I was wrong about Vipassana | Hacker News Reader

I was wrong about Vipassana

5 pointsbobsgame5 comments

I was probably bitter because I failed at it and I left a comment calling it a cult that I really regret, it actually gave me most of my points.

It is cult-like and I didn't like aspects of it and felt slightly misled, but I don't believe it is destructive, and a lot of that was my own fault for not reading the website carefully. I am still interested in it and I want to go back and succeed.

Just leaving this here for posterity.

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I wanted to add that there are several forms/types of Vipassana and several different types of centers that conduct retreats. Many people get confused and think that there is only one type of Vipassana. Take a look into The Insight Meditation Society located near Boston. They also have a large center near San Francisco, and various groups around the country. I think you may find the instruction less 'cultish'. Insight Meditation Society (IMS) uses a sliding scale to charge for its retreats and I have found them to be my favorite center for going on a retreat. Another thing to keep in mind is that it is not necessary to do a ten day retreat. You can start with a 2-3 day and work up from there.

That sounds more like what I was expecting to begin with, I'll look into it. Thanks!

I was probably bitter because I failed at it and I left a comment calling it a cult that I really regret, it actually gave me most of my points.

Just leaving this here for posterity.

So.. How did they track you down?

They didn't, I'm just stronger now and I can see that I was too harsh in my assessment. Cults are everywhere, most people just don't realize it. Some are destructive, most aren't. I believe that Vipassana is not destructive and it at least tries to be helpful and give people stronger coping skills.

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