For those new to meditation, it’s perfectly acceptable to view Vipassana as simply a practice where you sit quietly with your eyes shut. There are no chants, no specific hand gestures, and you don’t need to move around the room or bow to anything. You won’t need any special attire; after a meditation session, you might hear a talk by someone, but you can choose to leave or stay and think, “That person is brilliant,” even if they won’t really respond since such praise is seen as irrelevant in their practice. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Reason #1 to Approach Meditation with Caution: The Reality of Mortality
Many individuals express anxiety about meditating, and they have valid reasons for it. For one, many meditators are older, which brings a stark reminder of the inevitable aging process. Attending a Vipassana session starkly confronts you with the reality that the Grim Reaper is always lurking around, waiting for you to don your red wool socks and corduroys, breathing through your mouth.
Moreover, as you settle into your chair for meditation, you may find yourself dozing off, only to tumble to the floor. In such moments, you might just continue your meditation on the ground, as has happened to others I’ve seen. This isn’t indicative of any illness; it’s simply a part of the experience that could happen to you!
Reason #2 to Approach Meditation with Caution: The Presence of Difficult Personalities
While many begin meditating seeking peace, there are also those who may not have resolved their inner conflicts. For instance, I once arrived late to a session, and another newcomer followed behind me. As we hurriedly removed our outerwear, she whispered, “Can we just go in, even though they’ve started?” I nodded, but another woman in the foyer frowned and declared it “disruptive.”
While technically true, her interpretation felt exaggerated. The newcomer looked to me for assurance, and rather than engage in a dispute over courtesy, I decided to proceed into the meditation room. It’s worth noting that there will inevitably be individuals whose sole purpose seems to be demonstrating their moral superiority, and while they may be correct, it shouldn’t deter your journey.
Reason #3 to Approach Meditation with Caution: Unexpected Noises
Another aspect to be wary of during meditation is the surrounding sounds. The silence can be deafening, and you may find yourself acutely aware of every minor noise, from burps to the sounds of digestion. In one session, a woman beside me rummaged through her purse, unwrapped a container of mints, and consumed them noisily. Initially annoyed, I soon realized that I could practically sketch a detailed rendering of her mouth’s interior based on the sounds, which softened my irritation.
Indeed, anyone contemplating meditation should recognize these potential discomforts. However, you need not stress about mastering the practice or even enjoying it; the essence lies in simply being still for a while. With time, sitting in a silent room with strangers can become an exhilarating experience, akin to the euphoria of other forms of escapism, yet devoid of adverse aftereffects. Interestingly, Vipassana translates to “seeing things as they truly are,” prompting me to reflect on whether reality deserves more appreciation than we often grant it.
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Summary
Meditation can be a daunting practice for novices, with various challenges ranging from confronting mortality to dealing with disruptive personalities and unexpected noises. However, it serves as an opportunity to embrace stillness and reflection, potentially leading to profound insights.