Tag

Vipassana

All articles tagged with #vipassana

"Tragic Consequences: Americans Driven to Psychosis and Suicide After 11-Day Meditation Retreat"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by Daily Mail

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Source: Daily Mail

Experts warn of the serious mental health risks associated with intense meditation following the suicides of two Americans and one Canadian who attended a popular 10-day Vipassana retreat. The retreats, which involve sitting in silence for up to 11 hours per day, have been linked to cases of psychosis, hallucinations, and severe mental illness in vulnerable individuals. Critics accuse the centers of exhibiting irresponsible behavior, while some attendees describe the experience as akin to a voluntary prison sentence. Despite the potential benefits of meditation, such as easing mental health problems, experts caution that being left alone with one's thoughts for extended periods can trigger severe mental illness in a small number of people who are vulnerable.

Investigation Reveals Dangerous Mental Health Effects of Meditation

Originally Published 1 year ago — by NPR

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Source: NPR

The new investigative podcast series "Untold: The Retreat" from the Financial Times and Goat Rodeo examines the mental health risks associated with intensive meditation retreats, particularly those held by the Goenka network teaching Vipassana meditation. While many participants report positive life-changing experiences, the podcast shares troubling accounts of individuals whose mental health deteriorated during or after these retreats, including instances of psychosis, hallucinations, and severe emotional distress. The series calls for better warnings, on-site mental health practitioners, and proper emergency protocols to make these retreats safer.