Vipassana - Camp Enrolment, Facilities and Rules
A Journey Within: Unveiling the Magic of Vipassana
Friends, have you ever yearned for a profound transformation, a chance to dive deep within and discover the wellspring of peace and clarity that resides within you? If so, then I invite you to embark on a life-changing adventure – the Vipassana meditation course.
This note is just the first step on your path, a glimpse into the transformative power of Vipassana that has profoundly impacted my own life. It may seem daunting at first – the early mornings, the silence, the seemingly restrictive code of conduct. But trust me, these are not burdens, but stepping stones.
Imagine stepping into a sanctuary of silence, a space where you can finally shed the constant noise of the world and reconnect with your inner essence. Ten days may seem like a long time, but within this sacred space, you'll embark on a remarkable journey of self-discovery.
The code of discipline may appear strict, but it's not meant to constrain you. It's a framework designed to support your inward exploration. The early mornings, the silence, the simple meals – all these elements work together to create a conducive environment for introspection and self-awareness.
Think of it like this: have you ever stood on the shore, yearning to feel the cool embrace of the ocean, yet hesitant to take the plunge? Reading about it, analyzing it, won't make you truly understand. The only way to experience the transformative power of Vipassana is to dive in.
Don't let the initial apprehension hold you back. Take this leap of faith, embrace the unknown, and embark on a journey that has the potential to change your life forever. In the next note, we'll delve deeper into the science behind Vipassana, but for now, let this be your invitation to embark on an extraordinary adventure within.
This note is based on the Vipassana as is being taught by Dhammapada of Sadguru Shri S.N.Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin by Dhamma organisation.
Location of Camp : The Camps are conducted in most of the major cities in India and in 240 Centres and 128 non centres. In India itself there are 112 Centres and 15 non centres. The worldwide locations can be accessed at the world directory of the Dhamma Web.
Course Registration : The enrolment for courses are done online. The medium of instruction can be English, Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati or any of the wide variety of Indian languages and foreign languages. The course schedule will be available here. If you have difficulty in doing online registration, the persons at the Centre will help you out in doing physical registration.
Course Duration : For beginners - first timers, there is a 10 +2 day course.
First Day = Enrolment
Next 10 Days = Actual Course duration
Post Course Day = last parting meditation and instructions on the morning of the 12th day.
Physical Joining : On the first day, the physical enrolment (in addition to the online registration done earlier) is done upto 5 pm and instructions about the conduct of the course is given. Seating arrangement is done. And at 7 pm the observance of Noble Silence discipline starts.
Noble Silence means complete silence of the external speech as well as mental internal talk and body gestures. Not only is one not allowed to speak with other inmates, he is also not allowed to communicate with him by body gestures - like hand gesture, eye gesture, face gesture. He is also advised not to have even eye contact with the other inmate.One is also not allowed to carry with him mobile phone. No notebook and pen is allowed.
Personal Items : The participant is not allowed to keep any eatables in his bag. These are removed during bag inspection at the time of enrolment. Similarly all the religious symbols, rosaries, crystals, talismans and totems and photos are removed during the enrolment. They can be deposited with the organisers at enrolment and reclaimed after the course is over. You should carry your own essential toiletries. Keep it to the minimum. It is advisable to carry your own water bottle (empty). Water kiosks are available from which you can fill up the water bottle to be kept in your room. It is recommended that you should have one mini torch, though you will hardly need it. Carry sleepers. Shoes are not recommended as you have to remove them in the meditation hall.
All pendants and wrist bands are removed during enrolment time. The bags are checked. Wrist watch is allowed. It is advised to carry your own mobile charger as a safety measure. Though the mobile phones are kept with the organisers on the first day itself, in case the battery gets drained out, you may be out of communication on the penultimate day when the mobile phones are returned.
Safety Locker : Each inmate is given a pouch in which he is asked to deposit all his valuables and mobile phone. This pouch is kept by the organisers during the duration of the course. It is handed back to the participant on the 10th day of the course.
