MIND OVER BODY....@ A BUDDHIST MEDITATION CENTER, BURMA

MIND OVER BODY....@
A BUDDHIST MEDITATION CENTER, BURMA
Inspired by Nithya Shanti I decided to spend a few days at a Buddhist Meditation Centre in Myanmar (Burma) a few weeks ago. Some interesting lessons learnt:
1. One can survive with a lot less food that we think. Our first meal was at 5.30am and then lunch at 10.30am. No solid food after that. A glass of juice at 5pm was the only other 'meal.'



2. The sessions would begin at 4am. We would sit under an individual mosquito net with one instruction – Just watch the breath in an out. Ever so often one could do some ‘walking meditation.’ Suffice to say, my legs and back cried out in pain after a while. Lots to work on!



 3. Oh how the mind can be trained and how it wanders – I got to the Centre on a Friday and was scheduled to leave on Monday morning. All through Saturday, I was focused on the reason I was there – Meditation. But on Sunday, I found my concentration wavering quite a bit as I started thinking about my tasks to be done on the following work day (Monday).



4. Buddhism is not equal to vegetarianism – In India, we strongly associate Buddhism with being vegetarian. I had learnt that this not so in my travels in the Far East. But much to my surprise, even at this monastery, meat was being prepared and served to all. The Head Monk was the only other vegetarian (his father was a Hindu).






5. The practices followed by monks in Buddhism had lot in common to those taught in institutions that focus on classical yoga like the Bihar School of Yoga that I am connected with. In particular, the focus on the breath and awareness are key examples.
Overall, an awesome trip within. GRATITUDE












Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Importance of Rekindling Play – 5 Days in Bir, June 2024

Image
  The Importance of Rekindling Play – 5 Days in Bir, June 2024 Feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Sometimes, taking a step back to rekindle play and patience can be transformative. Over the past week, I attended a program called “A Primer on Patience” at the Deer Park Institute in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India. This program, based on Buddhist psychology, offered a ‘light-touch’ approach to imparting deep-rooted wisdom in an interactive and enjoyable manner accessible to everyone. I had previously studied under the lead trainer, Nivedita, and her down-to-earth and practical style of imparting wisdom resonated deeply with me. More importantly, Nivedita embodies humility and warmth, making the experience even more enriching. Here are five key insights and takeaways from my time there: 1. I Felt Free and Energized! I had forgotten how much I love sharing space with like-minded individuals in a fun learning and authentic sharing environment. We learned, we shared, we drew, we laughed, and...
Read more

We Are All on 'Standby'....

Image
We Are All On 'Standby'.... In the past few days, three poignant experiences wove themselves into a single narrative that felt too significant not to share. The first is something we all experience this time of year: the turning of the calendar . One year ends, and another begins. It’s a natural time to reflect, reset, and reimagine what’s ahead. The second was attending a memorial service for a young man who tragically passed away. It was a moving tribute, but also a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability. As I sat there, a friend shared about their elderly parent, deeply suffering, and said, “I wish they would find peace and move on.” The contrast was striking: here was a young man, full of life and promise, gone too soon, while another life lingered on amidst suffering. The third came from my own home. My daughter is preparing to leave for the U.S. on a standby ticket, arranged through her cousin. When people asked, “When are you leaving?” she replied, “Maybe today,” be...
Read more

"I have no intention of dying before my death" - Lessons from a Centurion

Image
  Living Fully and Leading with Intention "I have no intention of dying before my death." This powerful declaration set the tone for an inspiring morning, offering valuable insights for today’s leaders. We gathered in a sunlit, glass-enclosed room—a perfect setting for a Sunday filled with meaningful conversations and deep reflections. The atmosphere was warm, the coffee was perfect, but the true highlight of the morning was a discussion with a centenarian who had recently celebrated his 100th birthday. For the next hour, we were guided through a fascinating conversation about life lessons and their relevance in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. This centenarian’s wisdom was profound, and as leaders, we were reminded that leadership is as much about character and wisdom as it is about strategy and execution. Here are some key lessons that stood out, offering valuable guidance for leaders at every stage: "I have no intention of dying before my death." This sta...
Read more