| | After a Goenka retreat, he suggests that a person sit one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. He says that you will gain one hour because you sleep less. And, you'll gain one hour because you'll become more productive.
I tried it for a year. I found that I didn't really end up sleeping less. I sleep pretty much the same in daily life, no matter if I meditate one hour, two hours, three hours, or none at all. On a retreat, I sleep a little less, but nothing noticeable in daily life.
I didn't really find myself much more productive. I found that getting some really good books on productivity and studying that subject did a LOT more for my productivity and time-efficiency than Vipassana. Although, training in Samadhi did help me in learning to renounce a lot of activities that were actually just a waste of time.
So, I wouldn't say that I agree with him.
I definitely do a little before bed and upon awaking. It took me a while to build the habit, but I find it very helpful.
The rest of the day, I'm always intent on practicing Sila, Samadhi, or Panna in some way or another. And, I find that depending on what the situation calls for, I will choose from the three different trainings. Sometimes I will shower and just focus on doing a really good job of cleaning myself and taking care of my body (sila). Sometimes, I will shower and just let go and relax in the moment (Samadhi). Sometimes, I will stay with sensations and notice the hot, cold, wet, as well as the intentions that come with it as I move around - noting the intention to grab soap, or the intention to put my head under the water.
It's funny, doing shower Vipassana... I found that most of my showering was based on cravings to get the perfect level of comfortable temperature in my body. Like, I could feel a cold sensation on my elbow, and then, very quickly, a craving for warmth, and then an intention to move my elbow into the water, and then the sensation of warmth as the warm water hit my elbow. Then, another cold sensation on my back, and the whole process would repeat.
I look at it all as practice, though. Because there isn't a single moment that goes by that doesn't contain a direct confrontation with Reality. |