.
Thanks for a well and clear explanation on your tips to sit correctly. My sitting position is left of the lotus position from your wonderful drawings but I will try to sit with a lotus position little by little until it feels naturally and comfortable.
Most helpful video I have seen yet for Vipassana preparation. Thank You
thanks Jess! I'm pleased you found it useful.
Hi Jess , the centre I went to had plastic chairs available with backs. They cut the legs a bit shorter so your thighs are level. You should ask about availability ahead of time or ask about bringing your own chair. With those chairs you don't lean back against the back because you want your back straight. They also had 'chairs' with no legs - imagine a seat and seat back only. The seat goes on the ground and your knees are high - people did lean against the backs with those. I suggest you have a chat with the centre and explain any concerns you have. It's important to find a suitable pose.
Xx
😄4 years gone ... as soon as I heard him say the first few lines in this video I thought the same
Im having a soft, kindly laugh here. Whats most important in my personal view, is to 'go within'.
Dont observe others, focus on yourself, your own, very unique journey.
I think thats why, having now watched -or partially watched- some of these "reviews".
Im wanting to advise you not to. Everything you need to know to prepare, is in the written material
given on the Vipassana website. Trust that if you follow that, you will be well prepared.
Listening and watching these reviews will only give you an unqualified view of someone elce's experience.
I call that 'outside noise'. If you are going to take your first course, congratulations. Work hard to quiet the 'outside noise and stimulous'. Go within. On the last day, when you practice metta, this is an appropriate time to re-focus outside yourself upon others. May all beings be happy. ❤
Thanks for sharing ur experience. It was a Refresher for me. I hv bn doing Vipassana since 1993. I hv a tilted spine resulting in a 1inch shortening in my right foot. Every posture was difficult in the initial courses but I hd wonderful teachers. They were compassionate n encouraging. Gradually the sitting became more n more comfortable. I went on to do many 10-Days, Satipatthanas, 20-Days, 30-Days, 10-Day Specials..
Here I am.. No more physiotherapy n pain killers. A more sorted out human being, trying ti improve everyday..
Don’t give up! The pain is temporary quitting lasts forever. Metta
Great advice. My first course was in Asia and there was little in the way of matting or pillows, no chairs. It was the most painful experience I ever had. By the end of the hour of strong determination I was shaking and sweating and my thighs were on fire. I had no choice but to work through the pain or quit and it was the most valuable mediation period I've had. You start to realize that the pain intensifies as you become distracted. When you observe the pain as you're supposed to it dissipates. Forcing yourself to deal with this intensifies the results of the mediation I believe. By day 6 or 7 I had the pain completely under control, as I'd rest my attention on the painful places and observe objectively and they would quickly pass away. That's a crash course in the technique. So I think for anyone young and brave enough to endure the pain wold find benefit working though it.
Gavin Naylor
Same here
Well, I'm only 73, so it should be no problem ;)
@@tomtillman I hear you! Even if we have not been fortunate or taken the opportunity to take a 10 day retreat, when younger, we can be grateful for the opportunity when it comes at any age. Three years ago, I was scheduled to take the 10 day; and then there was Covid. Smile
We have applied again and if accepted, I will be 70 when sitting my first 10 day! And, this time, my 40 year old son is going with me. I feel blessed!😂❤
I'm gonna do it in asia too, so no chairs or pillows then?
"Young and brave"? LOL I'm 76 and brave. I qualify. My first Vipassana course starts in July :)
I'm 6yrs late but this is sooo helpful! Thank you. About to sit my first 10day Vipassana in April.
Good luck next month!
How was your experience?
Thanks. An excellent and informative presentation. I would only add, from experience, that the full lotus asana is by far the most stable position, more comfortable than a chair, hence favored by serious meditators. It takes training and patience, but is a worthwhile achievement that will last decades. Starting from scratch, go easy, alternating one leg at a time for short periods of duration. Do not be in a hurry.
Good video!! I've been there 8 times, 5 courses of 10 days 3 courses of 3 days going back on january 2018 to serve.
That's really cool! Can you describe what was it like to visit the courses and what kind of impact they had on you?
