Danger of Vipassana

[Spiritmind]

What are the dangers of Vipassana Insight Meditation?

@CatholicHere_Hi

Hi, You asked this question and I am wondering if you have got an answer and what are the reasons that you asked such a question in the first place?

I have had a couple of experiences, let’s call it dark energy for simplicity, one at the vipassana centre and one just last night. As soon as I woke the dream-like experience, I searched for the internet and found 2 post forums can describe my experience the best.

The first one was posted on dhammawheel com back in 2009, on the book by Elizabeth Hillstrom Testing the Spirits, and another one is yours.

I want to know if anyone had such experiences? For those of who wants to defend only the Buddhist point of view, please be informed that I grew up as a Buddhist and have been practising meditation for years, in fact, I am a meditation and yoga teacher myself. However, I have no knowledge about Christianity and therefore I am searching for answers.

Thank you.

 

[Fauken]

Hi, You asked this question and I am wondering if you have got an answer and what are the reasons that you asked such a question in the first place?

That user you listed is permanently suspended. They won’t be responding to your question, just so you know.

 

[openmind77]

…I have had a couple of experiences, let’s call it dark energy for simplicity, one at the vipassana centre and one just last night.

I have no experience with Vipassana meditation specifically, but many types of meditation can be dangerous if practiced continuously for an extended period of time. I don’t know about Vipassana, but most meditations should not be more than 20 minutes at a time and usually not more than twice a day . Of course at retreats in the company of others, it can be much longer. Also such practices are best done under the guidance of a knowledgable guru.

I had a friend who practiced a particular type of meditation for many hours every day by himself. He finally started hearing voices in his head. The voices told him to quit his job, leave his wife and child - mostly pretty bad advice.