For newcomers, it’s perfectly acceptable to envision Vipassana as simply sitting quietly with your eyes shut. There are no chants, no specific hand gestures, and you certainly don’t need to shuffle around like you might at a Zen center or bow to a cup of tea. No special attire is required. After your session, someone may offer a talk, but you can choose to leave or listen and think, “Wow, what a genius,” only to later share that sentiment with a friend who might chuckle at it instead. The choice is yours.
Reason #1 to be wary of meditation: The Reality of Mortality
Many individuals express a certain fear about meditation, and honestly, they have good reason. A significant number of those who meditate are older. When you enter a Vipassana sitting, you can’t ignore the reality that aging—complete with gray hair and perhaps some unexpected ear hair—is inevitable. The meditation environment tends to serve as a reminder that the Grim Reaper is on his way, and eventually, you may find yourself awaiting his arrival in comfy red socks and corduroys, breathing through your mouth.
You may even find yourself dozing off in a chair during meditation, only to tumble to the floor. But fear not; in your newfound wisdom, you’ll simply continue meditating on the ground. (I’ve seen this happen three times; each time, a different individual. It’s not a sign of any underlying issue; it’s just part of the experience, and it could happen to you!)
Reason #2 to be wary of meditation: The Presence of Difficult People
While many pursue meditation due to their peaceful nature, it’s worth noting that some participants—like myself—might engage in it because they’re, well, a bit difficult. And the reality is that meditation doesn’t magically transform jerks into saints. Scheduled gatherings mean lots of these individuals converging in one place, which can lead to minor skirmishes.
For instance, I arrived late to a meditation session recently, and a newcomer followed closely behind. Our meditation center has a spacious foyer leading to a large room, and as we hurriedly removed our outerwear, she quietly asked if we could head into the other room despite the session having started. I nodded and smiled, encouraging her to go ahead.
However, another woman in the foyer—a self-appointed guardian of etiquette—frowned and declared, “It’s disruptive.” I understood what she meant; yes, entering two minutes late is technically disruptive. But, come on, isn’t it “not a big deal”?
The new participant looked from me to the scowling lady, then back to me in confusion. I had no intention of debating her right to meditate, so I simply shrugged and thought, “I’m going in.” The other woman followed suit but with a look that said, “Go ahead and be inconsiderate while I stay here being virtuous.”
Of course, my tardiness was my fault, but the point is that during meditation, you’ll encounter people who seem eager to prove their moral superiority to you. And, in my case, they might just be accurate. Yet, I try not to let them derail my “journey.”
Reason #3 to be wary of meditation: The Sounds
Lastly, let’s address the auditory experiences of meditation. It’s often eerily quiet—especially after dinner—where even the faintest of noises can be magnified. You’ll hear the tiniest burps and the sounds of digestion as people’s bodies do their thing. It’s almost as if you can hear insulin being secreted!
One memorable session, a woman next to me unzipped her bag and unwrapped a container of some trendy, tiny mints. I couldn’t help but watch as she poured a handful into her mouth. As she chewed, I could hear every little noise her tongue made, the mints clinking against her teeth and the sound of saliva making its way down her throat. Initially, I was filled with irritation, but by the end, I realized I could probably sketch a detailed portrait of her mouth from all the sounds, which made me chuckle at my earlier annoyance.
So yes, if you’re contemplating meditation, be prepared to confront these quirks. But don’t stress about mastering the practice or even enjoying it right away. The real aim is simply to take a break and do nothing for a spell. Over time, you might find that sitting in silence with strangers can be surprisingly exhilarating—akin to being on Ecstasy, minus the next-day regrets. It’s amusing that Vipassana translates to “seeing things as they truly are,” considering we often believe reality to be overwhelming. Perhaps sitting in meditation offers a refreshing perspective on life.
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Summary
Meditation can evoke a mix of fear and hesitation, especially when faced with the realities of aging, the presence of other participants, and the sometimes intrusive sounds that come with silence. However, the experience is ultimately about embracing stillness and taking a moment for oneself. Over time, you may find it to be a rejuvenating practice, providing a unique perspective on life’s realities.