OF NOBLE SILENCE AND THE DIVE WITHIN: Understanding Vipassana meditation through 5 Ps.
As I boarded the jetty on a journey to the much desired but unknown, I was excited but nervous. Moving forward in the bay, I saw the glistening dome of the Buddhist pagoda, and felt that something truly magical lies ahead.
My 20 days over two stints, staying inside the Buddhist pagoda, will remain one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.
Disconnected from the world; maintaining complete silence; eating just two simple meals per day; living a spartan life; doing Vipassana meditation from dawn to dusk, yes difficult, but such a deep level of being.
“Vipassana means to see things as they really are.”*
Vipassana meditation originated many thousand years back in India. Ancient manuscripts tell us that the Gautama Buddha rediscovered and then taught Vipassana to all.
Sayagyi U Ba Khin nurtured this practice and Shri S. N. Goenka ji took it forward through the Dhamma Organization.
“This non-sectarian technique aims for the total eradication of mental impurities and the resultant highest happiness of full liberation.”*
Scientific studies have shown that Vipassana Meditation can have a positive effect on brain function. Researchers have reported changes in gray matter density. There is evidence of increased activity in emotional control areas, leading to decreased stress and anxiety.**
While I had an ample exposure of different forms and ways of meditation, learning and practicing, Vipassana gave me a higher level of being.
I attribute all my learning about Vipassana to the Dhamma organization and sharing the same with you as 5 Ps:
Vipassana Meditation: THE PHILOSOPHY
🧘Self-transformation through self-observation.
🧘 Non-judgemental approach in our becoming and being.
🧘Insight into the impermanent and selfless nature of reality.
Vipassana Meditation: THE PURPOSE
😇Self-awareness.
😇Ever-present Mindfulness.
😇Deep Compassion towards self and others.
Vipassana Meditation: THE PATH
🧘Being and staying Equanimous.
🧘Un-wavering level of Concentration.
🧘Spiritual, Emotional and Mental Balance.
Vipassana Meditation: THE PROGRAM
😇Vipassana is a 10-days residential course conducted at Dhamma centres across the world (A 3 day course and 21 days' advance course also there).
😇Spartan living; two simple meals; one afternoon snack; tea/coffee/milk; no dinner (special permission granted as per declared health condition).
😇Unplugging and disconnecting with the outside world by handing over your electronic gadgets. (family can contact in extraordinary situations).
😇Observing ‘Noble Silence’: abstaining from all forms of communication: not even facial or physical expressions or gestures; no reading and writing.
😇The meditation practice from early morning till early evening with due number of breaks. Every day session ends with a discourse.
😇A teacher is there to guide through the meditation. If there are questions or doubts, one can meet and talk to the teacher.
Vipassana Meditation: THE PRACTICE
🧘The meditation technique involves focusing one’s attention on the sensations of the body.
🧘Sitting in a comfortable position and then observing the sensations, starting from the top of the body and then gradually moving down.
🧘Develop equanimity towards both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.
🧘It is like ‘The Dive Within’ oneself and observe the sensations without reacting to them.
🧘Mostly done in group sittings, without interacting with each other.
🧘There are ‘shunyagars’ (small cubicles) where one can meditate alone.
🧘Individual interviews with the teacher to seek guidance/clarifications.
After the completion of the program, you can easily continue doing Vipassana meditation on your own. While a fixed time and place is good, you can do Vipassana at any place or time that you want.
Vipassana, as a powerful meditation technique, has a transformational impact. From cultivating self-awareness to becoming truly equanimous to being compassionate towards all, Vipassana helps you in so many ways.
The ancient traditions and modern science have recognized the benefits of doing Vipassana. It is a valuable tool for you to improve your spiritual, mental and emotional well-being.
I would conclude by saying,
“In noble silence, I could hear myself; in the dive within, I could see myself; in the impermanence, I could understand reality, while the unbroken flow of awareness and compassion connected me, to me and to all.”
Dear Reader, I am happy that you are here with me. Inviting you to comment/share/follow. Connect with and write to me on amlesh@amleshranjan.com. Thanks, Amlesh Ranjan
