I used to believe that meditation involved closing your eyes and attempting to empty your mind. I thought it meant suppressing any thoughts that arose during the practice until I started practicing Vipassana.
What you get
Within just a few days of practicing Vipassana, I noticed significant changes within myself. I found myself becoming more adept at detaching from problems to find solutions. My responses to criticism became less aggressive and less defensive. Additionally, I began exploring the deeper intricacies of any given situation.
How did I know about Vipassana? Despite being an Indian, I came to know about it from Yuval Noah Harari :). It's funny how we sometimes overlook our own cultural treasures until someone else shines a light on them, isn't it?
My Experience
Now, how do we practice Vipassana as a beginner? The core concept is to observe and understand your body and mind without any judgment or attachment. As a beginner, I tried to close my eyes and started observing my breath. My focus or anchor point was my breath. I observed every aspect of the breath. During the first week, I could only manage 5-minute sessions. What appealed to me most about Vipassana was the freedom from suppressing thoughts. For example, if a memory of betrayal surfaced during practice, I learned to observe it impartially, treating it as if it didn't involve me personally. When emotions like self-pity arose, the key was not to judge them but simply to observe and return to focusing on the breath. This approach felt liberating, as it allowed for the acknowledgment of feelings without suppression. Through continued practice, I've realized that it's not just a stress reliever but a transformative journey that cultivates observation, reflection, and action without bias.
Silence or Sound?
During my initial weeks of practice, I meditated in a silent room while seated on a chair. As I progressed, I experimented with incorporating natural sounds such as birds chirping, rain, and ocean waves into my sessions. I discovered that these sounds enhanced my focus significantly. Among them, the tanpura drone emerged as particularly effective, leading to high levels of concentration. Consequently, I now prefer to meditate with tanpura drones. In fact, I've developed my own Android app featuring a curated selection of my favorite sounds from these sessions, which I regularly use.
Link to my Meditation app:
I've come to realize that while some prefer practicing in silence, others, like myself, find certain sounds conducive to their meditation. It's ultimately a matter of personal preference, and discovering what works best for each individual through experimentation.
The Journey
Whether you find solace in the silence of your surroundings or draw inspiration from the gentle hum of nature's melodies, the path of meditation is deeply personal and endlessly enriching. From my journey of discovery, I've learned that the key lies not in adhering to one method over another, but in embracing the fluidity of our practice and adapting it to suit our individual needs and preferences. So, whether you choose to meditate in silence or with the harmonious accompaniment of sounds, I wish you find tranquility, clarity, and profound connection within. As you continue on your journey, remember that the beauty of meditation lies not only in the destination but in the journey itself. Happy meditating :)