Where did you done your courses India or somewhere else
Sadhu sadhu sadhu may you reach to nibbana
"Buddha’s way was Vipassana - vipassana means witnessing. And he found one of the greatest devices ever: the device of watching your breath, just watching your breath. Breathing is such a simple and natural phenomenon and it is there twenty-four hours a day. You need not make any effort. If you repeat a mantra then you will have to make an effort, you will have to force yourself. If you say, “Ram, Ram, Ram,” you will have to continuously strain yourself. And you are bound to forget many times. Moreover, the word ‘Ram’ is again something of the mind, and anything of the mind can never lead you beyond the mind .Buddha discovered a totally different angle: just watch your breath - the breath coming in, the breath going out. There are four points to be watched. Sitting silently just start seeing the breath, feeling the breath. The breath going in is the first point. Then for a moment when the breath is in it stops - a very small moment it is - for a split second it stops; that is the second point to watch. Then the breath turns and goes out; this is the third point to watch. Then again when the breath is completely out, for a split second it stops; that is the fourth point to watch. Then the breath starts coming in again… this is the circle of breath.
If you can watch all these four points you will be surprised, amazed at the miracle of such a simple process - because mind is not involved. Watching is not a quality of the mind; watching is the quality of the soul, of consciousness; watching is not a mental process at all. When you watch, the mind stops, ceases to be. Yes, in the beginning many times you will forget and the mind will come in and start playing its old games. But whenever you remember that you had forgotten, there is no need to feel repentant, guilty - just go back to watching, again and again go back to watching your breath. Slowly, slowly, less and less mind interferes.
And when you can watch your breath for forty-eight minutes as a continuum, you will become enlightened. You will be surprised - just forty-eight minutes - because you will think that it is not very difficult… just forty-eight minutes! It is very difficult. Forty-eight seconds and you will have fallen victim to the mind many times. Try it with a watch in front of you; in the beginning you cannot be watchful for sixty seconds. In just sixty seconds, that is one minute, you will fall asleep many times, you will forget all about watching - the watch and the watching will both be forgotten. Some idea will take you far, far away; then suddenly you will realize… you will look at the watch and ten seconds have passed. For ten seconds you were not watching. But slowly, slowly - it is a knack; it is not a practice, it is a knack - slowly, slowly you imbibe it, because those few moments when you are watchful are of such exquisite beauty, of such tremendous joy, of such incredible ecstasy, that once you have tasted those few moments you would like to come back again and again - not for any other motive, just for the sheer joy of being there, present to the breath.
Remember, it is not the same process as is done in yoga. In yoga the process is called pranayam; it is a totally different process, in fact just the opposite of what Buddha calls vipassana. In pranayam you take deep breaths, you fill your chest with more and more air, more and more oxygen; then you empty your chest as totally as possible of all carbon dioxide. It is a physical exercise - good for the body but it has nothing to do with vipassana. In vipassana you are not to change the rhythm of your natural breath, you are not to take long, deep breaths, you are not to exhale in any way differently than you ordinarily do. Let it be absolutely normal and natural. Your whole consciousness has to be on one point; watching.
And if you can watch your breath then you can start watching other things too. Walking you can watch that you are walking, eating you can watch that you are eating, and ultimately, finally, you can watch that you are sleeping. The day you can watch that you are sleeping you are transported into another world. The body goes on sleeping and inside a light goes on burning brightly. Your watchfulness remains undisturbed, then twenty-four hours a day there is an undercurrent of watching. You go on doing things… for the outside world nothing has changed, but for you everything has changed."
I've been to many of these courses and watched a fair few youtube videos on them too and this is probably the best video I've seen anyone do on Vipassana courses. I would add on the subject of cushions, that if you use one of the higher firmer cushions it's usually best to sit towards the cushions edge rather square in its center. This makes it easier to raise the hips slightly above the knees and so keep the back straight. On the subject of keeping the back straight, I'd say this means a looser relaxed 'comfortable' straight back, not a 'military' straight back which is a more rigid posture that would get painful eventually.
Thank you, Mike. I appreciate especially about sitting because I have some knee issues and I am older. Definitely, chair for me.
Just finished my first course. Around day 6 I found a posture where I had 3 cushions to get some height, and had the soles of my feet together. This avoided extra pressure from my shins on the other ankle. That and ensuring I had my core engaged to keep my lower spine straight really made things easier for me.
I am set to sit my first 10-day vipasanna meditation here in Assam, india this November and this video is extremely helpful.
Thank you sir!
AMAZING OBSERVATION & BEAUTIFULLY EXPLAINED.👌👏👍
NICE CARING PERSON & GOOD TEACHER 🙏👍
🌹 THANKS 🙏
Thank you very much for your tip ! I’m working on it !
Thank you for taking the time to explain this. This was very helpful. I leave tomorrow morning to start my 10 day journey.
Great advice and preparation. Thank you, Mike. I have taken two 10-day courses. I believe the key to being comfortable is to use the easy pose while making sure your hips are high enough.
