Vipassana literal translation is Insight. Yet somewhere along the line I tied Vipassana totally to the practice of S.N. Goenka.
Listening to Gil Fronsdal, I picked up that he was a teacher at the Insight Meditation Centre. From there I re-discovered that insight meditation is Vipassana.
How could two totally different approaches and teachings be the same name? I was nearly exploding at this seemingly double bind I’d created for myself. I e-mailed the IMC asking for some clarification, and got a fantastic reply. In that they clarifying how both S.N. Goenka and Gil Fronsdal have Theravada Buddhism at their core. They then explained how the differences in teaching styles came about from this same tradation.
“Goenka emphasizes the second foundation/application of mindfulness described in the Satipatthana Sutta – which is to focus on mindfulness of “feeling tones” (pleasant, unpleasant, neither) as a path to liberation.
Gil’s teachings encompass a wider range of teachings from the Theravada tradition, employing a variety of approaches to develop mindfulness and other qualities/characteristics that support our development in following the path to liberation, rather than narrowing the focus to one specific technique”
My gut feeling/instict was telling me that Goenka was really locking in on one area, blocking the greater holistic methods upon how to live life through Dharma. The IMC has a great collection of books on the greater Vipassana practice if interested.
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They have excellent audio files on their website too, even a beginners course in meditation.
Finding the right meditation for you is an exciting and sometimes challenging process. I would just point out one thing though. In my experience, with any kind of in depth pursuit and study, sharply narrowing one’s focus is a vital and necessary step for deep understanding. Best of luck!
I noticed the same thing years ago when I was exploring Vipassana and Insight. I think you are right, a more specific focus vs a holistic focus. There is much to study, no?
Kris
@Dan, Yes there is a lot of audio around on the IMC Website, I’ve linked to what I think are the best bits in the Recommended Audio section up top.
@Joel, totally agree. After going wide and shallow for a while, you have to go narrow and deep. I’ve locked onto (Za)Zen as my narrow and deep. Best of luck with your search.
@Kris, Glad to know I’m not the only one who’s had this dilemma. I hadn’t met anyone else who has reached this crux. I’ve got many friends who practice Vipassana S.N. Goenka style, and it’s great that it ‘work’ for them, not for me tho
I’d say there is much to live, and be, more so than study. I practice to unlearn the intellectual world, to come back to my full potential of all I can be. Thanks for bring me back.
May all beings be peaceful.
Gassho,
Wade
Hello Wade, I found your website while searching for Goenka meditation chants… thanks so much for providing the mp3s. I hope my small dana will increase your overall total and allow you to continue to support those on the path of liberation. I love your website, bytheway, and appreciate your discussion of Goenka’s Vipassana vs that of IMC. You are now in my “favorites” and will check back frequently.
peace, happiness and liberation,
cindy