Ten Days of Silence: Inside a Vipassana Retreat

chimme

10/22/2004 09:33:15 AM

Appreciated reading the previous writers message..Humbly silencing negative annoyances really helps redefine whats truely worthwhile.. This has helped me not be a stranger to whomever I meet..I'm still working on lasting happy healthy constructive conversation..Too many yrs ago was part of a Zen retreat,no talking for six days listening to sermons etc..Was really interesting redefining internal noise.. ..schimme@webtv.net from N.J.

Suchismita

10/13/2004 05:18:44 PM

When I was in 8th grade, I remember deciding that I needed to check up on my spirituality. I felt that I had fallen out of touch with my religion (Hinduism), and that I was no longer truly praying to God, I was just falling into a habit where I repeated the words without thinking. I ended up taking a vow of silence for two months, while in school, and was supported by my parents in the action. It was an unbelievable experience. I realized how much energy people waste with useless extra action, and how much people talk about nothing. I was able to soul search and found true spirituality once again. I am now in my last year of High School, and still have the economy of motion and speaking that resulted from my self imposed silence.I believe what I did was sort of extravagant, but is really really does help to go into a silent self examination period. I haven't lost touch with my religion ever since, and try my best to never be negative. It helps to examine one's motives. I think everyone should try it.