S. N. Goenka
S. N. Goenka was an influential Indian teacher of Vipassanā meditation, born in Burma to an Indian family. He learned Vipassanā from Sayagyi U Ba Khin and later moved to India to teach, establishing a global network of non-commercial meditation centers. His teachings emphasized the universal and scientific nature of Buddha's path to liberation, making Vipassanā accessible to people of all backgrounds.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Burma (modern-day Myanmar) to Indian parents.
- ›Learned Vipassanā meditation from Sayagyi U Ba Khin.
- ›Moved to India in 1969 to teach Vipassanā.
- ›Established numerous non-commercial Vipassanā meditation centers worldwide.
- ›Taught a 10-day residential Vipassanā program.
- ›Awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2012.
Important Relationships
- Sayagyi U Ba Khin
- Elaichi Devi Goenka
- Come, People of the World: Translations of Selected Hindi Couplets
- the Gracious Flow of Dharma
- Satipatthana Sutta Discourses: Talks From A Course In Mahā-SatipatthāNa Sutta
- the Discourse Summaries: Talks From A Ten-Day Course In Vipassana Meditation
- For the Benefit of Many: Talks and Answers To Questions From Vipassana Students 1983-2000
- 50 Years of Dhamma Service
- the Gem Set In Gold
Burma, India, Kusum Nagar, Hyderabad, Igatpuri, Dhamma Giri, Mumbai, Gorai Beach
Sayagyi U Ba Khin
English, Hindi
About S. N. Goenka
Satya Narayana Goenka was an influential Indian teacher of Vipassanā meditation who played a significant role in popularizing the practice globally. Born in Burma to an Indian family, Goenka experienced severe migraines in his youth, which led him to discover Vipassanā under the guidance of Sayagyi U Ba Khin. After training for 14 years, Goenka was authorized to teach and moved to India in 1969, establishing his first Vipassanā meditation center.
Life and Teachings
Goenka's teachings emphasized that Buddha's path to liberation was non-sectarian, universal, and scientific. He presented Vipassanā meditation as an experiential practice for self-knowledge and freedom from suffering, accessible to individuals of all religious beliefs or none. His approach eschewed rites and rituals, focusing instead on the core principles of ethical conduct, concentration, and wisdom.
Under his guidance, a vast network of non-commercial Vipassanā meditation centers was established in over 94 countries. These centers offer 10-day residential courses, with all expenses covered by voluntary donations from past students. Goenka also trained approximately 1,350 assistant teachers to continue his work. He was a prolific writer and poet, and his lectures and teachings reached audiences worldwide, including at the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2012.
Legacy
Goenka's efforts led to Vipassanā meditation being introduced to prisons in India and internationally, with documentaries such as "Doing Time, Doing Vipassana" and "The Dhamma Brothers" highlighting its impact. The construction of the Global Vipassana Pagoda near Mumbai, a large monument and meditation hall, was one of his significant projects, intended to serve as a bridge between different communities. His legacy continues through the thousands of people who attend Vipassanā courses annually and the global community of teachers and practitioners he inspired.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was S. N. Goenka?
S. N. Goenka was an Indian teacher of Vipassanā meditation, born in Burma. He became widely known for spreading Vipassanā meditation globally through a network of centers and intensive retreats.
How did S. N. Goenka learn Vipassanā?
S. N. Goenka learned Vipassanā meditation from his teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin, in Burma. He trained under U Ba Khin for 14 years before being authorized to teach.
What is Vipassanā meditation as taught by S. N. Goenka?
Vipassanā, as taught by Goenka, is presented as an experiential, scientific practice aimed at cultivating self-knowledge and freedom from suffering. It involves observing the breath and bodily sensations with equanimity to understand the interconnection of mind and body.
Are S. N. Goenka's Vipassanā courses religious?
No, Goenka emphasized that his teachings were non-sectarian, universal, and scientific, accessible to people of all faiths or no faith. He stated that the Buddha taught Dhamma—the way to liberation—not a sectarian religion.
How are Vipassanā centers funded?
The Vipassanā meditation centers established by Goenka are non-commercial and supported by voluntary donations from past students. There are no charges for food, accommodation, or teaching.
What is the Global Vipassana Pagoda?
The Global Vipassana Pagoda, near Mumbai, is a monument built as a tribute to U Ba Khin and to promote Vipassanā. It features a large meditation hall and is designed to attract visitors interested in Vipassanā meditation.
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