For the Benefit of Many (softcover book)
Vipassana

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A compilation of questions asked of Goenkaji by students, with his succinct, practical and always encouraging responses.

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For the Benefit of Many

Teaches the use of dhamma in the meditation center and in the outside world. This book is very beneficial.

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Reviewed by: Doyen from Wildomar, CA on 6/2/2016

Very helpful

I'm totally satisfied having this book. It's very helpful for me because I found in the book many questions that I've been looking for answers. Especially, it helps me serve better with a clear understanding of how I should deal with difficult situations or difficult students in during the serving period.

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Reviewed by: Lyna from California on 8/6/2015

An inspiring gem

For the Benefit of Many is an easily over-looked treasure. The book contains talks delivered by S.N. Goenka from 1983 to 2000. One will be immediately struck by the consistency of Goenkaji's message, which continually drives home the same themes regarding meditation and service. For those engaged in Dhamma service, the message contained here is invaluable. Along with inspiration and encouragement, Goenkaji offers words of guidance and warning. As Vipassana becomes more and more widespread and diffuse, these warnings become all the more relevant. Keeping the technique pure and free of charge will undoubtedly become major challenges in the years to come. At the same time, one feels strengthened by the realization that Goenkaji has been emphasizing these points for decades to his devoted students, many of whom have become teachers and assistant teachers. Anyone who has given Dhamma service can testify that the technique is in good hands. For the Benefit of Many also offers several Q&A sessions. Question and answer sessions with Goenkaji have a funny way of bringing up questions you didn't even know you had, or questions you'd never think to actually ask. Goenkaji's answers are concise and filled with Dhamma. They go to the heart of the issue without getting caught up in intellectual discursions. Often, they provide novel perspectives on issues that seem familiar and well-known. At other times, they provide inspiring glimpses of higher stages on the path. Many questions are cut away as superficial concerns, while others are explored in their full depth. We are all bound to face doubts time and time again, doubts about the technique, about the tradition, and about ourselves. Having access to the wisdom of our teacher is a necessary tool to face these doubts. Ultimately, only our own meditation practice can show us the truth of reality. But as we walk the path, we should take advantage of the compassion of those who have gone before us. For the Benefit of Many is a collection which offers clarity and courage. It extends our view to show us where we're headed, and offers an optimistic view of the spread of Dhamma in the world. At those crucial moments when the path seems too difficult, too long, too unknown, there is no greater gift than a few humorous words from Goenkaji.

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Reviewed by: Tom Corsus from SCVC on 6/3/2012

I agree with David

I read this book while serving most of a 20 day course. It really helped me feel connected to the "many" that are traveling this path and how it developed. There were no serious meditators where I lived at that time. This book filled the gaps until group sits became available.

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Reviewed by: Stacey from California on 6/1/2012

Inspirational and Educational

For quite some time after I took my first ten day courses I was curious about the reasons for the various rules at the Centre and also curious about the environment in which I seemed to be becoming more and more engaged. In my opinion, unless you have close friends that are serious meditators it is challenging to get a feel for how Mr. Goenka organizes the courses and how it all comes together. The book itself is a collection of brief addresses given by Mr. Goenka at the Annual Meeting at Dhamma Giri, in India, some short essay material on practical topics and some question and answer sessions Goenkaji entertained after the Annual Meetings sometimes. A lot of basic the basic practical issues get addressed in one form or another. I found I had a much better sense of the organization overall and the people I was getting involved with when I had a chance to read For the Benefit of Many. It is eminently readable if not actually entertaining and chock full of short but inspirational dhamma that helps fill in a lot of background.

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Reviewed by: David Vallance from USA on 4/18/2012