Seeking some advice
Seeking some advice
Its been few years I have been practicing Vipassana meditation as taught by SN Goenka, and i am planning to become a monk after few years from now. But i do not know any monasteries, teacher who follow the same technique here in United States and focus mainly on mediation rather then books. I like to follow the same technique i have been practicing. I don't know if it is good to switch to different technique. so can anyone give me some advice on good place, teachers for me.
From an inconstruable beginning comes transmigration. A beginning point is not evident, though beings hindered by ignorance and fettered by craving are transmigrating & wandering on. Long have you thus experienced stress, enough to be RELEASED.
The path is not about becoming a better person — it is about putting an end to becoming
The path is not about becoming a better person — it is about putting an end to becoming
Re: Seeking some advice
Hi maverick
When I was at Dhammagiri 20 years ago a number of students approached SN Goenka with regard to ordination and I know that it was a fairly common occurance for some of his serious 'old' students to discuss ordination aspirations with him. When pressed, he would recommend some monasteries in Sri Lanka and a co-meditator friend of mine went to ordain as a bhikkhuni in Sri Lanka in 1990. I also understand that in recent years there is/has been at least one bhikkhu, in Burma, who is an assistant teacher within the SN Goenka 'tradition'. My recommendation to you is to make contact with the head teacher within your country and discuss your aspirations with him and/or her. I'm sure they would be able to give you some advice with regards to where you could ordain and still continnue your practice.
All the very best with your plans!
metta
Ben
When I was at Dhammagiri 20 years ago a number of students approached SN Goenka with regard to ordination and I know that it was a fairly common occurance for some of his serious 'old' students to discuss ordination aspirations with him. When pressed, he would recommend some monasteries in Sri Lanka and a co-meditator friend of mine went to ordain as a bhikkhuni in Sri Lanka in 1990. I also understand that in recent years there is/has been at least one bhikkhu, in Burma, who is an assistant teacher within the SN Goenka 'tradition'. My recommendation to you is to make contact with the head teacher within your country and discuss your aspirations with him and/or her. I'm sure they would be able to give you some advice with regards to where you could ordain and still continnue your practice.
All the very best with your plans!
metta
Ben
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
Re: Seeking some advice
Hi BenBen wrote:Hi maverick
When I was at Dhammagiri 20 years ago a number of students approached SN Goenka with regard to ordination and I know that it was a fairly common occurance for some of his serious 'old' students to discuss ordination aspirations with him. When pressed, he would recommend some monasteries in Sri Lanka and a co-meditator friend of mine went to ordain as a bhikkhuni in Sri Lanka in 1990. I also understand that in recent years there is/has been at least one bhikkhu, in Burma, who is an assistant teacher within the SN Goenka 'tradition'. My recommendation to you is to make contact with the head teacher within your country and discuss your aspirations with him and/or her. I'm sure they would be able to give you some advice with regards to where you could ordain and still continnue your practice.
All the very best with your plans!
metta
Ben
I know this does not help the OP, but my jaw dropped when I read your post. Is there really an ordained Bhikkhu who holds an ASSISTANT TEACHERS post in the SN GOENKA tradition. He would presumably be subordinate to Mr Goenka, who has a heirarchy of teaching positions up to Acharya's and then himself. My real consternation is that an ordained monk should place himself in an inferior position (spiritually) to a layperson within a structured organisation/group/sangha.
Re: Seeking some advice
A good monk wouldn't care, I think.
- Goofaholix
- Posts: 4018
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- Location: New Zealand
Re: Seeking some advice
I understand It's not so uncommon for monks to attend his retreats as students.Brizzy wrote: I know this does not help the OP, but my jaw dropped when I read your post. Is there really an ordained Bhikkhu who holds an ASSISTANT TEACHERS post in the SN GOENKA tradition. He would presumably be subordinate to Mr Goenka, who has a heirarchy of teaching positions up to Acharya's and then himself. My real consternation is that an ordained monk should place himself in an inferior position (spiritually) to a layperson within a structured organisation/group/sangha.
Do you think a robe automatically endows a superior teaching ability?
Last edited by Goofaholix on Mon Jun 14, 2010 9:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
Pronouns (no self / not self)
“Peace is within oneself to be found in the same place as agitation and suffering. It is not found in a forest or on a hilltop, nor is it given by a teacher. Where you experience suffering, you can also find freedom from suffering. Trying to run away from suffering is actually to run toward it.”
― Ajahn Chah
“Peace is within oneself to be found in the same place as agitation and suffering. It is not found in a forest or on a hilltop, nor is it given by a teacher. Where you experience suffering, you can also find freedom from suffering. Trying to run away from suffering is actually to run toward it.”
