Finding answers, improving brain function, and understanding our purpose on Earth are just some of the many benefits from practicing meditation. Here are more stories from students of October 2016’s Chanting Retreat at the Vancouver Bodhi Meditation Centre.
Fay said she feels deep joy and understanding. When she was seven years old she started searching for answers and investigating religions. As a child, she watched her mother chanted from dawn to dusk, dusk to dawn, kneeling, praying, meditating, prostrating. Her family didn’t support her mother. Instead, they locked her up for electric shock therapy. Despite a successful career, she’d felt empty. She wondered what brought her to Canada until the day she happened to find a Bodhi magazine and signed up for a retreat. It took Fay 43 years to understand what she’s been searching for. “I didn’t know at that time that I would find answers to the questions I’d been asking. My siblings and I thought my mother was crazy, but now I know she wasn’t. At her funeral, thousands of people came forward and told us how she had helped and healed them. This is the beginning of an answer, of enlightenment. For so many years of carrying the burden, I now feel gratitude in my heart.”
Corina arrived from Romania a month ago for the 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat. She remembers walking into the centre for the first time and seeing the welcoming faces. The next day, as she walked to the centre from her hotel, she looked up and saw two geese flying just like in the video of The Meditation of Greater Illumination. “I felt like I was inside the video,” she said. For her, the retreats have been a very rich experience and she will return to Romania with more determination to practice diligently in order to spread Bodhi dharma in her country. The change she’s noticed in herself is the improvement of memory and attention span. “I think I will realize more changes once I’m home.” She told everyone not to waste time. “You are so fortunate to be so close to the centre. Come here and be happier, wiser and more joyful.”
Sandeep first came to Bodhi in 2014; then she didn’t for a while. But she returned for the 8.5-Day Health & Happiness Retreat and the Chanting Retreat and has received so much clarity. She feels blessed to be pulled back to Bodhi and finally understand the purpose of being on Earth. “I am the Earth.” The last day was most powerful for her. Intense energy came through her. She realized she can be the vessel and doesn’t have to always be searching. Instead, just let the energy come. “There’s no excuse to not be here and just do it. And I’ve made plenty of excuses.” She committed to practicing two hours a day for 108 days.
Disclaimer:
- The effects associated with practicing Bodhi Meditation can vary from person to person.
- Any and all content, views, opinions, and/or responses in this student sharing are solely the views, opinions and responsibility of the respondent and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Bodhi Meditation.
- Bodhi Meditation does not provide or replace any medical advice or treatment. We recommend everyone adhere to their medical treatment and prescription.