Bhante Vimalaramsi

[jcsuperstar]

anyone have any personal experience with this monastic?

[thecap]

Bhante Vimala seems quite OK. I share his preference for the original teachings of the Buddha in the Majjhima Nikaya.

[jcsuperstar]

the reason i ask is i'm reading his book, and i have been considering going down to dhammasukha this summer for a retreat.

[thecap]

Sounds like a plan. If his book agreed with you and you have the possibility, why not. He will lead you to Nibbana.

[jcsuperstar]

, why not. .

this is why i'm asking for personal experiences

[thecap]

I haven't met him personally yet, but the people who had met him have made only positive remarks.
However, as he has an unconventional teaching style drawing directly from the Suttas, it is best to gather your own impression:
Some worthwhile talks>
Dependent Origination w/ Bhante Vimalaramsi
Vipassana Vs the Suttas - Which is Right?

[Jack]

He has a unique interpretation that is not shared by other teachers that I know about. He is also very attached to his own views and feels they are the only correct ones being taught.

This isn't to say that you might get a lot out of his teachings.

Jack

[thecap]

Hi Jack

Have you personally met him?

Do you have any base for your accusations, or are you just gossiping?

He has a unique interpretation that is not shared by other teachers that I know about.

What about Buddha for a unique teacher?

[jcsuperstar]

Hi Jack

Have you personally met him?

Do you have any base for your accusations, or are you just gossiping?

He has a unique interpretation that is not shared by other teachers that I know about.

What about Buddha for a unique teacher?

i don't think jack has to have met him to form this opinion, as Bhante clearly states in his book that other teachers aren't teaching meditation the way the Buddha intended. though his instructions so far remind me a bit of lp Buddhadasa (who bhante vimalarmsi says he practiced with)

[thecap]

i don't think jack has to have met him to form this opinion, as Bhante clearly states in his book that other teachers aren't teaching meditation the way the Buddha intended.

That is true, my friend.

However, Jack didn't substantiate whether Bhante V's statements were true or not.

Bhante V gave plenty reasons why there doesn't seem to be anyone else at this time who is teaching "correct" Anapansati including the relaxation step.

That doesn't mean other teachings are "wrong" and only this is "right".

It's a statement with reference to the ancient Anapanasati Sutta and modern Vipassana Meditation, respectively, which are two different pairs of shoes.

Have you ever considered that Bhante V may have a point there?

[cooran]

I really, really don't think this type of discussion should be on-list.

Why not go to Private Message?

[thecap]

I really, really don't think this type of discussion should be on-list.

Why not go to Private Message?

Hi cooran. I think there are people who will benefit from an open discussion.

And there are probably others would will simply make up their own mind and go about their way.

Why do you think this discussion should go unseen by the public, my friend?

[Cittasanto]

Is that his apparently unnoticed step? I thought it was smiling.

i don't think jack has to have met him to form this opinion, as Bhante clearly states in his book that other teachers aren't teaching meditation the way the Buddha intended.

That is true, my friend.

However, Jack didn't substantiate whether Bhante V's statements were true or not.

Bhante V gave plenty reasons why there doesn't seem to be anyone else at this time who is teaching "correct" Anapansati including the relaxation step.

That doesn't mean other teachings are "wrong" and only this is "right".

It's a statement with reference to the ancient Anapanasati Sutta and modern Vipassana Meditation, respectively, which are two different pairs of shoes.

Have you ever considered that Bhante V may have a point there?

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

I really, really don't think this type of discussion should be on-list.

If venerable Vimalaramsi does indeed have a "teaching style drawing directly from the Suttas", as thecap states above, then I for one would certainly be more interested in hearing more about what and how he teaches. Not interested in "gossip", but details about his approach and what makes it unique.

Metta,
Retro.

[Cittasanto]

His Barebones instruction on Anapanasati
http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/Books ... nasati.pdf
two bellow Pa Auk Sayadaw next to Ajahn Sumedho
http://www.what-buddha-taught.net/

[Jack]

Hi Jack

Have you personally met him?

Do you have any base for your accusations, or are you just gossiping?
======
My views come only from my experience of directly corresponding with him over the Internet.

Here is his main point. He emphasises the 4th training of the Anap. Sutta (calming the body).He thinks that each phenomena triggers a physical reaction of tightening around this body sense. We should make an effort to calm our body when each phenomena enters a sense door. He doesn't say, for instance, that we should try to notice piti, another training in the sutta.

To answer another question, I was careful in my earlier note to not say whether he was right or wrong. That is for you to decide. He spells out his technique very clearly in his writings. Try it and see if it works for you.

jack