Vipassana Newsletter

In the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin, as taught by S. N. Goenka

Vol. 33, No. 10, 29 SEPTEMBER, 2023.

A monthly publication of the Vipassana Research Institute
Website: www.vridhamma.org; International website: www.dhamma.org
For Online Patrika in various Languages, visit : https://www.vridhamma.org/newsletters

Words of Dhamma
Katame dve puggalā dullabhā lokasmiṃ? Which two persons are rare in this world? The one who
Yo ca pubbakārī, yo ca kataññū katavedī. serves others selflessly (without expecting anything in return).
– Puggalapaññatti Niddesa 2. Dukapuggalapaññatti And the one who is grateful for a kindness done.

Forty Years of a New Life plagued by the constant tension of myriad domestic, business
and social responsibilities, my mind was now enriched by
by Principal Teacher S. N. Goenka happiness and health. Vipassana did not draw me away from
[Forty Years of a New Life was published in the autumn my worldly responsibilities, rather it gave me renewed energy to
of 1995 in the Vipasyana Patrika to commemorate the fortieth dispassionately fulfil them. Consequently, my capacity for work
anniversary of Respected S. N. Goenka's beginning of Vipassana increased significantly.
practice. The original material has been translated and adapted For years I had been immersed in serious scriptural studies
for this article.] and steeped in sentimental devotional practices, tremulously
The first ten days of September 1955 were the most precious praying to the deities my family worshipped. Despite these
of my life. Sitting at the feet of the supremely compassionate practices, deep-seated defilements remained. But now they
householder-saint, Sayagyi U Ba Khin, I learned the pristine art began to weaken due to this simple and natural process of
of observing the truth within. It was a great fortune, an exalted meditation. My heart overflowed with thankfulness.
pāramī (wholesome deed) of some past life that had borne a Since my childhood I had been conditioned by beliefs about
priceless fruit. I could never have dreamed that these sacred our family deity. Although it was taught that Lord Buddha was the
moments would happen. It was a new birth. ninth and most evolved incarnation of the god Vishnu, his teachings
My first birth had taken place thirty-two years earlier. Now were portrayed as oriented toward magic; they were considered
I was truly twice-born. This second birth was indeed a worthy unfit for true believers. These beliefs were stumbling blocks which
birth. Like a bird born of its mother encased in a shell, my first caused me to hesitate to join my first course of Vipassana.
birth was shrouded in the darkness of deep ignorance. A bird's But I had also heard that the Buddha was deeply
second birth is its true birth – when it breaks the eggshell and compassionate. As a child I had read the story in which his
emerges into the light. Just as the little bird blinks its eyes when cousin Devadatta wounded a swan with an arrow and how
it emerges from its shell into the sunlight, so was I astounded young Gotama compassionately saved it. I had also observed
when the dark layer of ignorance was penetrated for the first that the people of Myanmar (Burma) were so straightforward
time and I glimpsed the rays of true understanding. Indeed, the and guileless. A question arose in my mind: If the Buddha's
darkness of ignorance is darker than the absence of light within teachings were wrong, then how could his followers be such
an eggshell or the womb. decent people?
Up until now, I had not even remotely perceived the truth Confounding my mind still further were blind beliefs that
within. Yet how well I experienced it in those ten days. This I had clung to since childhood. Some came from one of my
perishable, material body, which had always seemed so solid uncles who held a high position in my father's firm. He was
and heavy – now its every atom trembled and came alive. Yet a much older than me and a Sanskrit scholar. He had read the
still greater achievement was that I found a simple and scientific scriptures extensively and his frequent weapon in an argument
method of eradicating mental defilements. By realizing the true was: “The scriptures say so.” Immersed in rites and rituals, he
relationship between the body and mind, the shackles of those prayed and worshiped for four or five hours every day. His daily
deep-rooted mental defilements now began to disintegrate. I chants were impressive; from a young age they inspired me to
had read or heard about the highly valued stages of meditation recite important scriptural passages for which I am grateful
practice, and now I was experiencing them. My heart overflowed to him. I enjoyed these daily morning recitations; the words
with gratitude toward my Teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin. reverberated in my mind long afterwards. My entire family
After returning home I practiced Vipassana every morning was deeply devoted to the gods Vishnu, Krishna and Shiva. My
and evening without a break, despite the acute demands of chants further strengthened this inherited devotion.
my busy schedule. This brought about fundamental changes, My uncle was extremely strict. Though he did not oppose
and profound gratitude toward my revered Teacher deepened Lord Buddha, he strongly opposed his teachings. I, on the other
immensely. hand, often visited the famous Mahamuni (Buddhist) temple in
Vipassana became a part of my life. The mind that had Mandalay with my grandfather, and felt very peaceful there. My
burned incessantly in the fires of passion, anger and ego now uncle often said to me, “The old man has become senile, but you
