A Truly Dangerous Meditation Trap Very Few Reveal To You
Why and how the calming “bliss” of meditation can backfire long-term
“What if my numb left leg needs to be cut off?”, fear gripped my heart.
It was day 5 of my first Vipassana course — and our first-ever Adhitthan was underway. Called ‘The Sitting of Strong Determination’, Adhitthan meant (at least) an hour of unmoving meditation.
The first 20–25 minutes flew. The next 15–20 were tolerable. But the last 15?
Every minute was an eternity of torture—as jolt after jolt of pain shot up my left buttock and knee.
Inhaling deeply, “Grant me the strength to transcend my pain.” I let out a silent prayer.
Then, something unforgettable happened.
P.S. Adhitthan isn’t self-torture — it’s non-reactance to discomfort. We were told we could move if the pain felt unbearable — but I’d decided to try my best not to.
Electric sensations lit up every inch of my skin like a Christmas tree — and my face broke into an ecstatic grin.
Despite the screaming…
