I started meditating as part of yoga back in my younger days, but then I was concerned that my preferred style was a cult, and the hindu religion it was based on was cruel to people lower down in the caste system. The leader of the style was outed as a sexual predator even though he was supposed to be celibate when he took the vows to be a swami. So I have a lot of unfortunate associations with meditation. Even so, I still think of the mantra sometimes.
I am not going to name and shame because I don’t want to spread their style even a little bit. But it is a well known scandal and well known yoga style.
I would someday like to study a new style / belief system that is free of these. I’ve heard good things about Vipassana, but I don’t think I could sit still for 8 hours without hurting my body (???)
How does it work? Do you have to learn it at a retreat? Is it culty at all?
I heard Sam Harris likes it so I am a bit wary.
How does this prevent scratches?