― Ajahn Chah
- Goofaholix
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Re: Seeking some advice
The technique taught by Goenka's lineage is mostly taught within a lay movement. I've never heard of a monastery specialising in his technique, so if Ben's advice doesn't bear fruit I'd look at ordaining in the Ajahn Chah lineage. They are very flexible as far as meditation technique is concerned and many will have practiced Goenka style body sweeping, so you should be able to practice what you want to find someone who can give you advice.maverick wrote:Its been few years I have been practicing Vipassana meditation as taught by SN Goenka, and i am planning to become a monk after few years from now. But i do not know any monasteries, teacher who follow the same technique here in United States and focus mainly on mediation rather then books. I like to follow the same technique i have been practicing. I don't know if it is good to switch to different technique. so can anyone give me some advice on good place, teachers for me.
Pronouns (no self / not self)
“Peace is within oneself to be found in the same place as agitation and suffering. It is not found in a forest or on a hilltop, nor is it given by a teacher. Where you experience suffering, you can also find freedom from suffering. Trying to run away from suffering is actually to run toward it.”
― Ajahn Chah
“Peace is within oneself to be found in the same place as agitation and suffering. It is not found in a forest or on a hilltop, nor is it given by a teacher. Where you experience suffering, you can also find freedom from suffering. Trying to run away from suffering is actually to run toward it.”
― Ajahn Chah
Re: Seeking some advice
Hi Brizzy,
(joke)
You might be surprised to know that the organisation is less structured than you might imagine. Mr Goenka retired from teaching some years ago. While I can't comment on the governance of Dhammagiri, I know that local centres are managed by a trust consisting of serious 'old students' appointed for a fixed term of one or two years and nominated by assitant teachers and existing trust members. ATs cannot become trust members and the provision of instruction is separate from centre management and development.
Anyway, this is all tangential to the OP.
kind regards
Ben
I sometimes have that effect on people!Brizzy wrote:I know this does not help the OP, but my jaw dropped when I read your post.
(joke)
If my information is correct. It was a few years ago when I was communicating with an old student at Dhamma Aloka in Victoria who was making plans to ordain. He told me of a Bhikkhu AT in Burma. I've heard of others but I never sustained the interest to find out the details from AT friends.Is there really an ordained Bhikkhu who holds an ASSISTANT TEACHERS post in the SN GOENKA tradition.
To be honest, I am not sure. I have noticed a protocol when bhikkhus and anagarikas join courses but I'm not au fait with the details or the nature of the relationship is.He would presumably be subordinate to Mr Goenka,
As I said, I'm not sure what the relationship is and whether a bhikkhu AT is infact subordinate to Mr Goenka. What I've noticed is Goenkaji's deep respect for the ordained sangha and of the sangha's respect for him. What i imagine is that an ordained member of the sangha would utilise the centre facilities, instructions and discourses in the same way as lay assistant teachers do.My real consternation is that an ordained monk should place himself in an inferior position (spiritually) to a layperson within a structured organisation/group/sangha.
You might be surprised to know that the organisation is less structured than you might imagine. Mr Goenka retired from teaching some years ago. While I can't comment on the governance of Dhammagiri, I know that local centres are managed by a trust consisting of serious 'old students' appointed for a fixed term of one or two years and nominated by assitant teachers and existing trust members. ATs cannot become trust members and the provision of instruction is separate from centre management and development.
Anyway, this is all tangential to the OP.
kind regards
Ben
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
Re: Seeking some advice
That's a good point, Goof! Actually, Bhikkhu Appichatto might be someone of interest to contact. My understanding is that Bhikkhu Appichatto's practice is informed from the works of Bhikkhu Nyanaponika and others and I think his individual meditative practice is independent of the monastery where he resides. Perhaps I am wrong - but I do recommend sending Bhante a pm if he doesn't contribute to this thread.Goofaholix wrote:The technique taught by Goenka's lineage is mostly taught within a lay movement. I've never heard of a monastery specialising in his technique, so if Ben's advice doesn't bear fruit I'd look at ordaining in the Ajahn Chah lineage. They are very flexible as far as meditation technique is concerned and many will have practiced Goenka style body sweeping, so you should be able to practice what you want to find someone who can give you advice.maverick wrote:Its been few years I have been practicing Vipassana meditation as taught by SN Goenka, and i am planning to become a monk after few years from now. But i do not know any monasteries, teacher who follow the same technique here in United States and focus mainly on mediation rather then books. I like to follow the same technique i have been practicing. I don't know if it is good to switch to different technique. so can anyone give me some advice on good place, teachers for me.
metta
Ben
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
Re: Seeking some advice
Hi Ben,
How could i contact Bhikkhu Appichatto & Bhikkhu Nyanaponika, do you have email address ?
