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My mindfulness practice led me to meltdown

danlawton.substack.com

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Re: My mindfulness practice led me to meltdown

#2
Actual title: When Buddhism Goes Bad

The author was practicing a specific kind of Buddhist meditation while at a 2-week meditation seminar. It sounds like he was meditating most of his waking hours?

This is not about “mindfulness” as you probably think of it.

Re: My mindfulness practice led me to meltdown

#3
> The terrain of fractured, disruptive and altered states of consciousness has often been explored in Buddhist teachings through the centuries, but when these practices made their journey into Western culture, a sufficient understanding of the downsides of meditation was lost in transit.

Why would one go on a serious retreat not led by a real Buddhist teacher? Is there a shortage of geshes already?

Re: My mindfulness practice led me to meltdown

#4
post #2

Actual title: When Buddhism Goes Bad The author was practicing a specific kind of Buddhist meditation while at a 2-week meditation seminar. It sounds like he was meditating most of his waking hours? This is not about “mindfulness” as you probably think of it.

One should meditate always, also also during their sleep. let alone while doing chores, walking and talking. Formal sitting meditation is just a minor part.

Re: My mindfulness practice led me to meltdown

#6
post #2

Actual title: When Buddhism Goes Bad The author was practicing a specific kind of Buddhist meditation while at a 2-week meditation seminar. It sounds like he was meditating most of his waking hours? This is not about “mindfulness” as you probably think of it.

One should meditate always, also also during their sleep. let alone while doing chores, walking and talking. Formal sitting meditation is just a minor part.

Says who? (Citation needed)

Re: My mindfulness practice led me to meltdown

#7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

One should meditate always, also also during their sleep. let alone while doing chores, walking and talking. Formal sitting meditation is just a minor part.

Says who? (Citation needed)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%ADch_Nhất_Hạnh

Re: My mindfulness practice led me to meltdown

#8
As with many other types of exercise, practitioners are bound to have injuries. I'd even say the injuries the author suffered are equivalent to breaking a leg while running.

This is the take away for me:

> "I believe that these practices, with the correct framework, dosage, and education, can be a valuable tool for improving mental health. "

Re: My mindfulness practice led me to meltdown

#10
post #8

As with many other types of exercise, practitioners are bound to have injuries. I'd even say the injuries the author suffered are equivalent to breaking a leg while running. This is the take away for me: > "I believe that these practices, with the correct framework, dosage, and education, can be a valuable tool for improving mental health. "

While most people are safe --most of us struggle to keep a 30-min daily meditation practice- there is also a lesson to be learned: there is no such thing as a free, harmless lunch.
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