Untold: Toxic Legacy The Retreat, Ep. 5: The Insiders
Jun 26, 2024
The podcast delves into the experiences of individuals at a Gwenka retreat, highlighting challenges faced by participants like Ben and Aisha. It explores issues of racism, mental distress, and lack of support within the retreat center. The chapter also discusses the risks and controversies surrounding sense deprivation courses, emphasizing the need for improved awareness and support for participants' well-being.
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Ben's Breakdown
- Ben attended his first 10-day Goenka retreat and initially had a positive experience.
- Later, he developed insomnia, saw unsettling imagery, and felt extreme emotions, but was encouraged to continue meditating.
Insiders' Concerns
- Former Goenka network volunteers, or "informed insiders," have spoken out about the organization's inner workings.
- They question whether the organization is ignorant of the risks, in denial, or intentionally neglecting participant support.
U Ba Khin's Teachings
- Goenka's teacher, U Ba Khin, acknowledged that extreme responses to intensive meditation were common.
- This raises questions about Goenka's awareness and the network's responsibility to support struggling participants.