I had been wanting to attend a Vipassana meditation course for the past two or three years after hearing about the experiences of some of my sisters, friends, and colleagues. But one way or another, due to work or studies, I never got the opportunity to go. Or perhaps, I always had some excuse — mainly not getting enough leave, since the course requires a full 11 days to complete.
The courses are offered several times a year, but I was planning to attend from 29th September to 10th October, during the long festive holidays. Since I had already decided to resign from my current job, I felt this was the perfect time to finally attend the 10-day Vipassana meditation course. The application process had already begun around late June, so I submitted my form on August 3rd.
I felt it was something I truly needed — a chance to clear my head and start fresh. Lately, I had been caught in a loop of thoughts, unable to think clearly about what to do next. The constant brain fog and excessive phone use were making me feel increasingly dull and distracted, so Vipassana seemed like the right step to regain focus and balance.
This time, I was fully committed to attending the Vipassana course no matter what. Since I had already decided to leave my present job — something I had been manifesting for a couple of years — I felt it was the right moment. I also wanted my mother to join me because I believed the meditation would help her too. Vipassana is known to calm the mind, bring clarity, and help us see things as they truly are.
To my surprise, my mother received her confirmation email within just three days, but I didn’t hear back for nearly three weeks. I started to worry that maybe my application wasn’t accepted or that I had made a mistake while submitting it. So, I emailed the center explaining that I hadn’t received any confirmation yet. The next day, they replied, saying my application was under review and that I would soon get further information.
Within a few days, I received another email mentioning that I would need to have an interview with one of the teachers via WhatsApp before final approval. I was quite nervous and had many questions in mind — like what they might ask — especially since previous attendees had said they never had interviews before.
I called my assigned teacher around 11 a.m. as instructed in the email, and we had around 10 minutes of conversation. She asked if I was familiar with the codes of conduct and reminded me not to carry any expectations before going. She explained that Vipassana is a deeply personal experience — there’s no guarantee everyone will feel the same. Some may face emotional challenges, others might feel peace; it all depends on the individual and their background.
She also asked whether I was fully committed to staying all 10 days and whether I could manage waking up at 4 a.m., as stated in the code of conduct on their website. My application was approved just two days after the interview, and I received the final confirmation email. I was thrilled to finally be attending the 10-day Vipassana course!
Everything went as planned. The course was scheduled from September 29th to October 10th. We packed everything the night before — clothes, toiletries, a shawl, and all the other essentials. We had to reach the center between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on the 29th. I also explained all the codes of conduct to my mother so that she could be mentally prepared.
We arrived around 12:45 p.m. and spent a few minutes filling out additional forms and reviewing the rules again. Once our accommodation was finalized, we entered the main area where we would be staying for the next 11 days. We had to deposit our phones, smart watches, and any valuables before checking in. After handing over our belongings, we entered the peaceful premises — surrounded by greenery, with kind volunteers guiding us to our rooms. Then my mother and I parted ways to our respective accommodations.
While we arrived, many other participants were still checking in. Since the meditation hadn’t officially begun that day, we were allowed to move around and speak with other attendees. At 2 p.m., we were served bread, milk tea, and black tea as per our preference. Later, after a light dinner at 5 p.m., we had our orientation session.
During orientation, the management emphasized that everyone was expected to follow the code of conduct strictly. Anyone who felt unable to commit to them could leave the premises at that point. We were then informed that “noble silence” would begin that evening at 7 p.m. and continue until the morning of the 11th day.
Noble silence means silence of body, speech, and mind — no talking, no gestures, and no communication through eyes or expressions. If necessary, we could speak to volunteers, but only briefly.
My Vipassana Journey
Our daily schedule started at 4:00 a.m. We had to freshen up and be seated in the meditation hall by 4:30 a.m. for the first two-hour session, which lasted until 6:30. Breakfast followed, and from 6:30 to 8:00, we could rest, bathe, or do laundry. Group meditation was held from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m., followed by a two-hour guided session from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. led by S.N. Goenka. Afterward, we could continue meditating either in our rooms or in the Dhamma Hall.
Lunch was served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Between 12:00 and 1:00, participants could meet the assistant teachers to ask questions about meditation techniques or any practical difficulties — but not philosophical or religious questions, as clearly mentioned on the notice board.
From 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., we had meditation sessions on our own. Then from 2:30 to 3:30, we gathered for group meditation with our assistant teachers. In the Dhamma Hall, there were three assistant teachers in the female section on the right and three in the male section on the left. From 3:30 to 5:00, we again practiced meditation on our own inside the hall.
At 5:00 p.m., we were served a light dinner, after which we were free until 6:00. From 6:00 to 7:00, we had another group meditation session followed by a short break. Then from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., we listened to the daily discourse by our teacher, S.N. Goenka. The discourses were deeply insightful and helped us understand the philosophy behind Vipassana. After that, from 8:30 to 9:00, we meditated again and went to bed by 9:30. Anyone who had questions could meet the teacher between 9:00 and 9:30, but most of us went to bed early as the day was physically and mentally intense.
