In today’s fast-paced urban life, we often feel overwhelmed, juggling between personal and professional commitments. Weekends become the busiest days, leaving little to no room for ‘ME time.’ Amid all this, I knew it was time to declutter my mind and soul through a Vipassana meditation experience.

Why Choose a 10-Day Vipassana Meditation Experience?

Vipassana had been on my radar for a while, and after hearing from friends and colleagues, I decided to pursue it as part of my New Year’s resolutions.While I was excited to go, doubts crept in—how would I manage meals, work, kids, and daily routines for 10 days? But once I made up my mind, there was no looking back.

The Vipassana Camp: Silence and Mindful Practice

Upon arriving, I found myself among 200 women sadhikas from across the world—different nationalities, cultures, and traditions all blending seamlessly under one roof. The diversity was inspiring, with participants ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s.

Despite the differences, the universal Dharma connected us all—the law of nature does not discriminate. 🌸

Rules of the 10-Day Vipassana Retreat

Here are the guidelines we followed during the 10-day retreat:

1. Arya Maun (Noble Silence): No talking, gestures, or even eye contact with fellow participants for 9 days. Only essential queries could be directed to the teacher.

   
   

2. Daily Routine:

   • Wake-up call: 4:00 a.m.

   • Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. – The most awaited meal of the day!

   • Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – Simple but nourishing.

   • Evening Snack: 5:00 p.m. – The final meal for the day.

   • Lights out: 9:30 p.m.

     
     

3. Daily Schedule:

   • 10+ hours of meditation practice

   • 2 hours of discourse sessions

   • 7-8 hours for sleep and rest

Immersed in Nature and the Vipassana Meditation Experience

The most profound aspect of the retreat was the silence—not just the absence of speech, but an opportunity to truly listen. The only sounds we heard were:

• Rustling leaves in the wind.

• Chirping birds, a rare delight for city dwellers.

• The clatter of spoons and plates in the dining hall.

• Village conversations drifting in from nearby community homes.

With a majestic mountain as the backdrop, the setting felt expansive, limitless, and profoundly peaceful.

A Transformative Vipassana Meditation Experience

I entered the camp with no expectations and an open heart. What I found was a logical, scientific method bridging the gap between matter and mind, science and spirituality.

Vipassana offers:

• Patience, practice, and perseverance to manage life’s challenges.

• A chance to learn the art of living and simply be happy.

• A new way of seeing—"seeing things as they are", which is the literal meaning of Vipassana.

  
  

While these 10 days cannot completely change a person, they provide a parallel perspective—a way to observe life without judgment.

Gratitude for Support Along the Journey

I couldn’t have done this without the support of:

• My family: Mum Champa Rangparia and Papa Kirtikumar Rangparia

• My better half: Leenen Thakkar

• My kids and household help

Heartfelt gratitude to Saee Sachin Bapat and our friends from the SVYASA Bangalore days (2007-09)—nostalgic memories that warm my heart. 🌸

Closing Thoughts on the Vipassana Meditation Experience

The Vipassana meditation experience reminds us that while life will always be busy with its weekends and weekdays, we must create space for stillness. This silent journey offers a new way to live—through simplicity, observation, and acceptance.

Mangal Ho!

Be Happy!