For those just starting their meditation journey, it’s perfectly reasonable to view Vipassana as a practice involving simply sitting with your eyes shut. There are no chants to memorize, no specific hand gestures, and you won’t find yourself needing to shuffle around a room like in some Zen practices. No special attire is necessary. After a session, you might hear a talk from someone, but you can choose to leave or stay, thinking, “Wow, that person is insightful,” and share your thoughts with them later—though they may not engage with such compliments as they are meant to hold little weight. You could also leave and share a chuckle about it with friends; it’s entirely up to you.
Reason #1 to be cautious about meditation: The Reality of Mortality
Many individuals express a fear of meditation, and it’s understandable. A significant number of those who meditate are older, reminding you that aging is inevitable. Participating in a Vipassana sitting forces you to confront the reality that the Grim Reaper will eventually come knocking. You may find yourself reflecting on your future, possibly in cozy red wool socks and corduroys, while you breathe with your mouth open.
During meditation, you might even doze off in your chair and fall to the floor. But don’t worry; if you’re seasoned at this, you’ll simply continue meditating from the floor. I’ve witnessed this happen on three separate occasions, each time with a different participant. It’s not a sign of a problem; it’s just a quirk of the experience that could also happen to you!
Reason #2 to be cautious about meditation: The Presence of Difficult Personalities
Many people turn to meditation seeking tranquility, but it’s worth noting that some individuals—like myself—may not have shed their less-than-pleasant traits through meditation. This can lead to awkward encounters during group sessions.
For instance, I once rushed into a meditation session late, with a newcomer following closely behind. As we hurried to remove our outerwear in the foyer, she whispered to me, “Can we go in even though they’ve started?” I nodded reassuringly. However, another participant frowned and shook her head disapprovingly, declaring, “That’s disruptive.” While I understand her point, I couldn’t help but feel that it fell under the category of “not a big deal.”
The new participant looked to me for guidance, but I opted to head into the room, despite the naysayer’s judgment. Ironically, moments later, another regular stumbled out of his chair, truly causing a disruption.
Thus, be prepared for situations where some individuals may attempt to assert their moral superiority over others in the group, which can add an unexpected layer of tension to your experience.
Reason #3 to be cautious about meditation: The Noises
Lastly, the auditory environment during meditation can be unsettling. The silence is palpable, and after dinner, you can hear even the most minute sounds, like soft burps or the workings of one’s digestive system. The last time I attended, a woman seated next to me unzipped her purse, retrieved a container of small mints, and began indulging in them. Her every movement was magnified in the silence, from the clacking of mints against her teeth to the sounds of her tongue at work.
Initially, I felt a surge of irritation but soon realized that I could probably sketch an intricate portrait of her mouth based on her mint-eating habits. This revelation helped ease my annoyance.
So, if you’re considering meditation, be aware of these aspects that might deter you. However, there’s no need to fret about achieving perfection or even enjoying it. Ultimately, the goal is to take a moment to do nothing. Over time, or perhaps even sooner, you may find that sitting in a quiet room with strangers can be just as exhilarating as other experiences—without the hangover. Interestingly, Vipassana translates to “seeing things as they truly are,” which may prompt a reevaluation of your perceptions about reality.
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Summary
Meditation can be a transformative practice, but it comes with its own set of challenges, including confronting mortality, navigating social dynamics, and dealing with unwanted noises. Understanding these aspects can prepare you for the experience, allowing you to appreciate the simplicity of doing nothing and perhaps leading to unexpected insights about reality.
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