experienced a rare spiritual peace and calm. Where it had been are still young and should refrain from taking the wrong path.”
1
2 “Vipassana Newsletter” Vol. 33, No. 10, 29 September, 2023. Regd. No. 49916/90; P. Regn No. NSK/RNP-232/2021-2023
But I continued to visit the temple even after my grandfather's physical and mental sensations, clearly within the realm of
death. The peace and cleanliness of Buddha's temples attracted anicca (arising and passing away).
me. I knew nothing about meditation then, but whenever I Subsequently, when I experienced even subtler realities
visited the Mahamuni temple I felt very calm. and their concomitant states of deep peace and sublime bliss
I finally joined a Vipassana course after speaking with and joy, I realized the importance of experiencing these states
Sayagyi U Ba Khin. His explanations, given with deep with increased alertness. This is essential to prevent the seeker
compassion and loving-kindness, allowed me to understand from getting stuck in this elevated but illusionary experience,
how blemish-free this meditation practice is. In the very first which is still in the field of mind and matter. The meditator must
course I realized how false and misleading was the centuries-old clearly perceive whether this blissful state is one of heightened
propaganda against the Buddha's teachings. awareness of the senses, or the experience which transcends the
I now saw clearly: What can be wrong in practicing a senses. In this experience beyond the senses, the senses do not
meditation which is based on universal truth and can bring work; if this has not happened, then one is still in the field of
this wild, unruly mind to one-pointed concentration? What, mind and matter. With deepened awareness I experienced rising
indeed, can be wrong in establishing the mind in wisdom and and falling in this profoundly subtle realm also. Without the
knowledge based on one's own experience – a mind that hitherto awareness of anicca, this state would have trapped me with the
had depended on somebody else's wisdom? Can anything be illusionary thoughts of “me”, “my”, “mine,” and “permanent,
wrong in learning the art of leading a new life, the result of a mind eternal, absolute soul.” That is why it is vital to remain totally
cleansed and purified from defilements, and filled with mettā aware of the reality of this experience.
(loving kindness), karuṇa (compassion), muditā (sympathetic Through practicing constant awareness and experiencing
joy) and upekkhā (equanimity). I had read and heard about the the various stages on the path to total liberation, all doubts
importance of these subtler qualities since childhood. Now I felt: were gradually dissolving. At every step, the sublime purity
If someone teaches the experiential aspects of the eternal truth – and spiritually beneficent aspects of Dhamma manifested
which had only been described in empty rhetoric – then how can themselves. Naturally, my heart overflowed with feelings of
these teachings be considered false, illusory or magical? I found gratitude, gratitude toward Gotama the Buddha, who, despite
the Vipassana practice faultless. tremendous hardships, rediscovered the technique of Vipassana
I then decided to read the Buddha's words, thinking that which had been lost for eons – the only technique that leads to
perhaps I'd find something false or misleading lurking there. mental purification and total liberation. Not only did he seek out
But as I read the scriptures I saw with increasing clarity that the path and liberate himself, but with boundless compassion he
Dhamma was sublime and pure, beneficial to one and all. shared it with one and all.
In those days I used to come to India to visit established Deep gratitude flows toward the unbroken tradition of teacher-
ashrams (centres for spiritual practice) and meet various student, diligently maintained in India and thereafter in Myanmar,
religious leaders. I wanted to determine if I had, perhaps, which preserved the basic tenants of this knowledge in total purity.
started walking on a wrong path, if I had become entangled in a Gratitude flows toward my Dhamma father, Sayagyi, who taught
delusion. I also sought to learn: If Vipassana was a proper path, me Vipassana with such compassion, and firmly established me in
how could I progress beyond what I had already learned? Alas, the theoretical and practical aspects of pure Dhamma.
after these explorations, I felt certain that India had become When I survey the last forty years of my new life on the path
spiritually poorer since losing the sublime knowledge of the of Vipassana, my heart brims with deep satisfaction and joy. In
Buddha's teaching. the worldly sphere, during these forty years, there have been so
India's neighbour Myanmar is truly blessed to have many ascents and descents, so many springs and autumns, so
preserved these priceless jewels in their pristine purity: not only many turns of the tide. But the daily practice of Vipassana never
Vipassana meditation but the original Buddhist scriptures which failed to help me to develop equanimity in all situations.
were lost due to our Indian ancestors' lack of wisdom. I now My life is fulfilled. From the abundant compassion of my
clearly understood the way in which misinformation had been respected Teacher, I have received incomparable sustenance,
propagated all over India, whereby Buddha was praised but his and I continue to receive it in such abundance. The rejuvenating
teachings were denounced. I was saddened and dismayed when I medicine of Dhamma gives me confidence to move firmly on.
