How to be ready for your first 10 days Vipassana Course

meditating-buddhaIf life puts Vipassana in your way and you are considering to take the course, then it is best to read a little about the technique, and how to be prepared mentally and physically so that you can complete the 10-days course.

The purpose of this article is to tell you, from my own experience, what should be known before hand, what mental attitude to adopt, and any other aspects that can help you. It is a bit of a long read, but I think it is worth it especially that you are considering to take this life changing meditation course.

The advises below do not follow any specific order, but all of them are essential points I discovered when I took the course.

Physical and mental preparation

Waking up at 4am

First things first, let’s get this most daunting aspect of the course out of the way. Honestly, it is not a big deal:

It is discouraging just to think that you are going to wake up at 4 AM daily for 10 days.
The first two days you may feel terrible, but that’s okay because after the second day you will start to get used to it.
Anyway, what I did is sleep during breaks. Even an hour or half an hour nap helps me stay awake during meditations.
If you feel tired because of waking up early, then sleep during breaks but not during the time you should be meditating on your in your own room.

Physical preparation

I knew that we are to sit and meditate at least eight hours a day, and naturally physical preparation is needed. But due to my lazy mind, I could not set time to prepare myself before joining the course.

Guess what?

It turned that being unprepared physically is as good as being prepared, because the key is not physical comfort-ability. The key is being aware, whether you are physically comfortable or uneasy, it does not matter.

So do not stress yourself about your physical agility, just join the course and experience it moment by moment.

Counting days

After the 3rd day, I stared to feel bad and wanting to quit. Actually I kept on saying: “Oh, I still have 7 days” or “Oh, I still have 5 days”, etc, etc…
Remember you did not come here because someone forced you.

You did not come here just like that: You had to take a break from work or perhaps from studies, even from your duties as a householder. So you always remember that every minute you are spending during the program should be justified by your hard work and efforts, otherwise you are wasting 10 days of your life.
Remember why you joined the course and that you are here to learn and to change or learn something about yourself.

Whenever you find yourself counting days and not being in the moment stop yourself and remind yourself of why you joined the course.
Be responsible for every minute because the time you are spending during the course is a special time.

Feeling sleepy

Although I already spoken about waking at 4 AM and feeling sleepy, there is still one important thing to notice: You may feel terribly sleepy during the meditations, even if you slept uninterrupted 8 hours and you took an hour or half hour naps during the day. The reason for this, is because your mind wants to escape the meditation, it does not like that.

Be aware that this obstacle is just temporary. Do not get discouraged, just be patient and fight this sleepiness. Anyway, in one of the nightly discourses, S.N Goenka will talk about this topic.

Don’t be hard on yourself


Since the first day, you will be given instructions on how to do the Anapana meditation. Do not be hard on yourself if you cannot follow the instructions to the letter initially, or if your body and mind are not helping you.

That means, if you are trying to be perfect in your practice, then you will feel frustration if you did not meet your expectation.

They will tell you for example to focus on the breath all the time. Later your mind will start wandering; this is natural. Do not be sad because of that, do not be hard on yourself and start generating negativity (or aversion in Vipassana terms). Instead, gently bring your attention back, continue your meditation and be happy about it. This cycle of wandering then refocusing is natural in the beginning. There is a big difference between being hard on oneself and being responsible.

Please mind that when I say: “don’t be hard on yourself”, I am not asking you to be careless.

Be playful

It is important to adopt a playful attitude when practicing. Do not be solid and rigid. Respect your mind’s and body’s limitations. Go easy and little by little you will reach.

I remember that on the 4th day, we were taught the Vipassana meditation technique. We were asked to sit for an hour without changing the posture.
Of course this could cause lots of physical and mental uneasiness, but if you are playful, you can allow yourself to change the posture once or twice, but you do that only to help yourself focus and stop generating negativity during the one hour sitting. Bottom line: be easy, playful and responsible. The second time try to limit the times when you allow yourself to move or change your posture.

I am certain that you will remember my words:

Little by little, you will just sit and won’t even feel bothered at all.

Be responsible

I’ve been talking about being playful and not being so hard on yourself. These two aspects are important only if you are responsible.

