A Vipassana retreat is a meditation retreat that focuses on the practice of Vipassana meditation, also known as insight meditation. The retreat typically involves a period of intense meditation practice, often in silence, to cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. I had couple of mates who highly recommended it, who knew my background and who said that this is me.
I did my research – I applied. This place is like no other. You go away for 10 days. You are being fed, are given a bed in a room and all you have to do is to meditate for most of the day and follow the instructions of your teachers. The selling point for me was, you pay what you can afford. Basically they want want you to learn the real mediation, the proper way. I knew this wasn’t a some kind of secta you hear about because, I had my mates who went and loved it.
What is Vipassana meditation?
Vipassana meditation is a technique that originated in Buddhism over 2,500 years ago. The word “Vipassana” means “clear seeing” or “insight” in Pali, the language of the Buddha’s teachings. This type of meditation aims to develop a clear understanding of the nature of reality, impermanence, and the self.
What happens during a Vipassana retreat?
During a Vipassana retreat, participants typically follow a rigorous schedule that includes: 1. Meditation: Multiple daily meditation sessions, often in silence, focusing on breath, body sensations, and mental states. 2. Dhamma talks: Daily lectures or talks on the principles of Vipassana meditation, the teachings of the Buddha, and how to apply them in daily life. 3. Group sittings: Meditating together with other participants to foster a sense of community and support. 4. Work period: Participants may engage in light physical work, such as cleaning or gardening, to cultivate mindfulness and a sense of service. 5. Noble silence: Participants often observe noble silence, refraining from speaking, reading, writing, or using electronic devices to minimize distractions and promote introspection.
Goals and benefits
The primary goal of a Vipassana retreat is to develop greater awareness, clarity, and understanding of oneself and the world. Regular practice can lead to various benefits, including: – Reduced stress and anxiety – Improved emotional regulation – Increased focus and concentration – Enhanced self-awareness and introspection – Greater sense of calm and well-being
During a Vipassana meditation retreat, your body undergo various physical and energetic changes as you cultivate greater awareness and release tension.
I have experienced it all: the pain, discomfort, tingling and numbness – because you sit for at least an hour at the time. We basically meditated for 10 hours a day.
Day 1
I arrived at the meditation center – Complete registration and orientation – Take a vow of silence (noble silence) for the duration of the course – All begin with a 1-hour orientation session, introducing the technique and code of conduct – First meditation session in the evening. You are given a meditating spot in a massive hall, this spot is yours till the end of the course. You can get your meditation pillow and block and blankets.
Day 2-3
We woke up at 4am with a gong. We had 15min to get ready and hit the hall, to sit in your spot. We have been reminded about the technique and was told to Focus on Breath (Anapana) – Meditate for approximately 10 hours per day – Focus on the breath, observing the sensation of the breath entering and leaving the nostrils – Develop concentration and calmness of the mind. The pain, my back pain, my leg pain, I was done. By the end of every session I have promised myself that I am packing my back and going home cos I am done! Then we had a break, food and lovely tea… by next gong I was back on that carpet.
Day 4-5
By day 4, I think I have got over myself. I couldnt feel the pain no more. I realised that opportunity like this doesn’t happen often and I am here now. There are 1000s of people who tried to get my spot, I cannot give up now!
Vipassana -Body Scan – this is when the Vipassana technique was told: observing sensations throughout the body – Practice scanning the body from head to toe, observing sensations without reaction – Develop awareness of the impermanent and ever-changing nature of bodily sensations. My first vipassana meditation something else. Black hole/cloud appeared above my head and I was sucked in inside my body where the Root Chakra is… I saw myself as a 4 year old child and all I did is hug myself…
Next thing I know, I am flooded by this overwhelming emotions, tears are pouring and I think I might have actually cried out loud.. I run outside and cried and cried and cried some more, a lot of crying… I will never ever forget that relived feeling I felt after. I am still feeling it. Years after.
I went back and continued to meditate…
Day 6-7
I was exhausted by then. I missed my babies. You are expected to meditate with the everyone, at least once a day. I did tried to meditate on my own once, and I didnt like it as much. There was something special of being part of that community of people that you have never spoke to, you never even looked at… You hear them cough and smell their BO and their farts (ha ha ha) but still, I have discovered there and then that the group meditation was for me. It kept me going, motivated and disciplined.
Equanimity and Awareness the two words you hear constantly. – Continue practicing Vipassana, focusing on developing equanimity – Observe sensations without attachment or aversion – Cultivate awareness of the impermanent nature of all phenomena
Day 8-9
I cannot believe, I am still here. People around me, especially boys are dropping like flies. For 100 people that we started with, there might be 70 by now.
The next few days we are practicing the Deepening Understanding – Continue to deepen your understanding of the impermanent nature of all phenomena – Observe how the mind reacts to pleasant and unpleasant sensations – Cultivate a greater sense of detachment and equanimity
Day 10
Oh my god, I am going home. I am finally going home. I will see my babies, my friends. I am done! I have survived it. We can start talking and share our experiences. But Hold on, everyone is still looking down… ok maybe the lift will happen later.
We are told and practice Metta Meditation and Conclusion – Practice Metta meditation (loving-kindness meditation) – Cultivate feelings of love, compassion, and kindness towards oneself and others – Conclusion of the course, with a final discourse and Q&A session – Gradual transition out of noble silence, with opportunities to ask questions and share experiences. Oh wait.. I am not going home yet, I am going home tomorrow HA HA HA
That was one of the toughest things I have ever done. Its been almost three years since I went there last. I still meditate and I get it. I finally get it. I feel it. I belong. When my friends asked me what was it like and how did it help me? I dont know but I know that I even walk differently now. I feel better and I have time to understand things better. I have inner peace.
Yes of course I still lose the plot, but its different now. I am learning but I feel I am on a good path to self discovery
I highly recommend to anyone. Your body on its own, can create something no drug or drink can give.