realized how the educated classes of India had been duped and so It continues to benefit me so much and uplifts so many others
lost our country's ancient, timeless, priceless treasure. It was time also. Pondering this, a spark of gratitude toward my respected
for the country to awaken. Teacher rekindles in my heart.
Besides my daily practice of meditation, I visited my The river of Dhamma that started flowing 25 centuries ago
revered Sayagyi at his centre in Yangon every Sunday morning through the efforts of the supremely compassionate Buddha
at 7:00 for group meditation and I continued to go deeper in – may it spring forth once again in the current era due to the
Vipassana paññā (experiential wisdom) by taking at least one efforts of my deeply revered Sayagyi. May it liberate all those
ten-day course a year. At times I also undertook longer, more who are enchained, who are tired and thirsty, who are in pain
intensive retreats. Gradually I came to realize the true purpose and sorrow. May it benefit all, may it uplift all – this wish of
for human existence. The reality of the senses at the mental goodwill flows from my heart.
and physical levels, their universal characteristics of anicca Having experienced and appreciated the Buddha's teaching,
(impermanence), dukkha (suffering) and anattā (egolessness), deep like the ocean, broad like the vast earth and high like the
became increasingly clear experientially. I could see the truth as Himalayas, I feel very comfortable in accepting, practicing and
obviously as a piece of fruit held in my hand. passing it on in its pristine purity. There can be no question of
The state of total dissolution that I had experienced so practicing or teaching anything but this wonderful Dhamma.
naturally and effortlessly in my first course had created the Dhamma is paripuṇṇa – it is complete, there is nothing to add.
illusion that this was indeed the permanent, eternal, absolute And it is parisuddha – so pure, that there is nothing to be removed.
state; whereas in reality, this dissolution was nothing but ---------------
“Vipassana Newsletter” Vol. 33, No. 10, 29 September, 2023. Regd. No. 49916/90; P. Regn No. NSK/RNP-232/2021-2023 7
[On the occasion of our Resp. Teacher's 10th death Goenkaji: Yes. Just accepting something with blind faith will
anniversary, we trust that this article, offered as a homage will not help. You have to work for your liberation. You have to find
help us get further established on the path of Dhamma. – Editor ] out where the bondage is, and then you have to come out of that
bondage. This is Vipassana. Observe your bondage, observe your
misery. Then you will find the real cause of the bondage, the real
QUESTION AND ANSWERS cause of misery and you will find how this cause starts getting
eradicated, eradicated. Gradually you are coming out of it. So
Q: You always condemn ritualism, but what is wrong with liberation comes by the practice of Vipassana.
expressing our respect and gratitude?
[Q&A from the VRI publication: The Gracious Flow of Dhamma]
Goenkaji: There is nothing wrong with that. Respect and
gratitude are not rituals. Rituals are when you don’t understand
what you are doing, when you are doing something just because
somebody asked you to. If deep inside you understand, “I am Additional Responsibility Children Course Teachers
paying respect to my parents” or “I am paying respect to a 1. Shri Y. Shiv kumar, AT Bhilai, To 1. Mr. Madduri Balaraju, Telangana
particular god or goddess” – then, see: What are the qualities of assist CT for Dhamma Anchal, 2. Mr. G Kalyan Ramana, Hyderabad
Ambikapur (Chhattisirh)
that god? What are the qualities of that goddess? Am I giving 3. Mrs. Sajja Pushpa, Hyderabad,
real respect to that god and goddess by developing the same New Responsibility 4. Mr. Venkateswarlu Maddisetty,
qualities within myself? Am I giving real respect to my parents Teachers Secunderabad
by developing their good qualities? If the answer is yes, then 1. Mr. Prem Narayan Sharma, Nagpur 5. Mrs. Srilaxmi Siluveru,
you are doing these actions with understanding, and they are 2. Mr. Waman Baingane, Nagpur Hyderabad
not rites or rituals. But if you perform something mechanically, Senior Asst. Teachers 6. Mrs. Aruna Pamin Patel, Modasa
then it becomes a rite or ritual. 1. Mr. Hong-Eng Khoo, Malaysia 7. Dr. Pamin Amrit Patel, Modasa
Q: Can we get complete transformation and complete New appointments 8. Mr. Shankar Biharibhai
happiness through Vipassana? Assistant Teachers Rajpurohit Modasa
Goenkaji: It is a progressive process. As you start working, 1. Shri Rajendra Patil, Nashik 9. Mrs. Vimala Thakkar,
you will find that you are experiencing more and more happiness, 2. Mrs. Kala Rao, Dubai Banaskantha
and eventually you will reach the stage which is total happiness. 3. Mr. Ajay Bhagdikar, Durg 10. Mr. Herve Muneza,
You become more and more transformed, and you will reach 4. Ms. Mala Devidas Panjabi, Chennai Mozambique,
the stage which is total transformation. It is progressive.
Q: Why should we work with respiration? Dhammic Death
Goenkaji: Respiration is the truth. Respiration is related to your 1. Smt. Surekha Ponkshe from Nagpur passed away peacefully
mind and matter, and you are here to make an analytical study of mind on the 10th of August, 2023. Since being appointed as an AT in 2003,
and matter. So you start with respiration, and then go to a deeper level she has worked unremittingly for Dhamma. She also served on many
of mind and matter. long courses as she undertook responsibilities as a senior AT in 2008.
Her contribution towards developing the Dhamma Nāga Vipassana
