Vipassana Meditation 10-day Course
“When one experiences truth, the madness of finding fault with others disappears.” -S.N. Goenka
Last summer was the first time I heard about the practice. And since that time the name of the technique started popping up more and more - friends, YouTube videos, and podcasts - seemed to have come together to make me google what it’s all about. There is a 10-day course in which you learn the technique of Vipassana meditation. Sounds pleasant enough.. However, there is no talking, no eye contact, no electronics of any kind, no books, no writing, just you. 10 whole days of learning the technique and essentially, dealing with yourself.
I made it back from those 10-days two days ago. Definitely one of the most challenging things I have ever put my mind and body through. When I made it back to the city, family and friends asked “how did the retreat go?” It was NOT a retreat, it is NOT a retreat. It is A COURSE. The schedule is strict and consistent. Wake Up, meditate, eat, meditate, eat, meditate, meditate, drink tea, meditate, watch a hour long discourse, meditate, sleep, and repeat. The day starts at 4am ends at 9:30pm.
That being said…..What is Vipassana meditation? It is a technique of meditation that focuses on self-observation, through such observation one sees things as they really are. I can go on and on about the philosophy of the meditation but it’s really meant to be experienced.
As I write this I realize that sharing my experience fully will only force others reading this to build up prejudices or expectations for the course. Everyone has their own unique experience. Granted, most of us newbies all felt the same for the first few days - tired, in pain, and miserable but then rewarded. But the space between the misery and insight varied greatly from person to person.
The technique is practical and beneficial - purification of the mind, mastery of the mind, and morality. It’s not a cult or religion - they make that crystal clear. They do not charge to attend the course. The center only accepts donations from people who have completed the 10-days and feel as if they have noticed its benefits.
Most of our suffering is rooted in reacting out of craving or aversion - this practice uproots the suppressed thoughts and feelings and allows you to just observe - objectively. You take the first few steps to gaining an equanimous mind. It is difficult to break a habit that has been formed since the day we were birthed so there is “pain”, but the benefits truly do outweigh the battle. Take the time to get to know yourself, your mind, your body, and take the time to master them.