I first heard of Vipassana meditation practice about 4 years ago. I had no clue of Buddhism or serious meditation at that time, and decided I can simply join a course and learn. Till date, 10 days Vipassana course is unique in our country and makes the best choice to get into meditation and contemplation.

Vipassana (from Pali, “seeing reality as it is“) is very simple and very ancient. More then 2500 years ago Gautama Buddha showed Vipassana as a method to free yourself from suffering and never ending samsara chains. In October a second Vipassana Center will be opened in UK (European Long-Course Centre Dhamma Padhāna) in addition to Dhamma Dipa, overfilled with people wishing to participate.

About technique

Vipassana fits any religion. You do not have to take refuge or follow unclear rituals. It’s all about teaching your mind to be attentive, aware of own thoughts and deals. It’s all about cleaning your mind from dirtying , negative imprints and fears. Vipassana is based on simple breath meditation practice and during 10 days course you study several techniques, getting deeper into practice day by day. The course is run in a peaceful place, old students organize everything for you, serving vegetarian food and preparing the place. You have to make a vow of silence for 10 days, put away all devices and promise to dedicate yourself to Vipassana only.

Vipassana revives our understanding of deep connection between your body and mind which can be discovered only through own practical experience. Sensations we try to catch are always here with us, but not paid attention to. They say that Vipassana is a trip to the origin of the mind.

Although the technique is very simple, it demands steady intention to keep the practice, to clear your mind, to overcome your mind’s inertia. Every course invites experienced teacher certified by original tradition holder S.N. Goenka. Teachers are there to support you with their presence. Although they cannot help your mind to concentrate better, they overcame these states in own practice and their compassion is so natural, so visible and so salutary that you start believing in your practice. You start seeing result you can reach some day.

Vipassana is run in India, USA, UK, Israel and other countries prisons to help people realize and reconsider own valuables. As per University of Washington research, 57% of those prisoners who participated in course recidivated the jail again within two years, comparing to 75% average rate of recidivism.

During Vipassana we train our brain in a way most of us have never done before. It is hard in the beginning as our brain gets distracted too often (we cannot sit even 30 seconds in simple observation practice). But by the 10th day we see the difference in our inner state and feeling of the world around us; we come out from retreat with new practice that can change our life for better, liberating us from the suffering caused by dual nature of our mind.

As per tradition, Vipassana course has no obligatory charges, not even for food or accommodation. Expenses are met by donations of older students who wished to share this course with others.

My first Vipassana experience several years ago was painful and hard; but I hope to attend another course this Autumn together with my husband. I will never forget that pure, insightful and full of meaning state of mind I had after the course. The eyes of other participants on the 10th day when you are allowed to share. Vipassana gives concrete and effective results. Anyone wishing to undergo deep transformation, should try this technique.

May all beings find real peace…

To read on Vipassana:

Dhamma.org - main website with practice description and courses information

Vipassana courses in North America

Global Pagoda center