Zen background here (Shikantaza), thinking about getting back into Vipassana. TMI keeps coming up as one of the best manuals out there, so wanted to ask people who've actually worked through it. Why do you think it's considered so good compared to other meditation books? And what actually changed in your practice? Also curious what the meditation instruction on the basic method he uses in the book. Is is samatha? Thanks.
What Japanese ambient musicians are your favorite? I love Takashi Kokubo and Hiroshi Yoshimura. Any specific albums as well?
Hi everyone. My friend recently recommended some of Joel Goldsmith’s work but I am not familiar with his work. Is he legit? Do you think his work is worth reading? Would love any thoughts about your experience with his books/lectures.
Hi everyone, I wanted to get some advice on something.
I’ve been going back and forth between Kriya Yoga and Zen (zazen/shikantaza) and can’t seem to figure out which direction to go.
I genuinely feel so much love and appreciation for each tradition which confuses me even more.
What pulls me toward Kriya is the structured approach and the idea of working with a specific technique over many years. What pulls me toward Zen is how simple and stripped down it is. I also have a pretty deep interest in Japanese culture and language, so that naturally makes Zen feel more familiar to me.
Leaving one makes me sad to miss out on its rich insights and practices but I feel that I need to commit fully to one to not waste time.
For those who have experience with either or both, how did you know you had found the right path? Was it something you felt right away, or only after practicing for a long time?
Not looking for anyone to tell me which is better. Just curious how other people figured out what meditation path was right for them.