Features of Vipassana meditation programs
A typical Vipassana meditation program would be something like:-
The 5 Precepts
During the course there is a strict code of conduct that involves complete abstinence. The main five precepts are:
1. Abstain from killing any living creature
2. Abstain from stealing
3. Abstain from sexual activity
4. Abstain from telling lies
5. Abstain from all intoxicants
The Course Time Table
Here is what your routine would be like:
4.00 a.m Morning wake up bell
4.30 - 6.30 a.m Self Meditation
6.30 - 8.00 a.m Breakfast
8.00 - 9.00 a.m Group Meditation in the hall
9.00 - 11.00 a.m Self Meditation
11.00 - 12.00 noon Lunch break
12.00 noon - 1.00 p.m Rest and interviews with the teacher
1.00 - 2.30 p.m Self Meditation
2.30 - 3.30 p.m Group Meditation in the hall
3.30 - 5.00 p.m Self Meditation
5.00 - 6.00 p.m Tea break
6.00 - 7.00 p.m Group Meditation in the hall
7.00 - 8.15 p.m Teacher’s discourse
8.15 - 9.00 p.m Group Meditation in the hall
9.00 - 9.30 p.m Question time
9.30 p.m End of day
How is Vipassana Meditation Practiced?
Vipassana emphasizes concentration on the breath to help keep the mind focused. To learn this technique it is necessary to attend a session conducted by the Vipassana ashrams spread throughout the world. However, the Vipassana technique has two general divisions:
1. Awareness of breath: According to Buddha the one thing that is available to all of us at all time is our breath. Thus become aware of it and be conscious of its rhythm. For as long as possible fix attention on the breathing - whether it is long or short, even or uneven, heavy or light. An easier way of doing this is by breathing intentionally. You can breathe slightly hard so that it is easy for you to fix your attention. Then slowly let your breathing come to its natural rhythm and keep your attention on the flow.
2. Concentration on breathing: The next step is to keep your attention focused on breathing and not let it stray. As you carry on you start feeling happy, relaxed and full of energy. In fact your breathing becomes so slow that you feel as if you have stopped breathing.
The key thing in learning this technique is to practice it daily. It is not something that you can master in one week. You need to practice hard since there is no end to this technique. It is a continuous process of evolution and awareness about your own self.
