Dear Je,
I have been attending yoga and vipassana classes and practicing. Vipassana practice is similar to yoga nidra practice. The difference is very small. In Mr. Senthil Prabhu’s talk on meditation, the explanations about pratyakara and dharana are largely consistent with vipassana practice. Therefore, I am uncertain about the purpose of attending a meditation class. I request you clarify this.
With love,
Sivanath, Bangalore.
Dear Sivanath
The yoga classes conducted by Guru Soundar are based on the Patanjali system. In these classes, the primary focus is on physical exercises. Meditation is only one aspect. Buddhist vipassana classes are primarily internal. Physical exercises are secondary, or only to a lesser extent.
Both these systems have been in our tradition for a long time. They have the same source but have developed over time. The philosophical basis of yoga practice is Sankhyadarsana. Vipassana is based on Buddhism. The philosophical content is different. The perspective on life that stems from these differences is also distinct. There may be similarities in the training methods. However, the explanation of the problem and its solution differs.
The trainings that Thillai Senthilprabu conducts are a compilation of what they believe is relevant to modern life from both of the above organizations. Their outlook on life is different.
You can choose whatever suits you. Which view do you accept theoretically? Which training is suitable for you? That is the criterion. Whatever it is, continuous training is important.
Jeyamohan