By responsible means that you know your own best interests. You know that no matter what, you will do all you can to get the best benefits of this program without being too hard to the point of generating lots of negativity (or aversion).
Do not be careless, skip meditations or just sit physically in meditation but mentally somewhere else. Being responsible during the 10-days is of utmost importance.
The course is structured in such a way that you get to meditate three times in the hall and the rest of the time you can meditate in your own room.

You can easily be tempted to sleep or waste the time each time you go to your room, or perhaps not sleep but just lay there in the room and not meditate.

No one is going to police you in the in the room and tell you to meditate or to practice. You are your own police, and that, my friend, is being responsible. You have to tell yourself that no matter what, I respect this private time I am given and I want to meditate.

This realization did not come easily to me. I was still suffering from feeling sleepy all the time, and around the 3rd and 4th day I was still allowing myself to skip some meditations and sleep instead. Only after the 5th day that a sense of inner knowledge and inspiration about being responsible came to my understanding.

As you will learn in the course that:

No truth is a truth, unless you experience or realize it yourself

After that realization, I did not say to myself: “No more skipping meditations, no more counting days, no more negativity”
No! It became clear (a truth for me) that it is important to be aware of what is happening in the mind. If my mind is so sleepy for example, I respect that sign. I go wash my face, go for a walk, and perhaps sleep a little (though the need for sleep will not be a problem after the 5th day). That does not mean that if you feel sleepy go to sleep, but know that whenever you get a chance to sleep more, sleep more, perhaps eat less so you are more energetic.

Be smart and know how to have your mind and body work best for you. Actually, when you act responsibly and respect yourself and your being, then your mind and body will start working for you. Remember, even if the mind is like a monkey, jumping from a thought to another, it still is NOT an enemy. The mind is not something to hate even if it appears to be uncontrollable. Just be patient.

Remember, you are the only person that made your mind like a monkey and no one else. If you could make it turn into a monkey, you can turn it back into a sharp and useful tool.

The nightly discourses

Each night I was eagerly waiting for the discourses. They explain the technique, they answer your questions and most of all, they encourage you to continue and stay until the end of the course.

Mr. S.N. Goenka will be talking about Dhamma, the technique and other things.

You may disagree on many points and start a debate in your mind, or perhaps you may start to say:
“Oh Goenka thinks he knows everything”, or “Goenka is wrong in that or that aspect”, etc, etc…

Do not start a mental debate because of the things you heard that contradict your believes: it does not matter right now.
What matters is to always remain aware of what is happening within yourself.

In the discourse, take what you like and throw what you don’t like. But do not judge the teaching, it is not the time.
Anyway, the very essence of this course is to have you experience truth and not have you intellectualize about it. So whether you agree with what you hear or not, it does not matter, just take what you like and do your best to experience the truth for yourself.

Check out: The Ten Paramis

Eating during the course

You will be served breakfast, lunch, and a small snack (not a dinner).

It may seem not enough if you are used to eating 3 or more times a day.

Remember that, essentially, you are not doing any rigorous physical activity so you do not need to eat that much.

Also remember that any overeating will do you disservice. Why? Because overeating will make you feel tired rather than energized. So again, be wise and responsible.

Internal fights

You will have a lot of internal fights. Some thoughts will push you to run away, other thoughts will push you to be negative.
Other thoughts (even more dangerous) will disguise themselves as positive thoughts but yet again their sole purpose is to take you from the moment, the present, or the actual reality.

Do not be fooled to think that thinking negative is bad and thinking positive is good. Remember, if it is not the time to think and imagine, then don’t.

You are asked to focus on your breath (for instance) or on the bodily sensations, then any thought (negative or positive) is not doing you any service. If you want to think positive thoughts, imagine things or find solutions to problem that’s fine, but only do that when it is time to do that and not during your meditation.

Do not be surprised if you suddenly feel you are the most creative person and you have an urge to write. This is another trick of your mind to snatch you from the present moment and your meditation. Treat those “creative thoughts” with no more reverence than how you treat the thought of being present and meditating.

