vipassana meditation : life with little monks (an experience)

 From the last couple of years, joining any institute that firmly instruct on ways to meditate was somewhere always in my head, as there was this unfilled gap on my take on meditation. I would try on some guided meditation which did happen to be very helpful but somewhere I wanted to reach to people who would on my presence, supervise me and this perhaps would make me more conscious about it as well. So, I was a little unplanned and just two days before I was assure that I am going for vipassana. The comical part is I packed my belongings like I am leaving home forever. Also, it was the very first time in my 19 years of existence, leaving home to complete strangers for a week so there was this a jumble of nervousness and excitement.

So, yea like any other punctual human, I was on time, a little too early as well. My mom did come to drop me because yes the two heavy bags. Then, we were waiting and I didn't know that there were little monks participating as well. I saw like little human from age six to eleven, all shaved heads, draped in a saree and the second I saw them my eyes went all wet. Tears continued to drop and I couldn't explain my mom the reason of it. Perhaps, it was a mixture of like being away from home, I was few of the outside people participating so I felt really odd or it was just my very first close witness to the tiny humans. After the attendance, we went to drink tea and I picked up a corner to sit but eventually one of the guruma eleven year old called me to sit with them ani that was so comforting for me who was in the state of recovering from that emotional breakdown. This particular camp of vipassana did allow conversations as it included kids as well so it was more easier awakening the extrovert side of me.Then, I did chat with the 11 year olds and it was just like i am talking to any other kid. Being a guruma, of course they have slightly different rituals to follow on a daily basis but at the end they were just kids full of adrenaline, full of life. 

The bihar had its own rules and regulations.Through out the week, everything was on accord and timely. We had 2 hours of meditation with half hour shifts per day and chankraman as well along with classes, Buddha puja, upadesh and an hour of movie on Buddha which happened to be an escape to a little entertainment as well. From there, I learned that vipassana is a solid awareness of what ever we do in living. We were constantly instructed to be aware in every activities we were doing like in chankraman if we are walking, we remind ourselves the movement of our legs on each step. In meditation (dhyaan), we keep our awareness on our breath movement that we can feel from the belly and even if we get distracted in thoughts, it is just a cycle of reminding and returning back. The early mornings when we sat for dhyaan it used to be black dark and afterwards when we opened our eyes it would be all orange. The transition and the dawn period would just make the day so auspicious as in,"subha din". Likewise, while eating we were instructed to not get lost in the mellow taste but be aware about chewing, swallowing, the every body movements. Vipassana opened the door inward. We on a daily state of living are more focused on outside world which does disconnect the inner peace within us. Our ability to grasp the present moment, control it and be aware of it really did taught me how powerful we are giving us the power to segregate all the engagement with distress we have upon things we cannot control. Also, on life of Buddha, his gain of enlightenment and his take on detachment was such a huge contribution to the world. Apart from the talks of physical health, Buddha introduced mental health which now takes a lot of importance. He did outstretch on mind and being mindful. His cosmic calmness and vibrancy was, is and will forever be worshiped. Every moral topic talked upon held various ways converging to become a good human with a pure heart. I felt so blessed to start off the new year in a holy place holding a supreme essence. 

Apart from the gain of meditation and knowledge, I did discover something else on the stay with little monks, which I had least expectation of. It was the privilege I owed and how blessed I am as a person. At first day, I did miss home, the comfort of my bed and the fear of being away from my family. But, when I saw the little monks who were miles away from their homes, families and still they always had this welcoming smile every time I had an eye contact was so beautiful to see. It did make me vulnerable to some extent but as it says vulnerability is power if not I would never know this perspective being happy in what we have. Every kids out there had different stories to tell. Their little laughs, mischief and just the instant happiness in little things made me a kid again. I did got lost in between when I was with them that I am returning to their bihar not to my own home. They had this sense of a very welcoming and warm personality. They would ask me how my life is and the outside world as well. At such a young age being devoted to lord Buddha and being happy in heart is so dynamic, a lot in the whole life time couldn't have attained. Academically also some kids were so bright, it was like a moment of pride. I still now vividly remember their faces and names. Every day, they would request me to visit their bihar to meet them whenever free. I do miss them already and in short time, I definitely will. As these little bundle of smiles gave me so much love and core memory in a short span.

Lastly, while returning I didn't only pack my two heavy big bags but also a radiant energy unfolding the leanings of meditation, silly chats with the kids out there and one of the most beautiful memory which I will always keep in the bottom of my heart. Thankyou. Would recommend the reader here, to take a break from life and explore this path as well. 

Location: Ratna Vipassana Bihar, Sano Bharyang
Gurumaa who joined the bihar from Karuna Bihar, Matatirtha