This was so helpful because this was my main fear, that i would be expected to sit in a specific posture despite losing blood flow to my legs and feet. I’m glad to know I can find a posture that I can maintain and these suggestions are super helpful. Thank you!
Om! Sabbe Satta Bhavantu Sukhi Tata! May all beings be happy! The Dhammapada says, " Whoever is rich in insight and wisdom,discerning both the right and wrong paths, having attained the highest good---him do I call a noble one." Thank you for this discourse on Right mindfulness and Right meditation. Peace and Joy.
Thank you Sir for your kind sharing.
Thank you so much for making this informational video!
Re cushioning and sitting: I did my retreat in Auxerre France in 2008. The centre provided a cushioned mat about 1m square and both cushions and/or seats plus as you say lots of blankets. People changed positions and supports regularly throughout the day. I like your idea of rounded feet to allow different angles for one's knees.
From what I understand it is imperative that one's knees are lower than one's hips.
Thanks Michael - going for my first retreat in December, and this was super helpful!
At a couple of moments watching him drawing and analysing, I thought he was about to bist out some equations 😅
Very helpful advice - have a battle tested position before you go to war!
Excellent, well-thought out presentation. I LOVE the visuals and appreciate your pacing. You confirmed some things I'd been thinking. There were other considerations I hadn't thought of. I have some experience with meditation but was still nervous because I've suffered from back pain over the years. I've rehabbed my back and can sit in meditation for over an hour either in easy pose or using a seiza bench with the rounded edge sides. You covered things so well, that I feel a good deal more confident that I'll make it through my first 10 day retreat. Thank you so much!
Hello Mike, your video has blown away many cobwebs, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I didn't know there were breaks at the 60-minute mark! That made me very happy! Also, the sitting is a worry but your discussion and diagrams are very helpful. My first Vipassana course is in July. All the best to you.
I'm signed up for a 10 day retreat in India starting on the 27th of November, I'm so glad I found this video before going, thank you very much
@@tslomt actually I couldn't go in the end even though I had built my own bench and everything, I will get around to it as soon as I can, do you think you would ever try it again? at least you tried,
@@tslomt glad to hear, I'm sure you'll make it through this time,
@aerodom dom I couldn't go in the end, I bought a house instead but I will go and do it next winter for sure
Thanks. First time for me Next august
Thanks so much Mike. I plan to go to the meditation for the 1st time this year, outside of Dallas. I am 59 yrs young and so appreciate your "engineering" advice on sitting postures and how to prepare!
cynthia keyser you,re welcome Cynthia, I wish you well.
Sounds like your on a good path now! This retreat is called a boot camp of meditation it’s not always been beneficial for people. They are researching the negative effects that can happen at Brown University. Cheetah house. Many come back with difficulty. Sounds like your on a good path now! You might not need this retreat. I was sorta talked into my first retreat and looking back I don’t recommend it to people. Don’t discount your own hard work to get where you are now. That’s awesome!! Good luck!
Thanks for that! As someone with a dodgy knee you zeroed straight to my biggest fear around doing the retreat
Every one who do this should get an unique experience. I have done my 10 days course at Dubai.
A good posture dramatically reduces your suffering during the course.
I would add that the height of the bench or pillows is very important for yet another reason as well - it determines where you lean your body. If the height is too low, you will lean back, and have hard time keeping your back straight. If it is too high, you'll start leaning forward, which is not good as well. So at some optimal height, you will feel that you are not falling back or forward anymore, and it helps a lot.
Another important thing is when you use pillows, put also smaller pillows below your knees to support your legs' weight. It is tricky to find your optimal support level, if it is too low or too high, then there is no support, and your bottom will feel the pressure. However, with optimal height and pillow placement (for me it was not directly under the knees), you will alleviate all your legs weight.
Hey Mike. Go to a Yoga centre & see the cushions that are used. Particulary the long 'firmish' bolster type. So you can sit comfortably for long periods of time with little or no discomfort. Sit cross legged, with your bottom on the edge of bolster, your bottom will be higher than your knees. It takes the pressure off. You only need the one bolster. Simple...... Fantastic advice about practising sitting prior to going to Vipassana !!!!!
Thanks Van, I do yoga so I know what you mean by bolster. I didn't see anyone using a bolster at my retreat but I think it would be a reasonable substitute for a meditation cushion for a cross-legged posture. You could use a bolster also as a substitute for a seiza bench but I reckon the bench is better because you don't have your feet splayed out away from the bolster, so there is less pressure on the knees with the bench. These small things make a difference after 8 hours of sitting....
Mike Adams. I really liked the style of your video & illustrations. Very useful.