Secret of success

As you will later learn, the secret of success is the continuity of practice, or said differently:

Continuity of awareness

To reiterate the latter in plain English

The secret of success is the realization that you have to seek the truth moment by moment and be aware.

Do not drift into imagination, identification, negativity, etc.

Even when you are walking, be aware you are walking.

When you are eating, be with the eating. Do not chew your thoughts and ideas, instead chew and feel the taste of food in your mouth.

With experience you will learn that there is no such thing as time for meditation and time for daily activity. You will learn to do all your daily activities meditatively, consciously and fully aware.

In conclusion

  1. Be wise: don’t be hard on yourself, don’t be careless, be playfully responsible.
  2. Respect the time: every minute counts. You are not here to count the days as to when the program is over. This is not a prison, but a chance for you to grow. Remember to make use of each minute.
  3. Be aware: being aware is something that you are learning during the program, but it is also important to be one step ahead. That means be aware of what is happening inside your mind and body without being reactive. Just be aware, observe.

That is all I can think of, and hopefully these are the most important points that can help you make best use of this 10-days Vipassana course.

What should you bring with you to the retreat

I have had so many questions about what should one bring with to the retreat. Here are some guidelines below. Please note that you don’t have to bring all of those items if any, I list them just to give you some ideas:

  1. Bring comfy clothing: Bring comfortable clothing. For example the long loose fitting yoga pants are good. Or just long sports pants but not the tight ones.
  2. Bring covers: you may feel cold while meditating, bring a small cover that you can lay around your body while sitting and meditating
  3. Bring meditation cushions: these cushions can help you sit better for longer period of time
  4. Male or female alike please bring modest clothing: this helps lessen physical distraction
  5. Bring ear plugs: if it so happens that you are sharing a room with someone who snores, speaks at night then do not let this ruin your experience and make you angry
  6. Bring sleeping eye mask: If you are sharing a room with someone, remember that he/she may wake up earlier or come to bed later and then turn on the lights and so on. If you are a light sleeper, then a mask may help you sleep a bit more
  7. Bring laxative/diarrhea pills: due to dietary change, you may experience an upset digestive system. I experienced constipation for a while and wished I had the laxative tea bags that could help me get the relief I want. Others experienced diarrhea. For those moments, it is best to help yourself out. Please note that the meditation center may or may not have those items for you.
  8. Do *not* bring a journal. You will not be allowed to take notes or write in the journal. You are meant to stay aware all the time. Any form of reading/writing is not allowed or advised.

I would be happy to hear your experience, have a discussion or answer questions.

Good luck to you,
Elias

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58 Replies to “How to be ready for your first 10 days Vipassana Course”

  1. Elias, I’m very grateful for your article. I will be going to my first 10-days Vipassana meditation on May 30th at the Georgia Center.
    This helps me understand what I should expect.
    Thank you elias
    Namaste

  2. Thank you so much for this. I am going to the Ga Center at the end of Aug. Once I signed up my awareness escalated…food, sleep, being present…should I prepare or wait til I arrived. The process had not just begun…I have just become aware of the being in the process all along.

    1. Dear Madeline,

      I hope my reply is not too late.

      Do not put too much expectations. Just go as you are.

      A bit of preparation does not hurt. Remember there is no right or wrong. When you are in the course, just give yourself 100% without expectation.

  3. thnks so much for your precious guidance. I am going to attend course from 1st aug 12 in India and i am feeling much relaxed after reading your suggestion…thnkssss

  4. Thank you for the advice. I will be doing the course in October and wanted to know if I needed any specific preparation.

    1. Hi Julie,

      Nothing specific in my mind to share with you. The blog jots down my thoughts.

      Please feel free to ask me specific concerns by email. lallousz-x86 at yahoo dot com I will be happy to answer.

  5. Thanks for sharing this. Very helpful for me in preparation for a course starting on 26th September in Australia, north of Melbourne. Loka samasta sukhino bhavantu.

      1. Hi Jan,

        Thank you for your kind words.

        It is nice to see what the services you are offering.

        I hope your body recovered well since the accident.

        Elias

  6. This is a tremendous article, full of learning, precise guidance and above all, devoid of any partisanship. Thank you for your effort.

