Overlooked No More: S.N. Goenka, Who Brought Mindfulness to the West

First, it’s important to acknowledge that meditation is not the exclusive domain of any one location or heritage. It is pervasive and streams through many faiths and philosophies just like language and cuisine. But in this this obit, thousands of years of Indian civilization gets conveniently summarized in one person in 1969. Now “Western teachers” (American and British hippies) searching for a break from the drug and drink infused culture they created (and the draft) of the 1960s can be in the right place at the right time to bring one man’s ideas to the rest of the world. It’s really these Western teachers (and self appointed translators of ancient practices) that we have to thank for meditation, according to this narrative. This obit is an example of how meaningful attempts to tell the “untold” stories get appropriated by Western narratives. One easy way to solve this problem is by broadening who gets interviewed and getting perspectives from people who are not white.

Goenka's type of Vipassana is actually on the 'cult' watchlist in Germany. And for a good reason. I used to practice in their tradition for about 10 years and strongly recommend against them these days. His particular hardcore style of teaching might be effective for some, but in my opinion is not very suitable for beginners, let alone for people who have experienced any kind of trauma. In meditation circles his style is known as the 'marine corps' of meditation, since he taught a very extreme version of meditation with long hours of sitting meditation (no yoga or stretching allowed) that is explicitly meant to bring out physical discomfort and pain so you learn to deal with it. There are many, many more gentle approaches to mindfulness in the West these days.

No surprise why he didn’t get an obit. But why now? I don’t even have a clue as to what mindfulness is.

The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation as Taught by S. N. Goenka is one of the most detailed and clear expositions of how mind and consciousness work I've read. Highly recommended.

Vipassana meditation is to unify all our scattered mental energies - bring all the different aspects of our personality into the consciousness of our true DIVINE self. This is what 'buddhism' = the way of life, teaches. No need to seek out the multitude of organized religions, who are trumpeting the come to us, come to us, we'll show you the "right" way to life, to find this address. This address is within every human being on this planet and we should only operate out of our true DIVINE selves 24/7. Practicing vipassana meditation, ultimately will lead one to beam friendliness, love, loving kindness to every sentient creature in all directions of space. Please remember that, buddhism = the way of life, does not conform to dogma, to ideas,but puts into practice a method of awareness which leads to understanding instead of knowledge. It is not a question of having faith with a blind mind !

I am surprised no mention is made of some serious side effects of vipassana meditation at these centers staffed by teachers who are not mature and who have no training in psychology or emergency response. The method is powerful but can be harmful to those who have psychological problems and approach meditation as the sole alternative to medication.

Would that more religious leaders were like this great and humble man.

Countless people, countless, have benefited greatly from Goenka Ji’s Vipasaana courses worldwide. He made meditation more accessible to people of all walks of life. One did not need to enter a monastery or be beholden to a certain hermitage to follow Goenka style of meditation. Personal stories abound of his generosity, his down to earth approach and his demystifying the role of a teacher, very often associated with Gurus or Godmen and women. Thank you so much Goenka Ji. Here in his own voice, he prays for everyone’s Welfare, barring none! https://youtu.be/ck-NI0PdxjY

Thank you for this article. I had never known that Goenka was instrumental in bringing Vipasana mediatation practice to the West. Thought it was brought by the Buddhist monks of the east. A sincere practitioner of Vipasana, it has helped me get through intense periods of suffering, and it has given me the most intense internal joy.

I have to deeply thank NYT for these wonderful obits of unsung heroes. I have enjoyed these columns so much.

A profound part of Goenka's work and the establishment of his meditation centers is that they were operated by donation on the part of participants, and service given by other meditators during the 10 day retreats. This made the experience open to all, and free of the trappings of spiritual consumerism which is often the norm today.