Having registered for the session after going through the Code of discipline that include the following five precepts to be undertaken during the session, I reached the Centre around 3 pm on the 3rd of June where I had to spend till the morning of 14th June 2009, 'as if all alone'.
The five precepts were:
- to abstain from killing any being;
- to abstain from stealing;
- to abstain from all sexual activity;
- to abstain from telling lies;
- to abstain from all intoxicants.
Apart from the above, the participants were expected to maintain noble silence throughout the session barring the last day. By noble silence is meant silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of communication with fellow participant, whether by gestures, sign language, written notes or any other means is prohibited.
Students were however allowed to speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they could also approach the management with any problems related to food, accommodation, health or similar issues. But even these contacts were be judiciously exercised. Students were expected to cultivate the feeling that they were working in isolation.
Students were however allowed to speak with the teacher whenever necessary and they could also approach the management with any problems related to food, accommodation, health or similar issues. But even these contacts were be judiciously exercised. Students were expected to cultivate the feeling that they were working in isolation.
Other conditions included decent and simple clothing, prohibition of physical contacts with others (whether men or women), suspension of any physical exercise, Yoga or similar activity except walking within the campus, prohibition on the use of religious objects, rosaries, etc., and ban on entertainment (including music, listening to radio), use of mobile phones, cameras or tape recorders, reading and writing during the duration of the session.
Vegetarian food is served to the participants at periodic intervals, but the timing and type of food is carefully chosen in order to ensure that the objective of meditation is not hindered.
Though difficult to believe, the fact remains that the whole course is offered free of cost to the participants, on the principles of charity. Voluntary contributions in the form of donations are however accepted from the beneficiaries.
The technique
The technique is said to have been existent in ancient India that eventually became almost extinct several centuries ago. However, it was rediscovered by Gautama, the Buddha who lived about twenty five centuries ago. The technique requires no external objects, but is solely dependant on one's determined efforts to observe and understand the self. Buddha termed realisation of the self as the path of Dhamma which is a way of life that can be practised by any human being irrespective of sectarianism of divisions among the people in the name of religion, caste, creed, community, language, region or similar barriers.
In course of time, the practitioner realises the power of concentration of one's mind and utilises this tool to gradually gain access to the universal truth which is also called enlightenment. By reaching a stage whereby one learns to maintain mental tranquility and equilibrium at all times - whether in times of ecstasy or turbulence - one is liberated from the influences and impact of the external wordly changes. This is the stage that brings permanent peace of mind. This is when one gets freedom from hatred, anger, jealousy and such other negative emotions. This is when one understands true love without expecting anything in return alone brings permanent happiness.
More Information
I am delighted to share with the readers the source of more information about this technique and encourage one and all to undergo this inexplicable experience at least once in their life time.
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