I've gotten quite a number of questions about my latest trip to learn about one of the oldest meditation techniques out there. I'm taking this opportunity to write down and share some FAQ's that have intrigued friends, family and colleagues alike. Here's part 1 of a 2 part post starting with what this 10 days was all about. Part 2 focuses on what my experience was like and recommendations into those considering this course.
Disclaimer: please take my experience with a grain of salt. I am 1 of many that has tried and practiced this technique. Through some of my conversations with others, I have learned that each experience is different, profound in its own way and it is upto the meditator what to make out of it.
EDIT: My partner has also shared some of his experiences. If you're interested in another perspective here is part 1, part 2 and part 3.
What is Vipassana? Vipassana is one of the oldest meditation techniques dating as far as 2,500 years ago. The 10-day residential course is taught by S.N. Goenka and explores the basic method of meditation through self-observation. It is not affiliated with any sort of religion, rite or ritual and can be practiced by people from all walks of life. The intention being the removal of universal ills, fostering love and compassion for all beings.
Where did you do it? Just outside Merritt, BC although there are over 100 places in the world that hold similar courses.
How much did it cost? The course is by donation. This gives everyone an equal opportunity to attend and benefit regardless of current financial situation. Material donations (no minimum) are accepted after if the student wishes to donate to future participants after experiencing the benefits of the technique. Returning to serve new students by donating time is also very much appreciated.
What was your schedule like? A schedule designed to maintain continuity of practice with breaks in between to re-energize. It should be very similar to:
4am - wake up gong
4:30-6:30 meditation in preferred location (mostly in my own room)
6:30-8:00 breakfast break
8:00-9:00 group meditation (mandatory in meditation hall)
9:00-11:00 meditation according to teacher's instructions (room or hall)
11:00-1:00 lunch break
1:00-2:30 meditation in preferred location (mostly in my own room)
2:30-3:30 group meditation (mandatory in meditation hall)
3:30-5 meditation according to teacher's instructions (room or hall)
5:00-6:00 tea break
6:00-7:00 group meditation (mandatory in meditation hall)
7:00-8:15 nightly discourse
8:15-9:00 short meditation
9:00- get ready for lights out, sleep
Wait... you can't what?! A very strict code of conduct was required over the course of 10 days which included abstaining from speaking or physical contact from people - with the exception of material needs and questions about the technique which can be taken up with teachers and centre managers. No electronic devices were permitted, nor any types of books/journals and writing instruments. All you really have is yourself, light walks in the walking trails (without jogging), sleeping, eating and some chores (laundry/showers).
but WHY!? this particular piece was something I too found hard to accept until I ventured back into reality. The meditation centre and course were designed to provide a certain kind of mental clarity that was conducive to getting deep into the meditation technique. This proved to be beneficial in the end. I would not have worked as hard as I did had I brought materials that could serve as potential distractions.
What kinds of people would agree to that? Well, you have people like me...
And then you have all sorts of other people. On the 10th day (when we were allowed to talk), I learned some meditators were students (high school to PhD), professionals, custodians, tree planters, retirees, business owners, cops and could have been anywhere between ages 18-60+. Some were immigrants, others were born and raised all over BC. They came in various ethnicities but shared a desire to self-discover and possessed a general appreciation towards all walks of life.
What was the hardest part? the vow of silence was surprisingly not the hardest part. The daily schedule is designed to maintain continuity of the meditation practice - 15 hours a day with breaks every 4-5 hours. The long bouts of meditation practice proved to be the hardest given the limited number of distractions available - sitting still for long and focusing were some key challenges for me.
Did you meditate before? How did you prepare? Yes - I do have a regular meditation practice but this situation is like no other. I would compare it to playing recreational sports every weekend to a 10-day intensive athletic training camp. You have to take it as it is. For preparation though, I was conscious about diet leading upto the day. Since the diet was wholesome and vegetarian that helps with long meditation sits, I weened off of red meat about a week or so prior although this was not necessary.
Oh very cool. So what happened? What was it like? part 2 covers the FAQs unique to my experience and I share how this had a profound effect on my day to day living in more than one dimension. Otherwise, this post would get too long and you'll stop reading :)
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Stay tuned!