Hello DharmaOG!

I started doing formal meditation practice about two years ago when I did a 10-Day-Goenka retreat. Since then I've been practicing very regularly, eventually increased the amount of daily practice to 7 hours (which I have kept with a small deviation because I had to be there for family where I only was able to sit 5 hours for about a month. I've done several (4) 10-day-self-courses, one 30-day course, 2 more official goenka courses (1 serving and another meditating). My primary aim in life is to attain liberation/to gain insight and in that way benefit others if I am successful. I have canceled all mundane pursuits that fall under entertainment etc. yet I'm still in a somewhat complicated situation with my girlfriend. I am afraid of ordaining/ feel like it's not appropriate right now because of responsibilities. I don't claim to any attainments, but my mental kinks and egotism have subsided a little over the course of time which is very encouraging. My "quality of life" has increased substantially over the last two years. I practice mostly the body scanning, but also started working with "The Mind Illuminated", which helped me greatly to better integrate very stimulating environments and not to get overwhelmed (which I frequently got especially in the beginning when I increased my daily practice). Lately I've started exploring Jhana and while I cannot reach the first Jhana (I think I was able to a few times but it was at random and always on longer retreats) lately I've been experiencing quite some piti when doing either body contemplation, anapanasati or goenka body-scanning, which I interpret as conducive to development. I usually don't eat dinner, don't eat meat or fish, don't do anything that's entertainment, with some difficulty sticking to celibacy.

I would love to meet some like-minded people - especially from Austria or even Vienna, or else somebody from across the globe who feels that he wants to reach out to me. While I'm interested to talk to somebody who is very committed I'm also open to talking/writing with somebody who might only be starting out and is looking for inspiration. I don't claim to be very experienced but at least I'm quite motivated. I would love to exchange info about personal practice, things one has learned and especially challenging points when practicing very seriously while living in society (for me it's often challenging). I am very much looking forward to replies and maybe e-mail can be shared in PM. I am also looking forward to reading in this community and also to hopefully contributing in a meaningful way.

Best regards and wishing whoever reads this success in his endeavour,
Ean

Welcome Ean!

I am a monk and say it with all seriousness that you do not need to become one for attainments and the type of liberation of the mind that you seem to seek. Similarly, your diet matters so little that it is best not to deprive youself of simple pleasures. The others will tell you the same of celibacy or the lack thereof.

5 or 7 hours of daily practice is very hardcore - more so than mine! Perhaps you can share your practice and doubts so we can chime in to help if we can?

Much Metta to you!

Ean,  i loved reading your introduction and the amount of hours you're doing......just keep lifting them as and when you can and and you are guaranteed of grand journey.....its very exciting feeling your energy.  I wish you great good fortune.
The Dharmaoverground was and still is my home away from home.   And my pratice log on this site details a painful lonely time, full of rants against all and sundry.....but oh the delight now

23 months ago  on boxing day, mid afternoon I  experienced  my fist cessation.... quickly followed by a totally inexplicable kundalini awakening and then just weeks later another path achievement. ....

Never in my life have i experienced that which was to follow.......wow what a trip . .....made all the existential angst . ...worthwhile, bearable.
I sense a strengh in you writing
Go you good thing!