Q: Do you believe in rebirth? Center was invaluable. May such a deeply committed sevika continue
Goenkaji: My believing or not believing will not help you. to progress on the path of Dhamma, are the heartfelt wishes of her
Meditate, and you will reach a stage where you can see your past, Dhamma family.
and you can see your future. Then only believe. Don’t believe 2. Smt. Vimla Badani, Vipassana Teacher from Kolkata, breathed
something just because your guru says so. Otherwise you will her last on 28th August, 2023 at 4.30 p.m. in Ahmedabad. A dedicated
be under the clutches of a guru, which is against Dhamma. and a sincere Dhamma server, her dedication towards nurturing the
Q: Are you an atheist? Kolkata center, Dhamma Ganga was total as she worked tirelessly with
heartfelt enthusiasm. Her Dhamma service was full of genuine desire
Goenkaji: (Laughs.) If by “atheist” you mean one who does not to see people grow in Dhamma. May she be happy, peaceful and move
believe in God, then no, I am not. I believe in God. But for me, God is towards liberation in her onward Dhamma journey.
not an imaginary person. For me, truth is God. The ultimate truth is
ultimate God.
Q: To live a righteous life, don’t we need God’s power? Vipassana Research Institute (VRI)
Goenkaji: God’s power is Dhamma’s power. Dhamma is
God. Truth is God. When you are with truth, when you are with Project Pāla
Dhamma, you are with God. Develop God’s power within yourself, On the occasion of Guru Purnima, Vipassana Research Institute
by purifying your mind. is very happy to announce Project Pāla – Treasures of Dhamma.
Q: Have you seen your previous birth? As you are all aware, this precious Dhamma, which was taught to
us by S.N. Goenkaji, in its pristine purity, which is being maintained
Goenkaji: Every moment I am dying, every moment I am through the pure tradition of Teachers, must be preserved, protected,
taking a new birth. This process is going on, and I keep observing it. and passed on for the benefit of many. This includes a vast collection
Q: What is choiceless observation? of materials comprising manuscripts, rare books, pictures, palm
Goenkaji: It means to do nothing. Things are just leaves from Myanmar, artefacts, audio and video tapes, and Goenkaji's
happening, and you are observing. Don’t impose this belief or personal documents.
that belief, this dogma, that cult, this philosophy. Don’t impose Treasures of Dhamma summary:
anything, don’t create anything: let things happen naturally. • Photos, over 2000 images & 8000 negatives.
Whatever is happening within you naturally is the truth, and • Letters, Documents & Transcript – over 210,000.
truth is God. • Newsletters, Newspapers, Magazines – over 10000.
Q: Is meditation the only way to get liberated? • Diaries & Notebooks – around 500.
8 “Vipassana Newsletter” Vol. 33, No. 10, 29 September, 2023. Regd. No. 49916/90; P. Regn No. NSK/RNP-232/2021-2023
• Printed books – over 12000.
• Palm leaf & Manuscripts – Approx 28. One-Day Mega Courses at Global
• Audio & Video collection – over 3000 tapes. Vipassana Pagoda, Gorai, Mumbai
• Paintings - over 130 large paintings on the Life of the Buddha. 1. 1st Oct 2023, Sunday Sharad Purnima plus Pujya
• Course application forms – over 12 lakhs. (Some forms are from 1971!) Goenkaji’s Death Anniversary.
The word pāla means to preserve or secure Dhamma teachings. 2. 19th Nov 2023 Sunday Centenary year Mega course
In order to protect these materials from the risk of damage due to 3. 10th Dec 2023, Sunday Centenary year Mega course
environmental conditions, a 5000 sq ft state-of-the-art conservation 4. 14th Jan 2024, Sunday Sangha dana and Mega Course
and preservation facility is planned. The storage facility will have a 5. 4th Feb 2024, Sunday MEGA EVENT: Documentary
temperature-controlled environment that is fire and water proof. Film on Pujya Guruji & other events
The project is estimated to cost around Rs 300 lakhs; hence, any
In addition there are Daily One-Day Courses being held
contributions towards this noble cause for future generations would
be of great merit to the donor. in the Pagoda for Vipassana Students. Please follow the
link to join and take advantage of the immense benefit of
Please click the YouTube link below to see a short video on Pāla
- The Treasures of Dhamma: https://youtu.be/eK-dJPWnOhs Anyone meditating in a large group. Contact: 022 50427500 (Board
can donate online through our website, mobile app, scan UPI QR Code, net Lines) Mob. +91 8291894644 (from 11 am to 5 pm ).
banking or by sending a cheque to our address. Online registration: http://oneday.globalpagoda.org/
Please click link for various Donation Options: register Email: oneday@globalpagoda.org (Pl.
https://www.vridhamma.org/Donation-to-VRI bring a bottle so you can fill it with drinking water at GVP.)
Donations to VRI are eligible for 100% tax deduction benefits to Dhammalaya Stay during Mega Courses:-–Meditators
Indian citizens. The bank details for the donation are as follows:
can stay at Dhammalaya during mega courses and avail
Vipassana Research Institute, Axis Bank Ltd., Malad (W.)
maximum benefit. Please contact: 022 50427599 or email-
Account number: 911010004132846; IFSC Code: UTIB0000062;
Please Contact: 1. Shri Derik Pegado - 022-50427512/ 28451204 info.dhammalaya@globalpagoda.org
2. Shri Bipinbhai Mehta - 022-50427510/ 9920052156 For any other information for One day or Mega
3. Email - audits@globalpagoda.org courses you may contact: info@globalpagoda.org or
4. Online Donation- https://www.vridhamma.org/donate-online pr@globalpagoda.org, Tel :- 022-50427500 / +91 8291894644
• Email: guruji.centenary@globalpagoda.org

