Vipassana is a meditation technique that has been practiced for thousands of years in India, and it has become increasingly popular in the West over the last few decades. Vipassana is word that means “insight” or “seeing things as they really are.” The Vipassana course is a ten-day silent retreat that teaches this technique of meditation.
In India these camps are S.N. Conducted through Vipassana Research Institute (VRI) established by GOYANKA. To learn or initiate Vipassana, a thorough knowledge of Vipassana is required, starting with a 10-day camp. This camp is conducted through many Vipassana Centre in India.
The Vipassana course is a challenging and transformative experience that requires a high level of commitment and discipline. Participants must agree to follow a strict schedule, including waking up at 4:00 a.m., meditating for ten hours a day, and observing (Arya Maun) Noble Silence for the duration of the course.
Noble Silence (рдЖрд░्рдпрдоौрди)
Arya Maun is necessary to observe Arya Maun in this ten days camp. Arya Maun means to observe silence for ten days but in addition not to meet someone’s eyes and not to contact others even with hand and eye marks. Perfect arrangements are made through the centre for proper observance of Arya Maun. In case of need of an item or help, there is a paper and a pen in a certain place and there are orders to write a message on it. Volunteers then read the message and complete it. If there is any problem regarding Vipassana, you can go to the Dhamma Hall where Acharya is sitting between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to solve the problem.
Dhamma hall
In Dhamma hall, meditation is done in groups, Acharya sits in front and everyone has a fixed place to sit. Necessary and nourishing environment for meditation is created in Dhamma Hall.
PAGODA
The pagoda has small rooms for individual meditation practice. Students are sent to these for a certain period of time to practice Vipassana.
Teachers (рдЖрдЪाрд░्рдп)
The course is led by an experienced teacher (Acharya) who has practiced Vipassana for many years and guides the participants throughout the camp and resolves any difficulties.
Time table
The schedule of the camp is strictly followed for ten days. The day starts at exactly 4:00 in the morning. Volunteers wake up by ringing a small bell in front of the door and freshen up and start meditation at 4:30. These meditation sessions continue throughout the day with certain breaks. The schedule is as follows.
Breakfast and lunch
- Breakfast is served between 6:30 am and 7:15 am.
- Lunch is served between 11:00 PM and 11:45 PM
- Between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm there is breakfast or Lemon Juice.
- After this there is no food.
Accommodation
Separate rooms are arranged for the seekers. Some places have dormitories where each has a separate bed.
If you want to deepen your meditation practice or gain a deeper understanding of yourself, eliminate disorders and live a contented, peaceful and sober life, do a Vipassana camp. Although the experience is challenging, it is worth the effort for better results. In the next article, we will learn how to register for the course. For more information, visit the website dhamma.org.
