Vipassana [mindfulness] meditation class @SABS Part 11

Lesson 11, November 1, 2013                                                       

This is the last lesson for this beginners series.  Some of the yogis' progress and success stories were shared and bro KC was delighted although having no expectation.  

The following were yogis' queries and experiences that Bro KC helped address :

1)  How to deal with wandering mind? 

This issue was addressed by Bro KC during Lesson 9 dated 6/09/13.   To reiterate, Bro KC explained that a wandering mind is common for yogis especially beginners.  When mind wanders, acknowledge that the mind has wandered and gently redirect one's attention back to the primary object of mindfulness.  Acceptance helps us come to peace.  Apply right attitude and loving kindness [being supportive and not judgmental/critical];  this practice is called mental cultivation or mental nurturing.
  

2) Meeting challenges in meditation.
Encountering challenges in meditation is normal. It is part of the learning process. Have the right understanding, adopt the right attitude and apply the right technique to deal with each challenge. The teacher can provide you with the right technique to deal with each challenge.

3) What is the purpose of participating in the 1-day retreat?

The ultimate goal of vipassana meditation is purification of the mind from mental defilements for good, resulting in liberation from suffering - nibbana.

The purification of the mind takes place via developing the five spiritual faculties:

1) Faith in the practice, teacher and oneself.

2) Apply effort to be mindful.

3) Arousing of mindfulness and continuous mindfulness leads  to

4) The development of concentration.  Sustained concentration leads to

5) The realization of insight knowledge [wisdom]. 

Retreats from days to weeks to months are to facilitate the development of the 5 spiritual faculties in order to purify the mind for good. Hence, for beginners it is helpful to start with doing a 1-day retreat before going on to do longer retreats.

We did about 30 minutes of walking meditation followed by about 30 minutes of sitting meditation.

Happy meditating!