  7. Hi Elias!
    Does the location of the retreat matter? I’m going next month to a retreat near Dallas, and am wondering if that was a great choice, given the extreme heat there. Does it even matter?
    Shanti

    1. Dear Shanti,

      Good question.

      I had two retreats: one in a hot area and one in a cold area. My answer is: the exterior atmosphere can be part of your experience. That is, as you will soon learn in Vipassana, that sensation is temporary and you can observe it (heat or cold) and return to your breathing without reacting to the sensation.

      If the temperature is too high causing you to sweat during the meditations then it won’t be so convenient for you but not impossible.

      Think of people attending retreats in rural areas in India where the weather is not so nice nor the facilities are necessarily equipped to regulate the temperature.

      Hope that helps,
      Elias

  8. Thank you for this- just what I needed. I’m leaving on a 10 day Vipassana course tomorrow 🙂 I’m prepared both physically and mentally (I hope). I’ve brought lots of blankets and warm clothes, I’m sure it will be fine. Your article helped me a lot, it’s nice to know what to expect.

    1. Dear Hanna,

      I wish you all the luck. Putting difficulties aside, this was the best thing I ever offered to myself. Not only I learned a lot, it changed me completely.

      Allow whatever that will happen to happen: do not set any expectations and whatever is the outcome it is your success.


      Elias

  9. Greetings, Elias. Thanks for your article. I’m scheduled into a retreat in Georgia starting October 9, and have been wondering what to expect. Your article cleared my head and helped bolster my enthusiasm for the upcoming retreat. Many thanks! Be well.

  10. Hi

    Thanks for sharing your experience.

    I will start my course on the 20th this month. Now I’m a trauma suffer and so I’m a little concerned about where my thoughts will go. Good thing is that I’ve been on a path of healing for last 14 months so I should be able to hold it together for longer.

  11. I was initially doubtful of myself whether I can do it or not, but after reading this article my mindset it well prepared to go for 10 days course without any reservation in mind, I have been on ships for 2-3 months many time during my job so am quite used to be away from world and without any communication. Hope it will redirect my thinking process.

  12. These are great tips and I look forward to my upcoming 10 days at my first vipassana retreat. The one tip that I found troublesome is the one for women to bring modest clothing because it is a distraction for men. That is sexist.

    First of all, women can be distracted by men as well – No suggestion for chiseled men to keep their shirts on in this post! Definitely dress in a way that is respectful to other meditators of all genders.

    Secondly, men should keep themselves in check maybe? It is not my responsibility to dress in a way that magically keeps your wandering eye in check – no woman is responsible for any man’s actions. This rationale is no different than slut shaming women, basically follows the same logic as “well if you wear certain clothing you deserved to be assaulted or raped”. Maybe people just shouldn’t rape or attack?

    Maybe everyone should consider taking ownership and responsibility of their time at the retreat and focus on meditating (as you’ve pointed out many times here)?

    1. Hi Lainey,

      Thanks for the comment and sorry if it sounds sexist. I guess I should say something for men too about modesty and respecting others.
      Otherwise, let us chat in private and see how I can change the wording without offending anyone.

      Thanks,
      Elias

      1. Sure, you are welcome to email me a veganlaine@gmail.com. My suggestion is just to amend the tip to be for everyone to have bring comfortable and modest clothing, and maybe level out the responsibility to minimize distractions to all genders – Unless the tip you are offering is really specific and truly limited to the biology of a particular sex (like pregnancies?).

        You’ve made very good suggestions throughout the piece that the focus should be on your own practice and progress and that’s great! That’s what I take away from this post. I anticipate when I go, there will be distractions both internal and external, and I am committed to doing the work and will take ownership my journey – even if there are handsome men near by.

  13. Thank you so much Elias, your tips are really helpful & practical.
    I have a better mindset now for my 1st course which starts tomorrow. 🙂

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  15. Thankyou so much for writing this Elias, I am starting my 10 day course next week with Mr Goenka and now know a little about what to expect.

    Am terrified but determined to stick through it. Thankyou again for all your tips!