DHAMMA DOHAS
Jaya jaya jaya gurudevajī, jaya jaya kripānidhāna; Yadi guruvara milate nahīṁ, baramā deśa sudeśa;
Dharama ratana aisā diyā, huā parama kalyāṇa. Kāma krodha ke, ahaṁ ke, kaise miṭate kleśa?
My teacher, may you be victorious; Compassionate Had I not met my revered teacher in the good land of
one, may you be victorious. You gave me such a jewel Burma, Then how would I ever have dissolved the mis-
of Dhamma,which has been so beneficial to me. eries of sensuousness, anger and pride?
Guruvara tuma milate nahīṁ, dharma gaṅga ke tīra; Patha bhūlā digbhrama huā, bhaṭaka rahā akulāya;
To basa gaṅgā pūjatā, kabhī na pītā nīra. Dhanya! dhanya! gurudeva ne, satpatha diyā dikhāya.
O revered teacher, had I not met you by the banks of Wandering around aimlessly, having lost the way;
the Ganges of Dhamma; I would have merely paid Blessed is my revered Guru, who showed me the
obeisance to the Ganges, never tasting its waters. right path.

SUBSCRIPTION TO ENGLISH/HINDI MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: ANNUAL: RS 100/- (Posting OUTSIDE INDIA- US $ 50); (No Retail Sale)
No LIFE SUBSCRIPTION now onwords. Subscriptions BY BANK DRAFT, PAYABLE AT IGATPURI IN FAVOUR OF Vipassana Research Institute

Edited and published by R.P. Yadav for VRI, Igatpuri-422 403 and printed at Apollo Printing Press, 259, SICOF Ltd., 69 MIDC, Satpur, Nashik-422 007.
No. 10, 29 SEPT., 2023. Posted at Igatpuri, Dist. Nashik, Posting Day: Purnima of every month; Vip. NL Regd. No. 49916/90; P. Regn No. NSK/RNP-232/2021-2023
DATE OF PRINTING: 15 SEPTEMBER, 2023, DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29 SEPTEMBER, 2023

If undelivered, please return to:

Vipassana Research Institute
Dhamma Giri, Igatpuri 422 403
Dist. Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Tel: (02553) 244998, 243553, 244076,
244086, 244144, 244440
Email: vri_admin@vridhamma.org
course booking: info.giri@vridhamma.org
Website: https://www.vridhamma.org