“Oh my legs, my back… what if my third eye opens?!”
That’s literally what I thought on Day 1. I had walked in confident, “prepared”… and then suddenly my entire life flashed before me while sitting in that meditation hall.
Hi! I’m Priyana.
In this blog, I’m sharing my first Vipassana meditation experience — what it is, why I chose it, the process, and what really happens there.
This is for you if:
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You’re curious about Vipassana
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You're planning to attend one
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Or you’re simply tired of chasing peace in a noisy world
Let’s begin.
What is Vipassana Meditation?
Vipassana is one of the oldest meditation techniques, discovered by Gautama Buddha over 2,500 years ago.
It originated in India—yes, our land—but eventually faded from mainstream practice. Myanmar preserved it and later returned it to India.
Vipassana means:
To see things as they truly are
Not with judgment.
Not with reaction.
Just pure awareness.
It’s like an operation of the mind—but you’re the patient and the surgeon.
No one can meditate for you.
They guide you, but the effort is yours.
Vipassana teaches:
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Stillness
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Observation
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Focus
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Non-reaction
In simple terms, it teaches you the art of living.
Why I Chose Vipassana
Today everyone is struggling with something — stress, anxiety, overwhelm, burnout, emotional pain.
We consume motivation like medicine:
Podcasts, reels, quotes, YouTube…
And yes, they make us feel good —
but only for a few days.
Then the same questions return.
I felt I needed a mental reset.
When I heard this program has:
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No phone for 10 days
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No talking
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No contact with family
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10 hours meditation daily
…I said to myself:
“Challenge accepted. Let’s see if I can do this.”
Registration Process
It’s simple.
Go to dhamma.org
Fill the form as a new student.
Choose a center and apply at least 2 months in advance, because seats are limited.
I attended during Diwali — and booked my slot in August.
Choosing a Centre
If it’s your first time, pick a center near your city. You already have a lot going on mentally — travel stress isn't needed.
I chose Dhamma Sota near Gurgaon (Sohna).
Even my family was nervous:
“Diwali time? Alone? What if they turn you into a monk?”
But once they saw the peaceful campus, their worries vanished.
Arrival, Check-In & Rules
Men and women stay in totally separate areas.
Even married couples stay apart.
What’s not allowed:
❌ Phones
❌ Books & journals
❌ Religious items
❌ Talking
❌ Gadgets
❌ Makeup, jewelry, distractions
You submit everything.
You’re given a simple room and locker.
Rooms are basic but clean.
Yes, you might see a few insects — it’s nature, not a hotel.
There is laundry service (optional).
I opted for it — zero regrets.
Day 0 — The Silent Beginning
Day 0 is orientation.
They explain rules, give your seat number in the meditation hall, and after tea break:
Silence begins.
It hits you — no voice, no phone — just you and your mind.
Daily Routine
Wake up: 4:00 AM
Meditation begins: 4:30 AM
You meditate for 10 hours a day, with breaks.
No — you are not expected to sit like a monk without moving.
Breaks exist. You survive.
The hall has fixed seating.
No swapping seats like school.
If you have back issues, you can request support or a chair.
First Few Days: Reality Check
Headache.
Back pain.
Leg pain.
Restlessness.
Thoughts attacking like wild horses.
Your mind resists silence.
It wants your phone.
It wants noise.
It wants distraction.
And you sit.
You observe.
You learn to not react.
On Day 1, I thought:
“Why did I sign up for this?”
“My back is breaking!”
“Everyone else looks peaceful except me!”
Later, I found out — everyone felt the same.
No, your third eye won’t open in 10 days.
You won’t see visions.
You won’t meet God.
What you will learn is more powerful:
✅ Awareness of breath
✅ Awareness of body sensations
✅ Training your mind to not react
✅ Deep clarity about yourself
Myths vs Reality
❌ Vipassana is not magic
❌ It won’t fix life overnight
❌ It’s not for running away from life
✅ It shows you how to live life
✅ How to remain stable when life shakes you
✅ How to observe pain — emotional & physical — and not drown in it
Final Thoughts
Vipassana is not easy.
It’s intense.
It’s uncomfortable.
It’s raw.
But peace isn’t found on Instagram reels.
Peace is found inside silence — within you.
If you truly want inner change — try it once.
Not to escape life, but to return stronger.
The loudest place in the world is your mind.
Vipassana teaches you how to quiet it.
Would I Recommend It?
100% yes.
Go with honesty.
Go with openness.
Go without expectations.
And you’ll come back renewed.
Check my vlog for complete information on my experience.
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