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I'm noticing that whenever something similar comes up, it turns out invariably that it revolves around a lionized "founder" figure whose teachings are the one p

I'm noticing that whenever something similar comes up, it turns out invariably that it revolves around a lionized "founder" figure whose teachings are the one path to follow. I would also assume (pure speculation here) that this retreat is a for-profit operation. This is not cynicism on my part, it is the mere observation of a pattern.

thinkling 12y ago
The Goenka centers are non-profits and the courses are free, including room and board. At the end of the class, you're given an opportunity to make a donation. It's made clear that this is what sustains the center and makes it possible for future students to attend the course. If I remember right, they tell you how much it costs to house and feed a student, so there's an implied "this is how much you should give". But I have the strong impression that many students give much less, and a small number give a multiple or give large donations at other times. There's no further pressure to give money (or come back) after you leave the course. Edited to add: as for Goenka as a leader figure: the whole course is taught using audio and video recordings of Goenka explaning his interpretation of the teachings of Gautama Buddha. He adds his own life story. I can't think of any way that adoration of Goenka is encouraged. In fact, Goenka refused to confirm whether he had reached certain standard levels of semi-enlightenment (e.g. arahat) saying that he wanted to avoid idol-worship around his person. And unlike many "gurus", I don't know of any accusations that Goenka took advantage of his students. The retreats can seem cultish because the rules are strict and weird, and you're strongly discouraged from leaving halfway through the course. But I think by any reasonable checklist of what makes a cult, the Goenka centers would not quality.
curo 12y ago
No. In fact, it's 100% free. They never ask you for a donation. And you're not even allowed to donate unless you stay the full ten days. It's run completely by volunteers and old students, who walk away from their jobs for a week and half in order to cook you free meals. I'm also weary of personality cults. Goenka did everything (he passed a year ago) to make sure you don't worship him. He claims throughout his lectures that he is not a sage, but instead a mere "householder." He doesn't say he's enlightened. He tells his story of having migraines, learning from another Vipassana leader the technique, and then dedicating his life to teaching others. tldr; don't knock it till you try it. But I do agree with the author that there all elements of "faith," whereas he claims you don't need faith. There are concepts in his lectures that imply belief in reincarnation for instance. That being said, 95% of the course is just about developing concentration by focusing on your breathe, and awareness & equanimity by focusing on sensations of the body.
- visarga 12y ago
  > But I do agree with the author that there all elements of "faith," whereas he claims you don't need faith. Maybe not as much faith as in resurrection, angels and miracles. Reincarnation is not necessary as a concept to do awareness practice.

thinkling 12y ago

The Goenka centers are non-profits and the courses are free, including room and board. At the end of the class, you're given an opportunity to make a donation. It's made clear that this is what sustains the center and makes it possible for future students to attend the course. If I remember right, they tell you how much it costs to house and feed a student, so there's an implied "this is how much you should give". But I have the strong impression that many students give much less, and a small number give a multiple or give large donations at other times. There's no further pressure to give money (or come back) after you leave the course. Edited to add: as for Goenka as a leader figure: the whole course is taught using audio and video recordings of Goenka explaning his interpretation of the teachings of Gautama Buddha. He adds his own life story. I can't think of any way that adoration of Goenka is encouraged. In fact, Goenka refused to confirm whether he had reached certain standard levels of semi-enlightenment (e.g. arahat) saying that he wanted to avoid idol-worship around his person. And unlike many "gurus", I don't know of any accusations that Goenka took advantage of his students. The retreats can seem cultish because the rules are strict and weird, and you're strongly discouraged from leaving halfway through the course. But I think by any reasonable checklist of what makes a cult, the Goenka centers would not quality.

curo 12y ago

No. In fact, it's 100% free. They never ask you for a donation. And you're not even allowed to donate unless you stay the full ten days. It's run completely by volunteers and old students, who walk away from their jobs for a week and half in order to cook you free meals. I'm also weary of personality cults. Goenka did everything (he passed a year ago) to make sure you don't worship him. He claims throughout his lectures that he is not a sage, but instead a mere "householder." He doesn't say he's enlightened. He tells his story of having migraines, learning from another Vipassana leader the technique, and then dedicating his life to teaching others. tldr; don't knock it till you try it. But I do agree with the author that there all elements of "faith," whereas he claims you don't need faith. There are concepts in his lectures that imply belief in reincarnation for instance. That being said, 95% of the course is just about developing concentration by focusing on your breathe, and awareness & equanimity by focusing on sensations of the body.

visarga 12y ago
> But I do agree with the author that there all elements of "faith," whereas he claims you don't need faith. Maybe not as much faith as in resurrection, angels and miracles. Reincarnation is not necessary as a concept to do awareness practice.