I recently decided to take a leap of faith and commit to a 10-day meditation retreat. I can’t exactly pinpoint what led me to make this decision, however I’m guessing it relates to the idea of being “present” through all stages of life. I’ve been practicing meditation these past few months, and I have found that it has really calmed down my mind.
Anyways, my friends have been very intrigued when I mentioned that I was participating in a course like this. I thought it would be beneficial to share some more information about this type of meditation, the course schedule, and what I’m expecting to get out of these next 10 days.
Vipassana meditation is one of India’s most ancient meditation techniques. According to the Vipassana association, it was rediscovered by Buddha, almost 2,500 years ago. This type of meditation focuses on seeing things as they really are. “It is the process of self-purification by self-observation. One begins by observing natural breath to concentrate the mind.” While it has strong ties to Buddhism, this type of meditation “has nothing to do with any organized religion or sectarianism.” It also isn’t an escape from the problems of life, and an easy-fix to any trials or tribulations. What Vipassana offers is a technique that will allow the participants to be able to “Face life’s tensions in a calm, balanced way.” Vipassana aims to eliminate the three causes of unhappiness: craving, aversion and ignorance.
Below is a Code of Discipline, which guides this meditation:
- Abstain from killing any being
- Abstain from stealing
- Abstain from all sexual activity
- Abstain from telling lies
- Abstain from all intoxicants.
Members who have already completed a Vipassana course must also follow the additional precepts:
6. Abstain from eating after midday
7. Abstain from sensual entertainment and bodily decoration
8. Abstain from high our luxurious beds.
The students must also observe “Noble Silence,” from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last day. Noble Silence means “silence of body, speech and mind.” There are times when students may talk to the teachers, but they should be kept to a minimum. The last day is used to re-acclimate the students to normal life. Exercise is prohibited as well, along with reading and writing. The goal is to minimize as many distractions as possible. Additionally, all meals are vegetarian, and the course is run solely on a donation basis.
Below is an example of what the daily schedule will look like.
4:00 AM — Morning Wake-Up Bell
4:30 — 6:30 — Meditate in hall or room
6:30 — 8:00 — Breakfast
8:00 — 9:00 — Group meditation in hall
9 :00 — 11:00 — Meditate in hall or room
11:00 –12:00 — Lunch
12:00 –1:00 — Rest, or interview with teacher
1:00 –2:30 — Meditate in hall or room
2:30 — 3:30 — Group meditation in hall
3:30–5:00 — Meditate in hall or room
5:00–6:00 — Tea break
6:00–7:00 — Group meditation in hall
7:00 — 8:15 — Teacher’s Discourse
8:15 — 9:00 — Group meditation in hall
9:00 — 9:30 — Question time in hall
9:30 — Lights out.
Wake up and do it again; while ferociously contemplating why I decided to sign up in the first place.
I can honestly say I am nervous, yet excited at the same time. I’m not going into this with the expectation that it will solve all of life’s greatest mysteries, or ensure happiness ever after. I do think that it will uncover some pretty deep emotions — both good and bad, — that I have distracted myself from during my life. It will be interesting observing my thought patterns, and seeing how hard it will be to stay silent for 9 days. Ultimately, I’m just excited to do something that is so unfamiliar to me, and learn more about this practice of meditation.
I will be sure to let you guys know how it goes! If you are interested in meditation, I would recommend reading 10% Happier, by Dan Harris. See the below link for more information:
