World leaders need this! — 11 months ago
Hi all, I just came back from a 10 day course in Pune, India. This was the toughest thing I have ever done in my life but now in retrospect, all the torture and trauma is more than worth it! 10 days of being a recluse with nothing to look forward to, no one to talk to and 10 hours of meditation and introspection a day can really freak you out. As Goenka says, its a mental operation and a very deep one that removes deep rooted habits and negative sangharas. And as he predicted I wanted to run away on Day 6, one day after the Vippassana operation began. I had packed my bags and was begging the teacher to let me go!! I am SO glad that she stopped me. For those who are about to go for it: Just remember that these 10 days of your life are a DROP if not less in the time span of a whole life. If ever you feel it is not for you or it is too tough, just hang in there. And on the 9th day, you will feel exceptionally happy – which is a little weird. But on the 10th day, once Metta is done, you feel balanced and tranquil. The key is to complete the course. DO not leave half way or even on Day 9 because it is an operation and the 10th day is a very important one (for reasons I am not sure myself!).
I feel a lot calmer, balanced, objective in social situations now. And hopefully it will benefit my work life as well because i feel that my confidence and concentration have increased.
I heard that they are building a retreat center for world leaders somewhere in Nepal. I think this is a brilliant idea! Lets hope all of them agree to go for it! NO more wars!
