My Second “Vipassana” Course – ‘Experiencing Reality As it is’

2023 had been a really rough year for me personally. Thoughts about Vipassana course kept coming to my heart often, as I was going through a lot.

 

Though, I’ve been strong throughout and supported my family with my best capabilities. I noticed that seeing my father, my sister and some other close loved ones going through various serious physical illnesses, I found myself feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed many times.

 

From beginning of December 2023, it felt like a calling of the Universe.

I always had a strong connection with the source and could clearly hear the whispers in my heart (you can call it spirit, universe or whatever you like).

I booked Vipassana for the beginning of January, though due to a major emergency surgery for my sister, I had to cancel it.

 

I thought, I might not be able to do it now, as in February, my daughter’s final exams will start.

As my sister started to recover, and my father’s health was also stable I checked the Dhamma Website. To my surprise, waiting list for End of January course was still open.

 

I asked my daughter, if she would be fine without me for 11 days and she said happily – Go mumma, don’t worry about me. I’ll be ok and study for the exams without you.

I applied with fingers crossed and at the last minute, my place was confirmed for my second Vipassana course at the same place, where I had done my first course, and had a life – altering experience at Dhamma Khetta Hyderabad.

 

It felt just like a miracle!

 

Dhamma khetta hyderabad, India

 

 

 

Please Know that “Vipassana is Not A Retreat, It’s like “Tapasya” .

There’s no word for ‘Tapasya’ in English. It is translated as Austerity (or tough Discipline) for the purification of mind.

 

My old experience (which was so blissful and extraordinary but also very tough) started to float in front of my eyes. A part of me felt that this time it should be easier as I already know the drill now 🙂

Though, I was fully aware that every experience is unique, and I tried to drop any expectations.

While waiting for my flight at the airport, I kept affirming that I am surrendered and open to, whatever is going to unfold in the next 11 days.

 

I have attended many long retreats and spiritual courses, but I must say that Vipassana has been the most difficult course (most life changing too) I’ve ever done in my life.

 

Tough because of the nature of the course and your own mind that drives you crazy. Magical because, I’ve experienced the deepest shifts in me after Vipassana (and my family feels that too).

 

So, what happens at Vipassana…

The course duration is eleven days. Vipassana is taught with a strict code of conduct and there’s a genuine reason for that.

You’re not allowed to have any contact with the outer world (phones and gadgets are submitted with office staff on the day of arrival, even before you’re allotted your room or dorms).

 

On the evening of 1st day, you’re instructed to maintain ‘Noble Silence’ for the next ten long days; which means – no talking at all, not even making eye contact or any gestures with other humans for the next 10 days.

 

Ideally, we strive for the silence of mind too.

You’re only allowed to speak to your teacher for few minutes (at your allotted time), if you have questions about the technique.

For any daily basic needs like toiletries or medicines, you can write on a paper provided in the dining hall, and volunteers make it available for you.

 

No reading, writing, music, no devices, exercise, yoga or any other distractions.

 

For the next 10 days, even though you are amidst hundred other participants; it’s truly ‘you’ on a deep explorative date with yourself, with your raw, naked mind.

That is the Toughest part of Vipassana. It’s usually not ‘the Silence, the strict discipline, two meals and no contact with the world’.

 

It’s you encountering your mind, your thoughts, feelings and sensations every moment and staying equanimous to everything that emerges. In your being.

Welcome to the world of Vipassana! 

What is Vipassana:

 

“Vipassanā is a word from Pāli, the language of the Buddha – which means “insight” or “seeing things as they really are”.

 

It is one of India’s most ancient meditation techniques that was discovered and taught by Gautama Buddha more than 2500 years ago.

 

It teaches the Art of living – going through life’s ups and downs, any challenges with equanimity, without reacting. It’s a path to liberation from suffering and living in peace through self-observation, no matter what happens.

The same technique is taught, in exactly same manner in all Vipassana centres all over the world, in the same recorded voice of teacher SN Goenka.

 

We were woken up by a bell at 4 am every day, which was followed by more than 10 hours of meditation (with short breaks in between and a long break for lunch).

 

Day used to end with about an hour discourse on teachings of the technique of Vipassana and the art of living.

The Discourse is delivered by teacher S N Goenka were played on screens in different languages to choose from.

His style of teaching  and story-telling is quite light-hearted and full of deep insights.

 

I have been meditating for more than a decade and I’ve tried many different kind of mediation techniques.

 

In my experience, most meditation techniques help relax the conscious mind and bring calmness and peace, though Vipassana is somatic meditation (meditation on the body) that taps into the deepest layer of mind – the subconscious mind

 

Vipassana is the only technique that cuts through the gap between “Believing” (understanding at intellectual level) and “Knowing” (experiencing yourself) and works on the deep layers of your mind.

If you wonder why – “Read my deep understanding about What is Vipassana Meditation”

 

On the last day of Vipassana, Mangal Maitri (loving compassion and kindness) is taught, which generate a deep love and compassion in our hearts, for all mankind.

 

Lessons Learnt:

There were many deep and profound lessons I learnt during the course with my own experience like Non-Resistance, Non-judgement, Detachment and Equanimity; which I have shared in detail here.

 

 Please click on the link to read the lessons I learnt from Vipassana

 

After coming back, I find myself neutral towards things that would’ve disturbed or made me upset earlier. And I don’t need to put conscious mental effort for it, this is like a deeper shift.

Also, I notice a natural whisper in my head – Equanimity, if any strong trigger comes my way.

 

It’s amazing to witness, how staying equanimous to the circumstances becomes so much easier after Vipassana course. Of course, we must keep practicing Vipassana meditation to stay equanimous in life.

 

Though, I’m aware I’ve just come back and the real test would be if I stay equanimous even after three, six and twelve months of Vipassana.

I’ll be happy to document my journey and share this with you.

 

Would I go to Vipassana again?

Absolutely! As many times as possible in this lifetime. Ideally once every year.

 

I’d highly recommend Vipassana for every human being at least twice As I realised that the second time, I fully understood the teachings of Buddha and experienced them in great depth.

 

Here’s the link for Vippasana website to check out the courses: https://www.dhamma.org/ 

 

P.S: Vipassana is not recommended for anyone going through a mental health challenge like anxiety disorder, depression or any other state. These conditions can get triggered and escalated due to long periods of meditation. 

 

Have you been to Vipassana? Share your experience with me.

I’d love to hear from you.

Bhavatu sab mangalam!

(May All Being be Peaceful)!

 

with deep peace & love,

Saloni