Shri Jagat Singh Bisht
(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator and Speaker.)
Vipassana Meditation: All You Wanted to Know About the 10-Day Retreat
Vipassana is an ancient technique of meditation discovered by the Buddha more than two thousand and five hundred years ago. It is non-sectarian and open to people of all colour and creed.
The 10-day retreat of silence and meditation is a unique experience which everyone should have at least once in lifetime. It’s a boot camp for the mind and gives you a first-hand feel of virtue, mindfulness and wisdom.
During the tenure of the course, you observe five precepts: abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lies and intoxicants.
You wake up at 4 am and meditation begins at 4.30 am. All through the day, you meditate, meditate and meditate! Of course, you have breaks for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. You are in your bed by 9.30 pm.
The accommodation is simple and hygienic, with basic amenities. No television. No internet. You live like a monk/nun for ten days of your life.
The food is simple and nutritious. Some people have an impression that they might starve there. That’s not correct.
On the zero day, you have to report at the centre by afternoon. You are required to deposit your mobile phone, cash and valuables in a locker allotted to you.
Please carry simple and comfortable clothing with you for the course. Don’t carry too many of those. Laundry service is usually available at the centre.
What you learn in the ten days is truly valuable and often life transforming. For the first three days, you learn to concentrate by focussing on your breath, next six days are for gaining insight into your body and mind, and on the last day you enjoy the bliss of loving kindness meditation.
The course also guides you subtly to a routine of moral discipline, purity of mind and loving kindness for all beings.
You learn the basic technique there and then go back home to continue meditating and progressing in the path of spirituality.
The course gets over on the eleventh day at 7 am.
It’s an experience you will cherish, adore and would like to repeat frequently!
You may register for a 10-day course at the global website for Vipassana Meditation.
May your life be filled with happiness, love, peace and tranquillity!
Jagat Singh Bisht
Founder: LifeSkills