Thanks for listening? No, dear sir! Thanks for putting this together for us.
thanks much . I am going in 15 days. I am getting worried and this helped
Thank you Mike! I appreciated this alot plus maybe you founded a news discipline: "structural meditation engeneering" :D
Thanks I will begin prepping and trying your tips for the easy position. I was doing the schoolyard one here at home and it’s murder after about 20 min 😂; I’ll try the seiza bench at my sangha which I typically haven’t used for more than 30 min. I was beginning to be intimidated as the date draws closer as I’m old and have all sorts of knee and hip issues. I’m determined not to use a chair !
Wonderful tip Mike, extremely helpful and the way you explained via the drawings was super. Nobody talks about these subtle nuances which makes a great impact on the practice. Thanks a lot for this, highly appreciate it.
Nice tip, appreciate this type of information you would not see anywhere else!
Thank you so much Mike for taking time to clearly describe the layout of the room as well as for your valuable advice and encouragement 🙏🌼🕉
Hahaha! You wrote this whole lecture in your head while you were supposed to be meditating, didn't you
David Goodman :-), for sure my mind was far from meditating most of the time, particularly in the first few days.
@@MichaelAdamsStory an honest man...
@@MichaelAdamsStory me too
I thought the same thing! Haha
Ahah🙂 Meditators standard thoughts 😂😂🙂
Thank you Mike. Really helpful!!
I am leaving tomorrow for 10 days. This was very helpful!!
That bench design looks great/haven’t seen that exact style before!
Thanks a lot for your tips. After having attended 4 ten-day courses, at the end of the 4th, I "discovered" the *cushion* ! I think I was too immersed into my body ...but, yes, definitely using the bench or the cushion is the better option than keeping the knees up. I wonder why in the Vipassana web site they don't mention such a possibilities, so that people can train at home ... greetings from Italy and thanks again
Famiglia Tibaldo ;-)
Do they have benches at the centers?
So thoughtful of you. Thank you very much. I wonder if I'm allow to take a bench here in Japan Vipassana in Kyoto.
Excellent advice.
I attended 10 days meditation camp at bhopal. Although it was tough but real wonderful and inspiring experience. It gave me tremendous strength and courage to lead a calm and peaceful life. The vipassana meditation technique as taught by Late Shri S.N. GOENKA is unique of its own kind. Wish to attend another camp in near future.
inder saran I am also planning to attend the 10 days meditation camp at Bhopal and I would like to know in what sense you felt it was tough?
Thank you Mike. Good to see an Engineer's perspective 😜 (I am an Engineer too). I have done four 10-day courses. Now, I will be doing a Satipatthana course which is a 7-day course tomorrow in Mumbai's Global Vipassana Centre. I have been through a lot of pain during the Adhishtan sittings but didn't change the position as I learnt to look at it equanimously. Yes, I did use cushions to make a comfortable long-lasting sitting. I had so much pain in the thigh-bone area as well as the ankle area. I determined the cause and used mechanics to nullify the pain lol😂 BTW tomorrow is India-Australia New Year cricket test match in Sydney. I will be missing it haha. We might win the series for the first time in Australia. NO ATTACHMENTS though🙌 Hope to see more videos from you. Good luck Sir. And thank you for posting such a wonderful video.
Thanks you! (Lets not talk about the cricket ...)
Thank you so much! This is very helpful and gave me more confidence to try a retreat.
Hahaha I laughed too hard at the accuracy of his thoughts. Very technical and helpful actually
Thanks for helping with the details .
Thank you very much for this extremely *practical* tip! I've always had trouble sitting and never even thought of the pain I'm setting myself up for, so this was very helpful. Cheers and best wishes, jz
Thank you so much for this information much appreciated
Thanks Mike.
You made everything clear before my first 10- day session.
Woori Yallock. Is John Burchall still there and Garsem?
Going to my third Vipassanna next March. I thought of bringing an ergonomic knee chair. Hope they let me use it.
This is extremely helpful. Thank you!
I think I need to make the bench. Thanks for the helpful video!
Yes Malcolm, The bench is pretty easy to make and if you have your own you can tinker with it before the course to get it comfortable. Best wishes!
I’ve done 4 10day Goenka silent retreats. I don’t know what “enlightenment” means, but it seems like I’m traveling lighter.
Have you ever got the chance to do one or more of these retreats, make every effort to do it, to push through any excuses or distractions or inconveniences that might be required in your lifestyle to take this 10 days. you will never be the same. And that’s a good thing.😊
Great video. Just what I needed before doing my first Vipassana. Pretty fun with such an engineering take on the very important factor, but possible often forgotten; sitting.
