How to get ready for a Vipassana course
I just finished a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat, and I wanted to share my thoughts about the way to prepare for it.
I’m Western, so sitting cross-legged is really not a normal habit for me. I started training and streching 10 days before the course, but you should start doing so a few months before. I would suggest you to sit that way any time possible: eating, watching TV, reading …. And you should learn few streching techniques that you can use when you are at the retreat to use between the meditations.
Personally, I was doing these many times a day:
I’m sure there are many more that could help you.
You shouldn’t worry too much about the fact there are meals only in the morning (and some fruit at 5pm). The first 2 days, I ate a lot at the 11am meal because I was scared to be hungry in the evening. Your body will actually get used to it pretty quickly.
What to bring
- A water bottle, if you don’t want to drink from the same cup that all others participants use.
- Indoor slippers if you don’t want to walk barefoot, especially if you’re in a country that has wet room toilets.
- A watch. You will want to know when the free time is ending, but you may not want to wear it to the meditation sessions themselves, as it’s too tempting to check the time.
- Comfortable clothes, which make the seating easier. Either you bring enough for 10 days, or you can also wash them (by hand) at the center.
- Bug repellent if you are doing the retreat in a tropical country. You don’t want to deal with the itchy bites on top of the body pain you’ll have.
- A towel and everything you need for your daily toilette. Our center had hot showers.
- Some money to donate at the end of the retreat, as there is no fee to attend.
What not to bring
- Books, smartphone, notebook & pen, or any valuables. During these 10 days, you are asked to focus on yourself only. In the center in Vietname, they gave us a personal locker to store these.
- Cushions, many are provided to make your seats a bit less unpleasant.
- Any fitness accessory, as sports and yoga are prohibited.
