Realizing Change is a compilation of first-hand accounts of the effects of a 10-day Vipassana meditation course. The stories are personal and honest reflections on the benefits of meditation. Vipassana meditators come from all walks of life. The stories which fill these pages come from young and old alike, from men and women, from those who have sat one course to those who have been practicing for decades. Due to its nonsectarian, universal approach, Vipassana carries a broad appeal to all those prepared to challenge themselves. This book is a wonderful glimpse into the world of Vipassana for meditators and non-meditators alike. For those who are already practicing Vipassana meditation, it is a great joy to read how the practice is transforming the lives of others. Because meditation is a gradual progress, it can be easy to lose sight of the changes it has precipitated. However, when we hear the experiences of others, it allows us to get a fresh perspective on our own journey. Every now and then we have to look back and appreciate how far we've come, and consider the path we've learned with gratitude. For those who haven't sat a Vipassana course, on the other hand, this book offers a hint of the experience that awaits. There's no beating around the bush: it's difficult. However, as S.N. Goenka tells a student in one of these stories: "What you get out of it is what you put into it." Despite the challenges that come with adopting a serious meditative lifestyle, the rewards are far greater. One tremendous reward of practicing Vipassana is becoming part of a supportive, compassionate global community. The men and women in these stories may very well become your brothers and sisters, your closest friends. Without the support of a like-minded community, making any sort of major lifestyle change is very difficult. But for those who are ready to take the dive, any level of involvement is possible. From attending local group sittings to working full-time at a center, all the doors are open. All it takes is to sign up, show up, and sit. As one practices, changes are bound to come. For every serious meditator, there is a story of growth and transformation. May your story be one of these, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. May all beings be happy!

For someone wanting a general overview of Vipassana meditation as taught by S. N. Goenka, The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation by William Hart is good. But for someone wanting an idea of what an intense 10-day Vipassana course of this type is like and how it can affect one's life, the personal accounts in this book by people from all walks of life (business people, teachers, students, prisoners, priests, health-care professionals, etc.) from many different national, religious, and ethnic backgrounds give valuable perspectives. Perhaps the best perspective on Vipassana in this tradition, for someone without the experience of a course, would be to talk to close friends or relatives who have taken a 10-day course and then have had time to judge the effects as they integrate their experiences and insights into their way of life. With an attitude of open-minded skepticism, one might ask that person, "What was it really like? And how did it change your life?" This book tries to fill that gap of understanding. The accounts tend to be personal and powerful.