Goenka: Q&A

Question: Meditation has always been considered a withdrawal from society. Why did Sayagyi U Ba Khin give so much importance to the social aspect of meditation? In particular, for householders, do you think that our involvement in society, rather than isolation, can truly help the progress of our meditation?

World-first evidence suggests that meditation alters cancer survivors’ cells

For the first time, scientists have found clear biological evidence that 

meditation and support groups can affect us on a cellular level. 

We’re often told that being happy, meditating and mindfulness can 
benefit our health. We all have that one friend of a friend who says 
they cured their terminal illness by quitting their job and taking up 
surfing - but until now there’s been very little scientific evidence to 
back up these claims.

Now researchers in Canada have found the first evidence to suggest 
that support groups that encourage meditation and yoga can actually
alter the cellular activity of cancer survivors.

Their study, which was published in the journal Cancer last week, is 
one of the first to suggest that a mind-body connection really does exist.

Kindergarteners Talk About Mindfulness in "Just Breathe" Short Film

In the four-minute film, kindergarteners talk about coping with emotions and using meditation and breathing techniques.

We're interrupting your regular mindfulness news roster to bring you: Children talking about mindfulness. Because, really, after hearing mindfulness' benefits trumpeted from Wall Street to ABC News to practically everywhere else, we could use a little plain language. A little straight talk—from little people. 

The Story of Four Samaneras.

Once, the wife of a brahmin sent her husband the brahmin to the Jetavana monastery to invite four bhikkhus to an alms-meal at their house.

She told him to specifically request for senior bhikkhus who were also true brahmanas. 

But 4 seven year old arahat samaneras, viz., Samkicca, Pandita, Sopaka and Revata were sent along with him.

"In this one moment of existence,......

"In this one moment of existence, how many sick people in the hospitals of the world are groaning in agony? How many, having sensed impending death, are crying in vain, in fear and anguish? How many, at the loss of their wealth, prestige, their position, their power, are beset at this moment with pain? Who can have any reason for not accepting the truth of suffering while living in this universe where there is suffering everywhere?

..In the eyes of the world, a person may be considered very happy or even consider himself very happy. How long do people enjoy such pleasures? How quickly does the momentary brightness turn to darkness!

Time Thai Buddhism opened up to women

The Nation, March 11, 2015 The ban on the ordination of females is a violation of the Lord Buddha's teachings Bangkok, Thailand -- Women's struggle to be afforded the same rights as men goes on, and the freedom to fulfil their spiritual aspirations is no exception. Buddhism, like other religions, still has mechanisms that prevent women from enjoying privileges given only to men. At a recent seminar it emerged that the situation hasn't changed much regarding the ban on ordination for women in Thailand. Though Chatsumarn Kabilsingh was ordained as a bhikkuni in Sri Lanka in 2003, in Thailand the Sangha Supreme Council has maintained its prohibition against women becoming members of the Theravada clergy. Thai monks are forbidden from ordaining bikkhunis.