Like many of us, I have dabbled in various spiritual practices in order to find one that is right for me. During this experimental journey, I have found myself in a variety of situations ranging from seated lotus style chanting ‘om’, gathered in a native American sweat lodge perspiring heavily while sprinkling cedar chips on hot rocks for the ancestors (mine, I hope), reclined on a mat while breathing rapidly to induce altered states, eating things to induce altered states, visiting temples where my hands were prodded with knifes, waiting for spirits to descend with messages for me, leaning anxiously over tarot cards, read a plethora of books on saints, gurus, buddhas, and deities, joined Sufi dancing, attended over 20 years of Sunday masses, and so on. All of these were interesting and awe-inducing experiences, however they never felt right. They either embodied dogma that I couldn’t accept or they belonged totally to a far away land and culture that were unfamiliar to me. So, they all served only a temporary purpose. An hour here, a weekend there, I felt good for a while, but eventually I was always returned back to the place where I started. Still me. Still searching.
It wasn’t until recently this changed for me. I found a practice that resonates with me for many reasons, largely because it is based on a principle I firmly believe in; hard work. For many years friends and acquaintances have planted the seed of Vipassana Meditation in my mind. I had heard a little about it and I was interested in trying a course. All I knew going into it was that it was a 10-day silent meditation retreat offered in various centers worldwide, and that it was free. I also noticed that the individuals I met who practiced Vipassana seemed very peaceful and happy. After several years, I eventually enrolled in a course in Thailand. I don’t intend to tell about my experience, as I don’t wish to create any expectations for individuals considering the course. However, I will say that the course was humbling and hard work. It is not a ‘relaxing’ retreat and people must be ready to face the depths of their minds.
Vipassana literally means ‘insight’, to see things as they really are. It is getting to know the self. It is an ancient technique from India that was rediscovered 2500 years ago by the historical Buddha, Sidhartha Gotama. Although it was the method taught by the Buddha, it is a non-sectarian technique that can be practiced by all, regardless of faith. The basic purpose of the technique is to rid oneself of all impurities and suffering, and to find true happiness. In order to eliminate suffering, one must find the root of suffering that is within us.
The teaching today is continued by Mr. S.N Goenka, an Indian Hindu born into a business family in Burma, where the Vipassana tradition is still strongly preserved. The practice focuses awareness on respiration and the breath, as well as on bodily sensations. It is self-observation that leads to awareness of the connection between body and mind, which if mastered, can lead to self-transformation. When students join a 10-day meditation course, they arrive to one of the worldwide centers and agree to accept noble silence for the next 9 days, as well as a code of conduct. They are provided with all their basic needs; simple food a place to rest and wash. They are lead to a hall where they begin learning meditation through awareness of their own breath. There is no counting of inhalations or exhalations, no object of focus other that the natural flow of breath. This technique develops concentration of the mind, preparing one for Vipassana, which is taught on the 4th day. Vipassana is the observation of sensations throughout the body, understanding the nature of such sensations, and learning to observe them with equanimity.
Students follow a strict schedule requiring them to wake up at 4 am and meditate for over 10 hours a day. Each and every student is expected to work seriously. Vipassana is not just a sitting meditation. Those who sit and daydream will certainly receive fewer benefits than those who work hard. Again, the principle of hard work! The course itself can be viewed as a mental training, and after the completion of the course, students are expected to continue Vipassana in their daily lives. It would be unlikely to expect to receive great benefits from only attending a 10-day course, however some benefits will be noticed through the course alone.
The centers are all non-profit. They do not wish to be commercial and offer the courses for free. There is no charge for accommodation or food. All expenses are covered through donations and the good will of others, many who have completed a Vipassana course in the past and wish to support it. Centers are located worldwide in North America, Asia, Europe, and beyond.
In this article I hope to plant a seed to readers so that others can benefit from Vipassana. It is a practice that is pragmatic, logical, and visible. It is not centered on a god, it doesn’t require offerings or prayers, no shrines are necessary, any rituals or beads or incense, images, calendars, goats, chickens, etc. The ultimate goal is pure happiness and all you need is to work seriously. For more information on Vipassana as taught by S.N. Goenka, courses, centers, and dates please go to www.dhamma.org
All information stated in this article pertaining to Vipassana has been extracted from the website www.dhamma.org
