"I was spiritually canceled—literally canceled in the middle of a profound meditation retreat."

In this episode of The Metaphysician: Meaning Beyond Medicine, we return after a month long hiatus with a deeply personal and thought-provoking episode. ​ Joined by co-host Ren, The Metaphysician shares the shocking story of being abruptly ejected from a 20-day vipassana meditation retreat in the tradition of S.N. Goenka. What began as a journey of deep spiritual practice turned into an unexpected confrontation with the assistant teacher, accusations of dishonesty, and ultimately, a dramatic exit—waiting on the side of the road in the rain. ​

This episode dives into:

* The strict orthodoxy of the S.N. Goenka vipassana tradition and its challenges. ​

* The host's reflections on the tension between tradition and personal growth. ​

* Insights into the broader history of vipassana meditation and its lineage. ​

* The emotional and spiritual impact of being "spiritually canceled" after 23 years of practice and service. ​

* Lessons learned and silver linings from this jarring experience. ​

Whether you're a seasoned meditator or curious about the complexities of spiritual practice, this episode offers raw honesty, humour, and valuable takeaways for anyone navigating the path of self-discovery.

Keywords: Vipassana, S.N. ​Goenka, meditation retreat, spiritual practice, mindfulness, personal growth, Buddhism, ethical dilemmas, spiritual community.

Music Credits:

* Music by Ryan O’Flaherty

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* Twitter: @themetamd

* Website: themetamd.com

Tune in for Part 2 next week, where the story continues and deeper insights unfold. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform. Until next time, take good care! ​

🚨Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode are based on personal experiences and opinions. ​ Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and form their own conclusions.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.themetamd.com