고엔카 비파사나 10일 명상 코스 참가기1-참가 신청

서울불교대학원 상담학과 자아초월상담 전공 박사 수료생이다. ㅎㅎ

전공이 전공이다 보니 각종 다양한 의식 세계와 이와 관련된 수련, 종교, 영성에 관심을 갖게 되는데 그중 불교 명상은 기본이라 할 수 있다. 

2011년 연구년동안 명상학과 정준영 교수의 사마타 명상과 위파사나 명상 수업을 청강했다. 정준영 교수님은 수업을 잘 하시기로 유명했었다. 2학기에는 이론 수업과 함께 실습도 함께 했었는데 그 때 경기도교육청 시민교과서 개발 집필진으로 활동하게 되면서 수업을 듣지 못해 끝내지 못한 것이 아쉬었다. 

그전에 과천 보리수선원(http://www.borisu.or.kr/)에서 3일동안 수행을 한 적이 있기도 하다. 금요일 저녁에 들어가서 일요일 점심 먹고 나온 것이니까 만 이틀이 되지 않은 시간이었지만, 잠을 자는 것이 불편하고 법문을 자주 듣지는 못했지만 그래도 이틀 동안의 경험은 뭔가 짜릿한 느낌이 있었다. 무엇인가를 본 거 같기도 했다. 

그리고 호두마을 명상센터 등에 들어가거나 템플스테이를 해보려 하였으나 와이프의 공부 등으로 조건의 여의치 못해 가지를 못했다. 

베트남에 오면서 라오스, 캄보디아, 미얀마 등 동남아 지역은 남방불교 전통이 남아 있는 곳으로 한 번은 명상센터에 들어가서 명상을 하는 것이 나름 버킷리스트에 있었고, 그래서 많은 책을 버리고 왔지만 사마타, 위빠사나 명상과 관련된 책과 자료들은 챙겨서 왔다. 

베트남에서 위빠사나 명상을 배울 곳을 찾으려 하였으나 사실 찾기가 어려웠다. 베트남 구글을 이용해서 검색을 하더라도 다음으로 연결되기 일 수 였다. 여기에 등록을 하려 하여도 언제나 new student는 대기자 명단에만 올라갈 뿐이었는데 호치민에서 멀지 않은 캄보디아 프놈펜과 깜퐁참이라는 곳에 명상센터가 있고, 다행히도 깜퐁참에 자리가 있어서 참가할 수 있었다.

http://www.vn.dhamma.org/en/courses-in-viet-nam/

Vipassana courses in Viet Nam in 2019 – VIPASSANA VIETNAM

신청방법은 위의 사이트에서 register 링크를 클릭하면 다음 사이트가 열린다. 날짜가 있고, 코스타입이 있는데 가기 전에는 몰랐는데 지금와서 보니 work period는 10코스 수료생(old student)를 대상으로 한 자원봉사 기간인 듯 하다. 자원봉사의 많은 부분은 명상센터 건축 등에 노동력을 제공하는 거 같다. 명상 마지막에는 이 자원봉사를 엄청 강조를 한다. 좋을 거 같기는 한데, 여기는 너무 덥고 힘이 들어 현재는 크게 하고 싶은 생각은 없다. 

처음 시작하는 사람들은 10-day를 신청해야 하는데 이것도 new student가 참가하는 코스가 있고, old student가 참가하는 코스가 있다. 또 남녀에 따라 T.O가 달라지기 때문에 가능한 날짜를 잘 살펴보고 신청을 해야 한다. 

 

자리가 있어 신청을 했는데 다음과 같은 메일이 날라 왔다. 

 

Dear Sunghan Oh, Refer to the limit place for the foreigner student, we would like to inform you that the course on 17th to 28th  July, 2019 is full and is on the wait list status. If you agree to be on wait list we will continue to process your application form. Please confirm if you agree to have your name on the wait list? Or you may look for another available open course on our schedule.   Thank you for your cooperation.

외국인 자리가 부족해 대기자 명단에 올려주어도 괜찮냐는 메일이다. 당연히 좋다, 꼭 참가하고 싶다고 메일을 보냈다. 2일 후 다시 메일이 왔는데 참가 확정이 되었다는 것이다. 그리고 몇가지 안내 자료를 보내주었다. 