Medicines and Doctor : You are allowed to carry your own medicines.But they need to be shown during the enrollment time on the first day and their approval needs to be taken, which is almost given. Alcohol, drugs or any intoxicating substance is of course strictly not allowed. Even tranquilisers, sleeping pills and any of the sedatives are also not allowed unless prescribed by the doctor and approved by the teacher. A doctor on call is generally available. I
Supply of personal necessities during the course : The organisers will generally arrange for your personal necessities (on payment on the last day) like medicine, toothbrush etc in case you forget to carry them.
Smoking and Alcohol Drinking : Smoking is strictly not allowed. Similarly chewing tobacco, gutkha etc is also prohibited.
The seating arrangement is pre-determined by the organisers. Seats are given numbers and each participant is given a token with the number of the seat which he has to use. He has to use this seat throughout the course. Seating is on the cushioned mat on the floor. If you need a chair it will be provided on request. There is no particular sitting posture. Sitting cross legged is recommended, though the Sadhak can change his posture from time to time as a relief from the hard position due to the long duration of sadhana. It will be followed throughout the course till the conclusion of the course on the 11th day morning. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with fellow students, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes, etc., is prohibited.
Time Table : A daily timetable is as follows :
4:00 am | Morning wake-up bell |
4:30-6:30 am | Meditate in the hall or in your room |
6:30-8:00 am | Breakfast break |
8:00-9:00 am | Group meditation in the hall |
9:00-11:00 am | Meditate in the hall or in your room according to the teacher's instructions |
11:00-12:00 noon | Lunch break |
12 noon-1:00 pm | Rest and interviews with the teacher |
1:00-2:30 pm | Meditate in the hall or in your room |
2:30-3:30 pm | Group meditation in the hall |
3:30-5:00 pm | Meditate in the hall or in your own room according to the teacher's instructions |
5:00-6:00 pm | Tea break |
6:00-7:00 pm | Group meditation in the hall |
7:00-8:15 pm | Teacher's Discourse in the hall |
8:15-9:00 pm | Group meditation in the hall |
9:00-9:30 pm | Question time in the hall |
9:30 pm | Retire to your own room--Lights out |
Exactly at 4 am, the special Tibetan Gong is sounded. It is a signature sound of the Vipassana Camp. The volunteer will also ring a ghanti (pooja bell) moving in the passage. Its sound is soft but enough to wake you up. They will also softly tap on the door of your room. It is my experience and that of others also that we do wake up easily at 4 am during the Shibir, though in our everyday life we find it difficult to get up even at 6 am. There is no need to shave as you are all by yourselves during the camp period, secluded from the outside world. Your day starts at 4 am and ends at 9.30 pm. The Meditation is from 4.30 am to 9 pm with short tea and lunch breaks in between.
Food : The vegetarian and wholesome meals offered are prepared with Satvik principles, ensuring a balanced and delicious experience without excessive spice. Enjoy the convenience of a buffet system where utensils are provided, eliminating the need to bring your own. After enjoying your meal, kindly return your plates to the designated area for a quick rinse before placing them in the provided tub. The dining hall is impeccably clean, fostering a hygienic and serene atmosphere. Strict silence must be observed during meals in accordance with the camp's guidelines. You are not allowed to speak with fellow students either in verbal or by way of gestures.
Clothing : It is advisable to wear loose fitting soft cotton clothing. At some sites, laundry service is provided at a very nominal charge.You will need formal clothing only while joining and leaving the Camp. As per the course rules, Tight, transparent, revealing, or otherwise striking clothing (such as shorts, short skirts, tights and leggings, sleeveless or skimpy tops) should not be worn. Sunbathing and partial nudity are not permitted. This is important in order to minimise distraction to others.
