Today my meditation teacher passed away. I started practicing Vipassana in the tradition of SN Goenka in 1996. This practice changed my life. I sat that very first course in Kathmandu, Nepal with my now husband, then monk, Yoon.
The first course was so hard for me, I did not think I could continue, but year after year, I returned to sit a 10-day silent course and even sat longer courses. I signed up last month to sit a 10-day course over Christmas in North Fork, CA. That's where I'll be on Christmas and it feels right, especially since my lovely teacher just passed.
I had the privilege of meeting SN Goenka when he was doing a North American tour in 2002. That was a very long time ago. I went to Canada with my best friend Lena and sat with many people for a one-day course. I was able to talk and ask him a question. I don't quite remember the question, but the answer was "to keep on practicing."
In 2007, I traveled to India for the Teacher's Self Course with my husband and once again had a chance to sit with my teacher.
I am so grateful for all the metta (loving kindness) he shared with so many people. I'm so grateful that I found meditation and was and am still able to practice it.
I've written many posts here about Vipassana meditation and the benefits. Here's one post I wrote after my return from a long course of 45-days which will give you an idea of the practice.
In my book, Lessons from the Monk I Married, I thanked SN Goenka for teaching me meditation.
Right now I feel like sitting down on my meditation cushion. I feel like that is the best offering I can give this wonderful man at this moment.
Paix à son âme! Great persons who deliver meditation practice.
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