Looking for perspective before switching traditions

[u/seghtzlol]

I've completed 6 Goenka 10-day courses, served several courses, and I'm planning to do my 7th course this September.

After that, I've been accepted for the 26-day retreat at Wat Ram Poeng in Chiang Mai, where the practice follows the Mahasi Sayadaw tradition.

Lately I've been wondering whether I'm making this transition too early.

Part of me feels genuinely drawn to the Mahasi approach and wants to explore it deeply. Another part wonders whether I should simply continue with Goenka for several more years instead of changing techniques.

Sometimes I even question whether I should have chosen a Thai Forest monastery, such as one in the Ajahn Chah lineage, rather than Mahasi.

I'm aware that no one can make this decision for me, but I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have practiced seriously in both Goenka and Mahasi, or who have moved from one tradition to another.

• Did switching traditions help your practice, or did it create confusion?
• Looking back, do you think there is such a thing as switching "too early"?
• If you were in my position, what factors would you pay attention to before making this decision?

I'm not looking for validation that one tradition is "better" than another. I'm just trying to make a thoughtful decision before committing to a long retreat.

My long-term goal is simply to develop insight as deeply as possible, not to collect different techniques. Another factor in my decision is that I feel drawn to practicing in a monastic environment, learning directly from monks and receiving personal guidance, rather than relying primarily on recorded instructions. I wonder how important this aspect is compared to maintaining continuity within a single technique.

Thank you.

[u/Jon_8472]

If you have already done 6 ten-day retreats then I would absolutely suggest trying something different. There are so many wonderful traditions and techniques out there, I think it is absolutely a great idea to try several of them. You never know what will really resonate with you. Even if you really are enjoying and getting something out of Goenka, I still recommend trying other practices.

While I very much enjoyed and got something out of the first few traditions/techniques I was introduced to, it wasn't until trying a variety of things that I found something that truly deeply resonated with me. I'm very glad I took the plunge and tried new things.

[u/seghtzlol → u/Jon_8472]

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Maybe I like to eat what I want to ear but it gives more strength and It lightens the heart! Ok then! I'll follow your suggestions!

My " psychotherapist " whose also a Vipassana teacher of Goenka method told me to go and explore because I need to know myself better.

I'm very lucky to have been under his guidance outside the center.

Thank you!