Goenka’s Vipassana Movement
The Oxford Handbook of Meditation October 8, 2020 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198808640.013.31 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractS. N. Goenka's Vipassana movement, though rooted in Theravada Buddhism, presents itself as non-religious through ten-day silent retreats. Based on qualitative research, the chapter identifies rhetorical strategies Goenka uses to distance the movement from religion, which shape distinct patterns of conversion and disengagement. It introduces "tacit conversion," where deeper involvement and adoption of the movement's language make conversion invisible to the member. The chapter also examines various pathways for disengaging from the movement.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The movement uses rhetorical strategies to distinguish itself from religion, leading to a process of tacit conversion where members' conversion becomes invisible, and explores disengagement pathways. |
Abstract
Abstract S. N. Goenka’s Vipassana movement is famous for its ten-day intensive silent retreats and its consistent rejection of religious categories, though its teachings and practices are directly derived from Theravada Buddhism. Drawing from qualitative research, this chapter examines a range of rhetorical strategies that Goenka uses to distinguish his movement from religion and the implication of these discourses on shaping unique patterns of conversion and disengagement. It introduces the term “tacit conversion” to describe a process whereby increased socialization into a movement and the adoption of its language paradoxically renders conversion invisible for the member. The chapter subsequently explores various disengagement pathways from this movement.