We are happy to accept your application for sitting at the 10-Day Vipassana Meditation Course to be held from 17-28 July, 2019 at Dhamma Kamboja.   CONTENTS OF THIS MESSAGE: ________________________________   Confirmation Arrival and Departure Times Items to Bring Directions and Transportation Introduction to the Technique   ________________________________   1. CONFIRMATION REQUIRED(참가를 확인해 달라)   Please confirm your attendance between 09-10 July, 2019 via this email address registration@kamboja.dhamma.org.   If you do not confirm your attendance during this confirmation period, your space may be given to someone on the waiting list. If at any time, you become unable to attend, please also inform us via this email address registration@kamboja.dhamma.org.   2. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES(시작과 출발 시간)  - 명상 기간은 7월 18일부터 27일까지 10일이지만 전날 가서 다음날 오기 때문에 실재로는 12일이 걸린다.   Please arrive between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on 17 July, 2019 the day the course begins (Day 0). If your arrival will be delayed past 4:00 pm on that day, please let us know. If you have not arrived by 4:00 pm, and we haven't heard from you, we may assume you are not coming, and your spot may be given to another student. After registration, a light meal and orientation will precede the start of the course.   The course will end at approximately 7:30 a.m. on the last day. All new students as well as old (returning) students taking a full course are expected to remain until the very end of the course, the morning of eleventh day. Students will not be permitted to leave on any day or Metta day, the tenth full day, except in case of emergency or by prior arrangement with the assistant teacher(s).   3. ITEMS TO BRING(준비물들) - 반바지를 허락하지 않아 불편했다. 다들 시간만 나면 빨래를 했다. 나는 비교적 많은 옷과 수건을 가져가서 명상에 집중하는데 도움이 되었다. 복장 규정은 엄격했다. 베개와 침대포 등을 준비하라고 해서 가져갔는데 제공은 되었다. 물론 내 것이 더 편하고 안락했다.    Bring enough comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the length of your stay, as only minimal hand-washing facilities are available.   Clothing: shirts, pants, socks, underwear, sweaters or other warm layers, slippers or house shoes (optional) (outside shoes should not be worn inside), hats, gloves, warm coats for colder months.   All students should observe the rules for modest dress as outlined in the Code of Discipline. Shorts, tank tops, transparent, tight or revealing clothing, etc. are not permitted. Tights or leggings should be worn only under a knee-length top or shirt.   Outerwear: warm jacket and/or raincoat, boots and/or rain boots, shawl and/or sweater, gloves, warm hat (can also be used during meditation), umbrella, etc.   Meditation supplies: meditation cushion and/or bench (a limited number of small/supplementary cushions are available), mediation shawl or blanket (optional) (separate from sleeping blankets), small cushions for knees (optional), etc.   A floor mat will be provided for each student.   Bedding: sleeping pillow (not the same as your meditation cushion), pillowcase, bottom sheet, sleeping bag and/or top sheet and warm blankets, etc.   Personal items: toothbrush and toothpaste; towel; liquid laundry soap for hand washing laundry (optional); soap, shampoo, etc.; unscented deodorant; other toiletries (shaving and sanitary supplies, etc.); flashlight * Please avoid using items with strong scents or perfumes.   PLEASE NOTE: Students are asked not to bring any personal food, reading or writing materials, cell phones, or other electronic devices for use during the course. These should be left in your car. If necessary, they can be stored for you until the end of the course. You may NOT bring these items to the course either: intoxicants, tobacco, anesthetics, sedatives or illegal drugs, Animal fur, animal skin, glass balls, charms, rosaries or religious items, Jewelry and other valuable items.   Please come prepared with clothing for unexpected changes in weather.   4. DIRECTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION(교통편)  - 프로펜에서 아침에 버스를 제공하는 듯 하다. 나는 개인적으로 갔는데 어떻게 가는 것이 가장 빠르고, 저렴한지 연구를 많이 했다. 그 내용에 대해서는 다음편에서 이야기하겠다.    Travelling to Dhamma Kamboja FROM PHNOM PENH: A bus and/or van can lead you directly to the Dhamma Kamboja Center in Kampong Cham. Please contact [855] 77 233 747 (Khmer) or [855] 17 710 592 ( English) for more information. The appointment is on the beginning day 9:00 am, at the gate of Wat Unalom Pagoda (river side), Phnom-Penh.       If you travel by your own, please go along National Highway No. 6 and change direction to National Road No. 7 at Skun. When arriving Troeung Circle (Kilometer No. 106), turn left to National Road No. 71. About 6km from Troeung Circle along National Road No. 71, you will see the sign of the Dhamma Kamboja Center on the left, then turn then and travel along that small road path about 1km, you will see the center. FROM KAMPONG CHAM: Please travel along National Road No. 7 directed to Phnom Penh. When arriving Troeung Circle (about 14km from Kampong Cham City), turn right to National Road No. 71. About 6km from Troeung Circle along National Road No. 71, you will see the sign of the Dhamma Kamboja Center on the left, then turn then and travel along that small road path about 1km, you will see the center.   "Please present your ID/Passport at the registration desk for identification."   Please note that we only admit foreign students with valid visa to stay in Cambodia for the course's duration. The condition is required by law. We reserve the rights to deny your attendance to the course if your passport or visa is not valid.   ****You apply to serve this course of your own free will. Under no conditions shall you hold the Foundation and/or the Center responsible for any injuries which you might sustain during the course due to accidents, unavoidable circumstances, or your own negligence/health problems.   5. Introduction to the Technique(수련방법에 대한 소개) - 미리 공부를 하고 가면 더 쉽게 이해할 수 있을 거 같다. - 다음 책을 참조하는 것이 좋을 거 같다. 고엔카의 위빳사나 10일 코스(S.N.고엔카, 윌리엄 하트(엮음)) http://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailViewKor.laf?ejkGb=KOR&mallGb=KOR&barcode=9788934978497&orderClick=LEA&Kc= - 고엔카의 위빳사나 명상(윌리엄 하트 지음) http://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailViewKor.laf?ejkGb=KOR&mallGb=KOR&barcode=9788934978480&orderClick=LAG&Kc= Vipassana is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha more than 2500 years ago. The word Vipassana means seeing things as they really are. It is the process of self- purification by self-observation. One begins by observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With a sharpened awareness one proceeds to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and egolessness. This truth-realization by direct experience is the process of purification. The entire path (Dhamma) is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any organized religion or sectarianism. For this reason, it can be freely practiced by everyone, at any time, in any place, without conflict due to race, community or religion, and will prove equally beneficial to one and all. What Vipassana is not: It is not a rite or ritual based on blind faith. It is neither an intellectual nor a philosophical entertainment. It is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing. It is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. What Vipassana is: It is a technique that will eradicate suffering. It is a method of mental purification which allows one to face life's tensions and problems in a calm, balanced way. It is an art of living that one can use to make positive contributions to society. Vipassana meditation aims at the highest spiritual goals of total liberation and full enlightenment. Its purpose is never simply to cure physical disease. However, as a by-product of mental purification, many psychosomatic diseases are eradicated. In fact, Vipassana eliminates the three causes of all unhappiness: craving, aversion and ignorance. With continued practice, the meditation releases the tensions developed in everyday life, opening the knots tied by the old habit of reacting in an unbalanced way to pleasant and unpleasant situations. Although Vipassana was developed as a technique by the Buddha, its practice is not limited to Buddhists. There is absolutely no question of conversion. The technique works on the simple basis that all human beings share the same problems and a technique which can eradicate these problems will have a universal application. People from many religious denominations have experienced the benefits of Vipassana meditation, and have found no conflict with their profession of faith. Meditation and Self-discipline The process of self-purification by introspection is certainly never easy--students have to work very hard at it. By their own efforts students arrive at their own realizations; no one else can do this for them. Therefore, the meditation will suit only those willing to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is there for the benefit and protection of the meditators and is an integral part of the meditation practice. Ten days is certainly a very short time in which to penetrate the deepest levels of the unconscious mind and learn how to eradicate the complexes lying there. Continuity of the practice in seclusion is the secret of this technique's success. Rules and regulations have been developed keeping this practical aspect in mind. They are not primarily for the benefit of the teacher or the course management, nor are they negative expressions of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith in some organized religion. Rather, they are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years and are both scientific and rational. Abiding by the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it. A student will have to stay for the entire period of the course. The other rules should also be carefully read and considered. Only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply for admission. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and, moreover, will disturb others who wish to work seriously. A prospective student should also understand that it would be both disadvantageous and inadvisable to leave without finishing the course upon finding the discipline too difficult. Likewise, it would be most unfortunate if, in spite of repeated reminders, a student does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave. Persons with Serious Mental Disorders People with serious mental disorders have occasionally come to Vipassana courses with the unrealistic expectation that the technique will cure or alleviate their mental problems. Unstable interpersonal relationships and a history of various treatments can be additional factors which make it difficult for such people to benefit from, or even complete, a ten-day course. Our capacity as a nonprofessional volunteer organization makes it impossible for us to properly care for people with these backgrounds. Although Vipassana meditation is beneficial for most people, it is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment and we do not recommend it for people with serious psychiatric disorders. The Code of Discipline The