Could you sit through 240 hours of silence?
The BBC World Service has recorded a wonderful documentary about Vipassana.
The 27 minute audio includes interviews with old students sharing their experiences of sitting a ten day silent retreat.
I loved the gentle reminder that the sangha is there to help and support us should we have need.
Vipassana Meditation: 240 hours of silence
We are all signposts to the path home.
This technique is a gift. I’m grateful that I found it.
The quality of my experience of life has improved exponentially since first sitting a course in Kolkota in 2016.
Are you ready to discover inner peace?
Find a comfortable seat to enjoy 240 hours of silence on BBC Sounds.
What is Vipassana Meditation?
Vipassana meditation is a special type of meditation that helps you understand yourself and the world better.
It’s like a deep dive into your mind and body to see how things work.
240 Hours of Silence
Here’s how it works:
Pay Attention to Feelings:
In Vipassana, you pay close attention to the feelings and sensations in your body. It’s like listening to your body.
Stay Calm:
Even when you feel something intense, you don’t get too excited or upset. You try to stay calm and watch the feelings without getting attached to them.
Everything Changes:
Vipassana teaches you that everything in life is temporary. Feelings come and go, just like everything else.
No Permanent Self:
You realize that there’s no fixed, unchanging “you” inside you. You learn that the idea of a permanent self is like an illusion.
Deep Awareness:
With practice, you become really aware of what’s happening inside you. It’s like discovering the hidden parts of your mind.
Retreats:
Vipassana is often taught in special retreats that last about ten days. You immerse yourself in the practice, learning from experienced teachers.
For Everyone:
It doesn’t matter what you believe in or where you come from. Vipassana is for everyone, no matter their background.
Change Yourself:
People who practice Vipassana often say it changes them. It helps them see life in a new way and feel more peaceful and kind.
A Life of Practice
Remember, Vipassana isn’t something you learn in a day.
It takes practice and dedication, but many people find it incredibly helpful for understanding themselves, finding peace, and becoming better in life.
TEDx Talk Explanation of Vipassana Meditation
A few words about the making of the classic film, Doing Time, Doing Vipassana.