- Posts: 1593
- Joined: 30 Apr 2006
Thanks to those who replied.
I raised this point because I read that those who do the Vipassana Yoga that the students must observe silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day; where silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with other students, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is prohibited. Students, however, can speak with the teacher whenever necessary or approach the management with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. But even these contacts should be kept to a minimum, thus students should cultivate the feeling that they are working in isolation.
I also recall one of the BKs books written by Western BK Sisters (either Oranges or Peace and Purity (sorry forgotten author and title)) that before becoming a BK the author also also stumbled on some Buddhist retreat during her spiritual travel, where there was no talking allowed at all.
Now the BK course at the beginning is not so strict. However, when I did the course I was on vacation and so I did the course in a week and attended the Murli class the following week. I had actually read New Beginnings after the first 2 days because I wasn't sure what had gone on before, but yes I was THAT keen and hooked and the pulse was highly felt . I had a good Indian teacher who still remains to this day a good friend. But I think the keenness was not in so far as understanding Raja Yoga and doing meditation and Yoga, but more along the lines of being able to do the course intensively, going to the centre several times a day, sometimes I would be there when the centre coordinator went shopping, so I was this jean wearing new BK kid on the block and alone in the centre !! Had Baba's room to myself.
It was really quiet, I could hear myself think . However, I have not noticed anyone else who later joined ever having done the same. In my situation, it was coincidence got have time on my hands for this deep experience. If anyone who goes on management training course, or on a technical training course, they usually take that week off from their desk to concentrate solely on that course to get the best results without work distractions. Whilst there are limitations to the number of volunteers giving courses, I recommend that any BK teacher male or female should insist the student to do the course intensely and not dilute it over several weeks to the convenience of the student's schedule.
When I went to Madhuban, a very senior soul told me to "forgo the study" and just sit in bhatti (total silence) for 8 hours a day for a month. I told it was not possible as I had lokik things. Thus instead, during my time in Madhuban, recommended to forgo the classes and trips to Peace Park etc and do bhatti in Madhuban. This I did on some of the days. It was really worth it. I also realised that when you are alone in the middle of History Hall, say, and there is a bunch of "tourists" coming, they scurry by very quickly. The BK who is their guide obviously knows that respecting the silence is required and the tourists instantly know too. And when everyone else is attending all the classes held for the double foreigners, I would pop into Baba's room instead. After all, you can get the tape of the class later !!
So intense bhatti and course is highly recommended.
I raised this point because I read that those who do the Vipassana Yoga that the students must observe silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day; where silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with other students, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is prohibited. Students, however, can speak with the teacher whenever necessary or approach the management with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. But even these contacts should be kept to a minimum, thus students should cultivate the feeling that they are working in isolation.
I also recall one of the BKs books written by Western BK Sisters (either Oranges or Peace and Purity (sorry forgotten author and title)) that before becoming a BK the author also also stumbled on some Buddhist retreat during her spiritual travel, where there was no talking allowed at all.
Now the BK course at the beginning is not so strict. However, when I did the course I was on vacation and so I did the course in a week and attended the Murli class the following week. I had actually read New Beginnings after the first 2 days because I wasn't sure what had gone on before, but yes I was THAT keen and hooked and the pulse was highly felt . I had a good Indian teacher who still remains to this day a good friend. But I think the keenness was not in so far as understanding Raja Yoga and doing meditation and Yoga, but more along the lines of being able to do the course intensively, going to the centre several times a day, sometimes I would be there when the centre coordinator went shopping, so I was this jean wearing new BK kid on the block and alone in the centre !! Had Baba's room to myself.
It was really quiet, I could hear myself think . However, I have not noticed anyone else who later joined ever having done the same. In my situation, it was coincidence got have time on my hands for this deep experience. If anyone who goes on management training course, or on a technical training course, they usually take that week off from their desk to concentrate solely on that course to get the best results without work distractions. Whilst there are limitations to the number of volunteers giving courses, I recommend that any BK teacher male or female should insist the student to do the course intensely and not dilute it over several weeks to the convenience of the student's schedule.
mbbhat wrote:I do not know how many have done this and where all it was done (just in Madhuban or even in centres).
When I went to Madhuban, a very senior soul told me to "forgo the study" and just sit in bhatti (total silence) for 8 hours a day for a month. I told it was not possible as I had lokik things. Thus instead, during my time in Madhuban, recommended to forgo the classes and trips to Peace Park etc and do bhatti in Madhuban. This I did on some of the days. It was really worth it. I also realised that when you are alone in the middle of History Hall, say, and there is a bunch of "tourists" coming, they scurry by very quickly. The BK who is their guide obviously knows that respecting the silence is required and the tourists instantly know too. And when everyone else is attending all the classes held for the double foreigners, I would pop into Baba's room instead. After all, you can get the tape of the class later !!
So intense bhatti and course is highly recommended.