How could i contact Bhikkhu Appichatto & Bhikkhu Nyanaponika, do you have email address ?
From an inconstruable beginning comes transmigration. A beginning point is not evident, though beings hindered by ignorance and fettered by craving are transmigrating & wandering on. Long have you thus experienced stress, enough to be RELEASED.
The path is not about becoming a better person — it is about putting an end to becoming
The path is not about becoming a better person — it is about putting an end to becoming
- tiltbillings
- Posts: 23046
- Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:25 am
Re: Seeking some advice
A seance would be required for contact with Ven Nyanaponika (unless there is another I did not know about). Bhikkhu Appichatto can be PM'd here: http://dhammawheel.com/memberlist.php?m ... ofile&u=63" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;maverick wrote:Hi Ben,
How could i contact Bhikkhu Appichatto & Bhikkhu Nyanaponika, do you have email address ?
>> Do you see a man wise [enlightened/ariya] in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<< -- Proverbs 26:12
This being is bound to samsara, kamma is his means for going beyond. -- SN I, 38.
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” HPatDH p.723
This being is bound to samsara, kamma is his means for going beyond. -- SN I, 38.
“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” HPatDH p.723
Re: Seeking some advice
Hi Maverick
Nyanaponika Thera died years ago but his teachings are available in books. His classic "Heart of Buddhist Meditation": http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Buddhist-Me ... 0877280738" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is very worthwhile.
Bhikkhu Appichatto is a member of this forum, you can send him a pm via his profile page: http://www.dhammawheel.com/memberlist.p ... ofile&u=63" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
kind regards
Ben
Nyanaponika Thera died years ago but his teachings are available in books. His classic "Heart of Buddhist Meditation": http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Buddhist-Me ... 0877280738" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is very worthwhile.
Bhikkhu Appichatto is a member of this forum, you can send him a pm via his profile page: http://www.dhammawheel.com/memberlist.p ... ofile&u=63" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
kind regards
Ben
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
Re: Seeking some advice
In case it would be helpful, I heard a similar story, plus I was given a name and adress:Ben wrote: I also understand that in recent years there is/has been at least one bhikkhu, in Burma, who is an assistant teacher within the SN Goenka 'tradition'.
Sayadaw Pyinyazawta
Thephyu Tawya Dhamma Yeiktha
Thephyu village
Hmawby district
I am also interested about this. I did not look further as I googled the name "Pyinyazawta" and didn't like what I found, although it could have been someone else entirely. So I thought maybe this monk had separated from Goenka's lineage to teach his own way, in which case I was not interested. As I see Ben says he would still be in Goenka's organization, I will dig deeper on the issue and then make you know what I find.
Where knowledge ends, religion begins. - B. Disraeli
http://www.buddha-vacana.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.buddha-vacana.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- jcsuperstar
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Re: Seeking some advice
monks learning from lay people is not as uncommon as you'd think, especially in Thailand where there have been some prominent female teachers. also i believe there are suttas where lay people have taught dhamma to monks as well.
สัพเพ สัตตา สุขีตา โหนตุ
the mountain may be heavy in and of itself, but if you're not trying to carry it it's not heavy to you- Ajaan Suwat
the mountain may be heavy in and of itself, but if you're not trying to carry it it's not heavy to you- Ajaan Suwat
Re: Seeking some advice
Being a monk or a layperson is matter of life situation, not a matter of rank nor necessarily a matter of attainment. There are many highly realised lay teachers who may or may not have spent time as a monk or nun.
Re: Seeking some advice
Hi Dukkhanirodha
I'll try and find out from my contacts as well.
Hi JC
kind regards
Ben
I'll try and find out from my contacts as well.
Hi JC
Apparently Ledi Sayadaw when he was on his death-bed told his disciple monks to continue to take meditation instruction from his lay-disciple, Saya Thetgyi, a farmer.monks learning from lay people is not as uncommon as you'd think,
kind regards
Ben
“No lists of things to be done. The day providential to itself. The hour. There is no later. This is later. All things of grace and beauty such that one holds them to one's heart have a common provenance in pain. Their birth in grief and ashes.”
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..
- Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Learn this from the waters:
in mountain clefts and chasms,
loud gush the streamlets,
but great rivers flow silently.
- Sutta Nipata 3.725
Compassionate Hands Foundation (Buddhist aid in Myanmar) • Buddhist Global Relief • UNHCR
e: [email protected]..