Based around the ancient, Indian principle of Vipassana, or ‘insight’, these Buddhist retreat centres are designed for serious, focused meditation. The ten-day residential courses aim to teach purification of the mind through intense introspection, until the balancing ability to see things as they really are is revealed. The strict mental exercise techniques used are said to have been preserved by an unbroken line of teachers since the 5th century BCE, and the current team of teachers, based at a number of centres across the world, is led by S. N. Goenka, who founded the first one at Igatpuri. His code of discipline begins with abstinence from killing and stealing (hopefully not so difficult for most!) and from sexual activity (men and women are separated at all times), lying and the consumption of intoxicants such as alcohol or nicotine. Students are also not permitted to eat after midday or to enjoy any deliberate sensual or material pleasures, such as watching television, sleeping in a soft bed, or decorating their bodies with jewels and makeup. It is requested that other forms of meditation and religious practices such as reciting mantras and burning incense are avoided, and ‘Noble Silence’ must be observed throughout the duration of your stay, to engender a sense of solitude – so there should be no communication through speech or signal with anyone but the teacher. This course is a challenge and not to be undertaken without determination and dedication, but it is said that the rewards are well worth the effort.

Written by  larapiegeler.

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