Vipassana 2.0

Dhamma Ketana Mar'22

Recently, I came back from a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat at Dhamma Ketana, Kerala, India. This was my second 10-day course which I completed almost 4 years after my first course (at Dhamma Dhaja, Punjab, India).

Although I was aware of the lifestyle I was to adopt and the techniques that were being taught, it was still a noteworthy experience for me. The past 3 years had been tough for everyone and I was no exception. I had waited long to get back and embrace Dhamma again in its glory. Coupled with that was the freshness and gratitude I felt while staying in a remote village in Kerala. It was delightful.

The What

For the uninitiated, let me define Vipassana and what are the benefits one can expect upon the completion of a 10-day course.

Vipassana is an ancient meditation technique believed to be first experienced and taught by Gautama the Buddha about 2500 years ago in northern India. The word Vipassana literally means "to see things as they are". The technique directs one to look within and observe the sensations in the entire body while keeping perfect equanimity. No matter what kind of sensation, gross or subtle, the focus should be entirely on just observing it without any reaction.

Here is what one shall be signing up for in a typical Vipassana course:

• Observe noble silence from the beginning of the course until the morning of the last day. This entails avoiding any kind of interaction with the fellow meditators; avoiding reading/writing/music or any kind of mental stimulation

• Avoid any form of exercise except walking

• Undertake the five precepts of abstaining from killing any being, from stealing, from all sexual activity, from wrong speech, and from all forms of intoxicants

• Follow a strict timetable

• Basic accommodation will be provided and simple vegetarian food will be given

In a nutshell, one is expected to live the life of a monk. Turns out, it can be a very peaceful and thriving life. One can expect benefits like calmness and composure, compassion and love for everyone, and a sharper and more focused mind.

Needless to say, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience one has to experience.

The Center

I took a train from Bangalore to reach Chengannur and then an auto to reach the center. It is a small but beautifully built center; populated evenly with flora and fauna. Coconut and banana trees, characteristic of Kerala's rich forest vegetation, adorned either side of the pathways. After an intense meditation session, one could enjoy an open but often clear sky over vastly stretched fields reminiscent of the backwater regions. Garden lizards and chameleons could be seen easily with the rare sighting of a tortoise and snake. I could see some pet dogs as well intermittently during the course.

The Routine

The visual aesthetics were the perfect complement to the deeply profound experience I had at the center. The first few days were challenging and encouraging at the same time. I witnessed thoughts and images I had earlier discounted as weak and unseemly. The human mind can be very brutal and unforgiving in that aspect. When you decide to stay focused on a certain object/sensation, you'll notice your mind will do everything to keep you away from it. I think that's where the real challenge lies: you stay focused no matter what your mind tells you or shows you. I knew I had a lot of "backlog" to clear before my mind could even think of consuming what I wanted to feed it. At one point, it felt like I'd have committed all the seven sins and there was no pardon for them. It was difficult but the realization was rewarding. If at any time I'd question my competence, the evening discourses ensured the day's efforts made sense. The path became clearer as the days went by.

The next few days were the real deal. Vipassana was taught and along with that came the teachings that Buddha himself experienced while meditating to attain enlightenment. Already aware of the technique, I was interested in refreshing my memory on the theory behind Vipassana. Somehow, the teaching made more sense this time. I'd imbibe the theory from the discourses and group meditation sessions and would try to re-rationalize my past behavior by believing how I'd have avoided quite a few unwanted situations in my life if only I were aware of the Law of Impermanence. This would basically mean asking yourself if Buddha would've behaved the same way as you did. Quite an interesting thought. The anecdotes, real or made up, from the discourses made this look easier.

The technique, although strenuous, makes a clear case that no matter how you feel or what you visualize, make sure you do not fall into the trap of craving or aversion and react. During the Adhiṭṭhāna sessions, this would mean keeping a strong determination to not change your posture even if the pain is driving you mad. Over time, I became comfortable with the pain and it wouldn't bother me anymore. The final day was a moment of re-awakening as a new form of meditation, Metta Bhavana, was taught. This was supposed to apply a bandage on the "surgical operation" we were doing on ourselves for the last 9 days. Metta was an apt conclusion to the program.

The After Effects

The 11th day is a day of practical realizations. Healthy eating had been surreptitiously trimming the belly fat and balancing the appetite. The quality of sleep improved and a disciplined way of life made way for an earlier sedentary lifestyle.

My mental health got a gradual boost. The general mood was uplifted and the anxiety was in check. I could sense the increase in focus during the course. The proverbial meditation benefits were also visible. I could experience peace again. I just hoped I continue the journey on the path of Dhamma and Vipassana.

One of the fringe benefits of going to a course like Vipassana is the kind of people you meet. I met some of the kindest people here. No matter the age or profession, I felt like I was meeting my own people. It was uncanny, the feeling. Some of them finishing their umpteenth course, while others discussing their experiences upon finishing their first course.

Surely, the course offers something for everyone and meditators keep coming for more.

Dhyan Kendram