    1. Julia, good luck. Do not expect anything, in fact, just make it your goal to go there and BE with whatever experience you receive. The course will teach you all you need, keep an open mind and follow the instructions for the 10 days, and do what you like when you finish.

  16. Thanks Elias, What an insight and great tips! I came across your article and I’m looking no further now. You totally sum it up! Thanks a million for taking the time out and writing this article for those of us who are new to Vipassna. I’m starting my first 10-day course in about 6 days. Thanks and God Bless!

    1. Hello PS, I am very happy that you found it useful. People like yourself who leave feedback are my inspiration to write and share more.

      I am always happy to hear more feedback when you take the course and you would like me to add more preparation steps, please reach out / contact me in the contact page.

      All the best to you in your spiritual endeavor.

      1. Hi, Thanks for information
        I am going for Igatpuri Center (India) for 10 days starting 16th April 2016. I am a bit anxious and hyper person, which I wish to change & be calm in life, please share your experience after completing the course and practicing it.

        Thanks

      2. @Prashant: it is hard to share the difference in my life after taking the course. Change is gradual. The most important thing for me is that I learned about the nature of impermanence. “This shall also pass”.

  17. Hi,

    I am going tomorrow for 10 day course from tomorrow, your words are really helpful for me.

    I shall attend and share my experience here .

    Thanks

  18. thank you for such a great article.
    do you know what things i must take there like soap, sahmpoo etc… or they provide thse things too!?

    1. Hi Harshit, it really depends on the facility. From my experience you have to bring with you everything you need for your personal hygiene. If in doubt contact the meditation center and ask them.

  19. Dear Elias
    Thank you very much for your guidance notes they have given me in site of what I need to be prepared for. I an going to 10 days vipassana meditation on 3 August 16 in UK
    loving kindness
    Hira

  20. Thank you Elias

    Going to my first course on Wednesday and have felt a bit nervous about being ready although I know it’s mostly ego judging me as not “good enough”. It seems that thinks are coming up even before the course has even started.
    Reading about your experience has made me feel more accepting of where I’m at and less nervous.

    All the best
    Åsa-Maria

  21. So much time you wrote this article and i am really greatfull, as lot of people. I ll be going in montebello. Quebec in 2 days for it and i am glad finding your note before then. Thanks again. I ll try not to be so hard on myself and not eating so much… love and lights.

    1. Pascaline, I hope your meditation went well and you received some benefits and insights out of it.

  22. Hi,

    I am very excited for doing this meditation course. I have registered for the next session.

    I am very confused how many paint & shirt to take for going to this course ? Actually, there is not any time for extra activity 😉 So I am asking this.

    Thanks for this great review.

    1. Get no more than 3 comfy pants or shorts. Around 6 shirts or less should be fine. Fresh and clean shirts makes you feel good.

      There is not extra activity but if your retreat is in a hot place then you ought to sweat. Also, you will be going for mindful walks during breaks.

  23. Thank you for your article. I leave for my class in Alberta in 30 days and I am excited about what I am going to experience and learn. Your tips on what to bring I find useful.

  24. Thanks for your cool article. Just what i wanted to hear. You even addressed my most fearsome worry of physically sitting up for ten days! Thanks. I dive in in November for ten days. Excited.

  25. Thank you! I will be attending a 10 day retreat in Feb. Your insight provides comfort. I’m looking forward to this journey 🙂

    1. Drink water normally as you would, but to play it safe, bring some laxative tea and whatever you need just in case.

  26. Hello and thank you so much for this great article.

    I am attending a seven day retreat next year in MA. As a new meditator would you recommend getting a cushion or going right to something like a meditation bench (or both). I have seen many options and what I notice from my one day classes I have taken is that I get some discomfort in my upper back as well as restless legs a bit. Thank you.

  27. Hi Jeff,

    As a first timer and if you are not trained to sit straight up for long periods of time, I suggest getting a BackJack floor chair to support your back and keep it up straight (check here: https://amzn.to/2OA6Idl).

    A meditation stool + some support is also nice.

    I hope you get all the benefits from this retreat.

    Elias

  28. Any one tell me about what I take with me on 7 days Vipassana meditation full list plz help me

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