Meditation for Youngsters, Teenagers and Vipassana

Hanzze

Vipassana Meditation, the heart of the Buddhas teaching

10-day courses are an introductory course to Vipassana Meditation where the technique is taught step-by-step each day. The courses begin after a 2-4 pm registration period and orientation, followed by 10 full days of meditation, and end the morning of the 11th day by 7:30am.

Teenagers' Anapana Courses are available for teens in different age ranges from 13-18 years old.

Children's Courses are open for all children aged 8-12 years old who wish to learn to meditate. Their parents/guardians do not have to be meditators.

All courses are run solely on a donation basis. All expenses are met by donations from those who, having completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana, wish to give others the same opportunity. Neither the Teacher nor the assistant teachers receive remuneration; they and those who serve the courses volunteer their time. Thus Vipassana is offered free from commercialisation.

Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka
in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin

Centers all over the world
http://www.dhamma.org/

Cloud

Or if you live in the sticks, like I do, you could try an audiobook... I'd recommend Jack Kornfield's "The Inner Art of Meditation" for Vipassana. It's not actually an audiobook, but rather a full recording of a meditation class that spanned 5 weeks, given in "real life" with real Q&A from the participants. One of the things I liked about it was that when the class meditates... you meditate. Really helps new Buddhists or those new to Vipassana ease in to the process.

Hanzze

For sure we can make that in our lunch break or when we ride to our work. *smile* I guess meanwhile there will be also an ipod-version available. *smile*

genkaku

When it comes to Buddhism, my suggestion to kids is generally, "Go out and sin some more." Not that I wouldn't encourage kids to refrain from lying, cheating, stealing, killing and so forth. I just wouldn't muck it up with something called "Buddhism" -- kids are still young enough to understand.

Hanzze

So you mean its not good for them to train mindfulness? Vipassana as well as the teaching of Buddha has nothing to do with "BuddhISM" *smile*

But that could be the reason why Buddha let his son not come into the order because he was innocent (with less new defilements and manifested wrong views) and young (about 8) or did he do that exactly because that is the better way?

frequency86

My six year old does mindfulness meditation with me daily. If we don't end up having time for our evening meditation, she is very disappointed. Not only have I seen significant behavioral changes in my daughter, it also makes it hard for me to skip even one day of meditation because she sets everything up while I'm getting her little brother ready for bed. We encourage eachother. I talk about very basic concepts of compassion and loving kindness and teach her about techniques for concentration. She has her own cushion and sits across from me.

I have been impressed by the things that she retains and builds on. Even a very young person can develope profound insight, and being in public school systems and dealing with the stresses and distractions of modern society makes it a very important practice. Even for a kindergartner.

Hanzze

*mudita*

vixthenomad

But that could be the reason why Buddha let his son not come into the order because he was innocent (with less new defilements and manifested wrong views) and young (about 8) or did he do that exactly because that is the better way?

As I recall, after letting his son in he said he would not accept any more minors as students.

Hanzze

Where do you have that idea from?
*smile*

ThailandTom

Imagine if the Buddha did what he did in todays world, walking out on his wife and son and leaving his village and kingdom behind to live on the streets as a begger. To put it in perspective, prince william in the dead of night leaves kate and escapes out into london and wanders the country in search of enlightenment.

Hanzze

Do you really think that this times have been different? No, just the same. There are less people understanding this.

But anyway, we are talking about some mindfulness training for children. I am full aware that most so called "Buddhists" are scared on the thought that there children might have no worldly suffering later.
In times of pension-insurance it would be not that risky. Thought that devoted people even sell there land to make this way possible to their child.

There are still sons of kings or leader who do so. *smile*

ThailandTom

I never intend on having children (I know the usual reply is to say most young people say that), but I really do not. I can see the attachment and suffering already by looking around at parents, however amazing and wonderful it may be, it's not my cup of tea.

Going back to children practicing, I believe as I have stated before that they should be left to follow their own path, it can mess people up in severe ways. In thailand and parts of asia, many children study in robes, it is quite common.

Hanzze

Even in Tibet *smile* don't know if also in Japan.

MindGate

*smile*