foundation of the practice is sīla — moral conduct. Sīla provides a basis for the development of samādhi — concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through paññā — the wisdom of insight. The Precepts All who attend a Vipassana course must conscientiously undertake the following five precepts for the duration of the course: to abstain from killing any being; to abstain from stealing; to abstain from all sexual activity; to abstain from telling lies; to abstain from all intoxicants. There are three additional precepts which old students (that is, those who have completed a course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers) are expected to follow during the course: to abstain from eating after midday; to abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decorations; to abstain from using high or luxurious beds. Old students will observe the sixth precept by having tea without milk or fruit juice at the 5 p.m. break, whereas new student may have tea with milk and some fruit. The teacher may excuse an old student from observing this precept for health reasons. The seventh and eighth precept will be observed by all. Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique Students must declare themselves willing to comply fully and for the duration of the course with the teacher's guidance and instructions; that is, to observe the discipline and to meditate exactly as the teacher asks, without ignoring any part of the instructions, nor adding anything to them. This acceptance should be one of discrimination and understanding, not blind submission. Only with an attitude of trust can a student work diligently and thoroughly. Such confidence in the teacher and the technique is essential for success in meditation. Other Techniques, Rites, and Forms of Worship During the course it is absolutely essential that all forms of prayer, worship, or religious ceremony — fasting, burning incense, counting beads, reciting mantras, singing and dancing, etc. — be discontinued. All other meditation techniques and healing or spiritual practices should also be suspended. This is not to condemn any other technique or practice, but to give a fair trial to the technique of Vipassana in its purity. Students are strongly advised that deliberately mixing other techniques of meditation with Vipassana will impede and even reverse their progress. Despite repeated warnings by the teacher, there have been cases in the past where students have intentionally mixed this technique with a ritual or another practice, and have done themselves a great disservice. Any doubts or confusion which may arise should always be clarified by meeting with the teacher. Interviews With the Teacher The teacher is available to meet students privately between 12 Noon and 1:00 p.m. Questions may also be asked in public between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. in the meditation hall. The interview and question times are for clarifying the technique and for questions arising from the evening discourses. Noble Silence All students must observe Noble Silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last full day. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with fellow student, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is prohibited. Students may, however, speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they may approach the management with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. But even these contacts should be kept to a minimum. Students should cultivate the feeling that they are working in isolation. Separation of Men and Women Complete segregation of men and women is to be maintained. Couples, married or otherwise, should not contact each other in any way during the course. The same applies to friends, members of the same family, etc. Physical Contact It is important that throughout the course there be no physical contact whatsoever between persons of the same or opposite sex. Yoga and Physical Exercise Although physical yoga and other exercises are compatible with Vipassana, they should be suspended during the course because proper secluded facilities are not available at the course site. Jogging is also not permitted. Students may exercise during rest periods by walking in the designated areas. Religious Objects, Rosaries, Crystals, Talismans, etc. No such items should be brought to the course site. If brought inadvertently they should be deposited with the management for the duration of the course. Intoxicants and Drugs No drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants should be brought to the site; this also applies to tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and all other sedatives. Those taking medicines or drugs on a doctor's prescription should notify the teacher. Tobacco For the health and comfort of all students, smoking, chewing tobacco, and taking snuff are not permitted at the course. Food It is not possible to satisfy the special food preferences and requirements of all the meditators. Students are therefore kindly requested to make do with the simple vegetarian meals provided. The course management endeavors to prepare a balanced, wholesome menu suitable for meditation. If any students have been prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, they should inform the management at the time of application. Fasting is not permitted. Clothing Dress should be simple, modest, and comfortable. Tight, transparent, revealing, or otherwise striking clothing (such as shorts, short skirts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy tops) should not be worn. Sunbathing and partial nudity are not permitted. This is important in order to minimize distraction to others. Laundry and Bathing No washing machines or dryers are available, so students should bring sufficient clothing. Small items can be hand-washed. Bathing and laundry may be done only in the break periods and not during meditation hours. Outside Contacts Students must remain within the course boundaries throughout the course. They may leave only with the specific consent of the teacher. No outside communications is allowed before the course ends. This includes letters, phone calls and visitors. Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices must be deposited with the management until the course ends. In case of an emergency, a friend or relative may contact the management. Music, Reading and Writing The playing of musical instruments, radios, etc. is not permitted. No reading or writing materials should be brought to the course. Students should not distract themselves by taking notes. The restriction on reading and writing is to emphasize the strictly practical nature of this meditation. Recording Devices and Cameras These may not be used except with the express permission of the teacher. Course Finances According to the tradition of pure Vipassana, courses are run solely on a donation basis. Donations are accepted only from those who have completed at least one ten-day course with S.N. Goenka or one of his assisting teachers. Someone taking the course for the first time may give a donation on the last day of the course or any time thereafter. In this way courses are supported by those who have realized for themselves the benefits of the practice. Wishing to share these benefits with others, one gives a donation according to one's means and volition. Such donations are the only source of funding for course in this tradition around the world. There is no wealthy foundation or individual sponsoring them. Neither the teachers nor the organizers receive any kind of payment for their service. Thus, the spread of Vipassana is carried out with purity of purpose, free from any commercialism. Whether a donation is large or small, it should be given with the wish to help others: 'The course I have taken has been paid for through the generosity of past students; now let me give something towards the cost of a future course, so that others may also benefit by this technique.' Summary To clarify the spirit behind the discipline and rules, they may be summarized as follows: Take great care that your actions do not disturb anyone. Take no notice of distractions caused by others. It may be that a student cannot understand the practical reasons for one or several of the above rules. Rather than allow negativity and doubt to develop, immediate clarification should be sought from the teacher. It is only by taking a disciplined approach and by making maximum effort that a student can fully grasp the practice and benefit from it. The emphasis during the course is on work. A golden rule is to meditate as if one were alone, with one's mind turned inward, ignoring any inconveniences and distractions that one may encounter. Finally, students should note that their progress in Vipassana depends solely on their own good qualities and personal development and on five factors: earnest efforts, confidence, sincerity, health and wisdom. May the above information help you to obtain maximum benefit from your meditation course. We are happy to have the opportunity to serve, and wish you peace and harmony from your experience of Vipassana.   THE COURSE TIMETABLE(시간표) - 정말 새벽 4시부터 밤 9시까지 달달 볶는다. 아침 및 점심 시간에 여유가 있어 크게 힘들지는 않았지만 육체적으로나 정신적으로 힘이 들긴 들었다.    The following timetable for the course has been designed to maintain the continuity of practice. For best results students are advised to follow it as closely as possible. 4:00 am                              Morning wake-up bell 4:30-6:30 am                      Meditate in the hall or in your room 6:30-8:00 am                      Breakfast break 8:00-9:00 am                      Group meditation in the hall 9:00-11:00 am                    Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions 11:00-12:00 noon               Lunch break 12noon-1:00 pm                Rest and interviews with the teacher 1:00-2:30 pm                      Meditate in the hall or in your room 2:30-3:30 pm                      Group meditation in the hall 3:30-5:00 pm                      Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions 5:00-6:00 pm                      Tea break 6:00-7:00 pm                      Group meditation in the hall 7:00-8:15 pm                      Teacher's Discourse in the hall 8:15-9:00 pm                      Group meditation in the hall 9:00-9:30 pm                      Question time in the hall 9:30 pm                              Retire to your own room--Lights out   We hope that the above information is beneficial to you and wish you completing the course successfully!   If you have any other questions regarding to the course, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing you.   Best wishes, Registration Committee Dhamma Kamboja

 

사실 와이프가 보내줄까 싶었는데, 와이프는 자기 공부할 동안 하고 싶은 것을 하지 못한 내가 불쌍했는지 흔쾌히 허락(?)을 해주었고, 아이들도 그렇게 아쉬워하는 거 같지는 않았다. 아무튼 등록을 하고, 여러가지 가는 길을 생각해보고, 여행사와 버스 업체를 알아 보기도 하고, 불교 용품 전문점에서 승복을 2벌 사기도 하는 등 준비를 하였다. 아내는 정성껏  나를 출가 시키기 위해  나의 출가를 위해 옷도 같이 보러 다니고 차편도 알아 보고 각종 옷 종류와 이불, 비상약까지 꼼꼼하게 챙겨주었는데 명상 중 아내의 사랑이 느껴져 눈물이 나곤 했다.(지금 생각하니 은근 기대한 거 같기도 하다.) 새벽 6시 반에 집에서 출발했는데 딸은 6시 지나 일어나 안아 주었고, 자고 있는 아들 볼에 뽀뽀를 하고 아내에게 인사를 하고 집을 나섰다.