I can't thank you enough for this amazingly useful video ❤️
Invaluable, thanks.
Good on you Mike ! I'm going to my first Vipassana tomorrow in north Brisbane, and I'm also glad to be the 33,333 viewer of your video ^^ I'm loving Australia what a beautiful country.. By the way, this glass screen presentation is SUPER original and you're a pretty good drawer ! You should go on with this concept ! Cheers - David
How was it?
Thank you so much for your one important tip! From Russia with love)
Thks for ur coopreaction. The way u explain is awesome. Sitting for long tim is big issue then meditation.
Thank you so much for sharing this useful tip!!
Thank you so much for this well structured, easy to follow tip.
That was excellent and straight to the point, thank you!!
thank you so much...im going to do it in august and I have been terrified but now watching this it has been inspiring so im going to certainly do it
Maslen George best wishes! And thanks for commenting. Please let me know how you go..
Such a clear explanation and so practical! Super helpful video. Thank you so much!
thanks Catherine!
Muito bom sua explicação, ajuda muito o banquinho. Não é em vao sua explicação não, obrigado por ela.
I just saw ur video. I did vipassana back in 2013... I'm going back on 23rd june. This time I'm more disoriented and need to put more efforts. I'm on sleeping pills. I had words with them about this and they said u can take it while being there but earlier as well I discontinued taking pills from the 4th day...because I used to find dizziness in the morning session...any more tips u can provide. I will be thankful...from ur video I got 1 thing remembered and that is called posture...for that, shall I work out for remaining 10 days...like normal stretching and back workouts...doing some yoga related to spinal cord( it plays the vital role)...??
Thanks so much, great info.
Thank you Mike. Its wonderfully explained about posture at vipassana. I am going to attend here in Adelaide for 10days first time. I pre conditioned my posture comfortable position. Your vedio gave an additional idea to be comfortable at Meditation. Thank you once again
Johnjoseph Jawahar best wishes!
Thank you, your tip is most helpful. If I manage a 2nd retreat, I will take your advice.
Awesome Tip for the beginners. Thanks for the great tip!
Thanks Rajan!
Excellent video...appreciate you taking the time to do this video!!
Excellent advice! Thank you so much
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I’m going tomorrow. Thanks for the tip, looks like that bench is the way to go. Getting a little nervous, but it’ll pay off I’m sure!
I’ve only meditated for 30 min sessions or maybe an hour with meditation music over the last couple years, sometimes without music, usually sitting on my couch or on the bus.
I hope that’s enough for me to make it through
Best wishes Joe
How was it?
Appreciate the video! Thank you!
thank you... you have a lovely way of expressing yourself
Thankyou for making this video and sharing your experience Mike. Very useful indeed.
That is very very helpful. Thank you.
Very clear and informative exposition, Mike. Well done, sir!
Thanks! So much! I am scheduled for my first 10 day in February and I found this helpful!
Very helpful, thank you!
Great video Mike. We picked up lots of ideas for sitting comfortably!
thanks Catriona!! Are you meditating?
Vipassana meditation purifies the mind and its practice leads to increased concentration, resulting in beneficial effects on the body and mind, and in turn to the entire society,
Vipassana comprises three simple precepts -- morality, concentration and self-realisation -- through awareness and insight, and is a non-sectarian meditation technique that applies
@Mike Adams- Does center provide meditation benches/stools ?
I probably will go soon, and it is this one thing that scares me. Gotta start practicing sitting, in some way, else it's going to be touch and go for sure.
what?
thank you so much!! i'm about to go im so excited.
Best wishes Kyleena
Very helpful!
Your video was very helpful as I plan to take the course but I was wondering how I'd be able to sit for that long. So it was encouraging to hear your explanation. Thank you for sharing.
Very nice and helpful, thank you!
Great tip, thank you!
Thank you! This video was very helpful. Just came back from my 10 day course and everything worked out perfectly. At one point I even had to adjust/shorten the bench to make it a bit more uncomfortable.
Another thing to watch our for is the ankles. If you don’t have the flexibility, it can get painful. In that case don’t put the blanked under the ankles.
Be happy! :)
Martins Priede well done! It's an achievement isn't it. I also had issues with ankles using the seiza bench. I used a couple of blankets on the mat and let my feet hang over the edge - that meant my ankles weren't bent back so much.
Thank you Mike for the guidance. I am going to do the program very soon and this would definitely help.
Thanks for a well and clear explanation on your tips to sit correctly.
My sitting position is left of the lotus position from your wonderful drawings
but I will try to sit with a lotus position little by little until it feels naturally and comfortable.