The meals were simple but wholesome. Breakfast was quite heavy, with options like cornflakes, milk, milk tea, bread, biscuits, sewai, beans, haluwa, and chura ko pulao. Lunch at 11:00 a.m. usually consisted of rice, roti, lentil soup, sprouts, achar, papad, and seasonal vegetable curries, curd, sometimes followed by a dessert. At 5:00 p.m., we had a light dinner of puffed rice mixed with peanuts, fruit slices, and milk or milk tea. Old students were only served lemon water, but those under medication or having difficulty sleeping could request the same meal as new students by speaking with a volunteer.
The dining area was very organized. Plates were neatly arranged, and we had to pick up our own, queue for food, wash them afterward, and place them on our designated table. Noble silence was to be maintained everywhere — from the meditation hall to the dining area, the washroom, and our residences. Each person had a fixed seat both in the hall and the dining area, which couldn’t be changed until the course ended.
My Personal Experience
Many people had told me that not talking for 10 days would be the hardest part — but for me, it was much more than just silence. The first two days were extremely challenging due to severe back pain from sitting straight for long hours. The teachers had instructed us to keep our waist, back, and neck aligned to help with concentration. On the second day, I went to speak with my teacher about the pain, and she gently advised that it would eventually lessen — and she was right. From the third day onward, the pain started to fade, and I began to enjoy the practice.
The first three and a half days were focused on Anapana, which simply means observing your breath. From the fourth day, we were introduced to the Vipassana technique — scanning the body from head to toe and vice versa, observing sensations in every part without reacting to them. This practice requires deep concentration and awareness. We were instructed not to move our hands, legs, or open our eyes during meditation as much as possible, as even small distractions could disturb the flow of mindfulness.
On the fourth day, I couldn’t feel much — my mind was full of wandering thoughts. But as S.N. Goenka reminded us, one shouldn’t feel discouraged or disappointed. Just keep practicing, and the results will come naturally.
Vipassana, in reality, is a deep inner battle. Each day you confront your thoughts, emotions, and even the darkest corners of your mind. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, especially around the sixth day, wondering when it would all end. But from the seventh day onward, something shifted. The heaviness started to lift, and I slowly began to accept emotions I had been suppressing for years. I even started to notice sensations like heat and tingling on my skin — subtle signs of growing awareness.
S.N. Goenka’s teachings reminded us that we shouldn’t expect something extraordinary. Even small sensations are progress, as long as we remain equanimous — neither craving pleasant feelings nor rejecting unpleasant ones.
On the 11th day, our noble silence was finally broken at 11 a.m. Speaking again felt strange at first, after ten days of total silence. Soon, everyone gathered outside, smiling, laughing, and sharing experiences. I felt a deep sense of relief — as if the weight of 100 kilograms had been lifted from my shoulders.
What I learned through this experience is that it’s easier to move forward when we let go rather than hold on. “Forgiving and forgiveness free a person. If we keep holding on to hurt, we can never truly be free — not even after death.”
How Meditation Benefits Your Mind and Body
Reflections
What touched me most about the Vipassana center was how thoughtfully everything was managed. Despite the strict rules, every need was quietly taken care of — from providing blankets on rainy days and hot water to arranging extra support in the dining and meditation halls. Although the course notice clearly mentions that personal preferences cannot be catered to, the vegetarian meals and facilities were simple yet sufficient.
For me, the 10-day Vipassana course was truly worthwhile. It helped me in ways I can’t fully express, and my mother also thoroughly enjoyed the experience. On the last day, S.N. Goenka reminded us that Vipassana’s real benefit comes only when practiced regularly — ideally one hour each in the morning and evening. Since returning home, I’ve been trying to meditate at least 30 minutes a day. It’s not always easy, especially when I get distracted by my phone, but I’m trying my best to stay consistent.
On the 11th day, the center also hosted a small book exhibition. Those who completed the course could donate voluntarily. No fixed amount was asked, as the center runs entirely on donations. The idea is simple — those who have benefited from Vipassana contribute so that others may experience it in the future.
We completed our 10-day Vipassana course on the 12th day, after one final 30-minute meditation and discourse by S.N. Goenka.
What I truly admire about Vipassana is that it isn’t linked to any religion. It doesn’t teach theory or rituals — it teaches the practical way of being a better human being by purifying the mind and removing negativity. I believe our actions should reflect our words. Instead of preaching goodness, we should live it through our deeds, keep working hard, and trust our karma.
I won’t say that everyone must attend Vipassana once in their lifetime — it’s a deeply personal choice. But for me, it came at the right time and helped me find peace within myself.
I’d like to end with the beautiful words of S.N. Goenka:
“Let all beings be happy, let all beings be peaceful, let all beings be liberated.”
