Community conversations and shared experiences for people looking to discuss or learn from others about challenging meditation experiences.
In Loving Memory Of Jaqui McDermott
This Facebook post highlights serious concerns about the safety and duty of care at silent meditation retreats, particularly those run by the Vipassana organisation. It reflects on the tragic experience of Jaqui McDermott and emphasises that, despite screening participants for mental wellness, the retreats lack consistent protocols to intervene when someone is clearly struggling. The author recalls a podcast in which a young woman described being in extreme distress, crying and curled up on the floor, while teachers and other participants ignored her, illustrating the potential dangers of inaction.
The post criticizes the Vipassana organisation’s response to public concerns, in which they downplayed responsibility, stating that suicide is a broader societal issue and not caused by meditation. Nathalie urges that this attitude prevents meaningful dialogue and policy reform that could prevent future harm. She makes it clear that the criticism is not anti-meditation or anti-retreat, acknowledging the benefits of meditation for many, but insists that retreat organisers must have a duty of care for those who struggle. The post concludes with a call to share this information widely, in the hope that awareness and advocacy might save lives in the future.
The post criticizes the Vipassana organisation’s response to public concerns, in which they downplayed responsibility, stating that suicide is a broader societal issue and not caused by meditation. Nathalie urges that this attitude prevents meaningful dialogue and policy reform that could prevent future harm. She makes it clear that the criticism is not anti-meditation or anti-retreat, acknowledging the benefits of meditation for many, but insists that retreat organisers must have a duty of care for those who struggle. The post concludes with a call to share this information widely, in the hope that awareness and advocacy might save lives in the future.