Guided Meditation : During the meditation time in the hall, instructions are given through a pre-recorded audio system of Shri S.N.Goenkaji. There is also a camp teacher who oversees the Sadhana. There are some designated short time slots wherein you can meet the teacher and get clarifications about your doubts or difficulties.
Separation of Men and Women
During the course of the camp, there will be total segregation of men and women. This applies even to married couples. There is a separate section for men and women during meditation. The residential accommodation and eating arrangements and everything else is completely separate for men and women. This rule is strictly followed.
Physical Exercise and Yoga
All physical exercise and yoga practices should be suspended during the course. Jogging is also not allowed. Only walking during the intervening rest period may be done at designated areas.
Discipline : The Dhamma site has following note about the discipline
“A student will have to stay for the entire period of the course. The other rules should also be carefully read and considered. Only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply for admission. Those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and, moreover, will disturb others who wish to work seriously. A prospective student should also understand that it would be both disadvantageous and inadvisable to leave without finishing the course upon finding the discipline too difficult. Likewise, it would be most unfortunate if, in spite of repeated reminders, a student does not follow the rules and has to be asked to leave.”
Religious practices
The rules of Vipassana as per their official declaration are as follows with respect to following religious practices :
“Other Techniques, Rites, and Forms of Worship
During the course it is absolutely essential that all forms of prayer, worship, or religious ceremony — fasting, burning incense, counting beads, reciting mantras, singing and dancing, etc. — be discontinued. All other meditation techniques and healing or spiritual practices should also be suspended. This is not to condemn any other technique or practice, but to give a fair trial to the technique of Vipassana in its purity.”
Interactions with the Teacher : Students can meet teacher every day between 12 noon and 1 pm if they have any doubts or need any assistance. In the night after the discourse by Shri Goenka ji is over at 9 pm, the students can meet the teacher between 9 to 9.30 pm.
Communication with the outside world : During the entire duration of the course, the students are required to remain within the designation boundaries of the campsite. No outside communication in any mode is allowed. There will be no letters, phone calls and visitors. During an emergency, the relatives can contact the organisers.
Playing Music, Reading and Writing : Students are not allowed to play musical instruments or radio. Any form of reading and writing material is also not allowed. On the last day, one is allowed to take photographs and record video after the mobile phone is handed back to the student. There is no restriction about what can be photographed or video recorded.
Funding of the Course : This course is entirely free of cost. Student doesn’t have to pay anything. Donations are accepted (though not mandatory) on the last day of the course. It can be made by cash, cheque, credit card or any other standard mode. Formal receipts are issued. It should be noted that the donations are NOT accepted from persons who have not done the course. At the same time, it is also to be noted that the courses of Vipassana the world over are conducted solely on the basis of donation. I am amazed by the fact that though the entire course, including lodging and boarding is free and though the giving of donation is voluntary, the organisers manage to operate the course all over the world with perfect arrangement in all respects. This speaks volumes about the advantages of undergoing the Vipassana Course. Neither teachers nor the organisers receive any remuneration. The course is also mainly conducted with the help of volunteers who do the volunteering as a part of their commitment to spread Dhamma. They do not receive any monetary benefit. In fact there is a waiting list of past Sa dhaks who wish to do the volunteering. It is also to be noted that no special privilege is given to a donor of a large sum. His name is not given any special publicity. He is treated like any other donor of a small sum.
Contact Details of the Organisers and Others
Mumbai : Tel No : 91: 022 5042 7500
The worldwise contacts can be accessed at this site : https://www.dhamma.org/en/locations/contacts
Email Address : webmaster@dhamma.org
Mobile App : You can download the mobile App from Google Play at following Link
Website : https://www.dhamma.org/en/index
Worldwide Locations of Vipassana : https://www.dhamma.org/en/locations/directory#034
Online Registration : https://www.dhamma.org/en/courses/search
Official Vipassana Information : https://www.dhamma.org/en/about/code
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Read my next related article : Science of Vipassana
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