S.N Goenka

[Goob]

I'm not a follower of his tradition but I've done two Goenka-retreats and in my opinion the biggest drawback is the assistant teachers. When I have asked them questions at retreats in the past it has become obvious that their knowledge is very limited to what Goenka has told them and that they often are not capable of discussing some of the finer points of the technique, or even acknowledging experiences and thoughts that don't fit into their/Goenkas thought world. I had an email conversation with a regional AT at one point and his serious lack of knowledge of some very basic teachings in the suttas has only reinforced this impression. This has caused me some grief in retreats because it virtually makes you feel like you are on your own with a bunch of tapes, and I sincerely question the over-reliance on tapes and videos to the exclusion of psysically present teachers - the AT's are in my experience not competent enough - for the reason of spreading a sort of package buddhism as far and wide as possible.

Sure, it's Theravada, but it's a neatly packaged, multimedia form of Theravada without reliable teachers.

Regarding Thanissaro critiquing Goenka: He never speaks of Goenka as a person and he admits that he doesn't have much experience with the tradition, but I've listened to talks of his where he strongly criticizes the notion of burning off old sankharas (i.e old khamma!) through the body, and rightly so.

[Ben]

just because you are told to "just observe sensations" doesn't mean you should stop thinking critically and objectively. if there is something i said that was wrong, then point it out. i only argue to reveal or learn new things.

There you go again.

[convivium]

yes, i've formed impressions based on years of direct experience with the movement.
so far, you seem to be reaffirming them.

[Ben]

yes, i've formed impressions based on years of direct experience with the movement.
so far, you seem to be reaffirming them.

I am not responsible for your ignorance, convivium.
Your ignorance is your responsibility.

[hermitwin]

yes, it is an off-shoot of theravada.
to be specific, it is the burmese tradition known as mahasi .
they call it 'vipassana' meditation.

this is very confusing for many people.
including me at one time.

the meditation goenka teach is just 1 of the many types of buddhist meditation.
even in burma, there is pa auk tradition which contradicts mahasi.

so, if you want to know more, i can go into more details.
just remember that, the goenka way is neither the only way nor the
best way (although his followers will tell you it is the best way).

cheers.

[badscooter]

Much of this thread is unwholesome and unskilfull - please keep discussions polite and respectful, and based on searchable facts.

the movement isn't exactly transparent. you sort of have to be a part of it to find out about it. nothing i said was unwholesome or unskillful. not everything is published or available to the 'uninitiated'. the only unwholesome thing about my posts here is being on the internet too much.

thus shows your ignorance

[Ben]

yes, it is an off-shoot of theravada.
to be specific, it is the burmese tradition known as mahasi .

No, it is not.

[knighter]

Hello there

Billymac29 and Ben i cant believe your still trying to talk with this fella convivium hes clearly unbalanced.
But i respect your compassion
Be happy
knighter

[knighter]

Hello there

I've never witnessed so much clinging, craving, ego.
Be happy
knighter

[Ben]

You're right.
There's nothing wholesome coming out of this discussion.
Perhaps its time to put it away for awhile.
kind regards,

Ben