My Transformative Journey with Vipassana Meditation
(By Prof. S.S. Dogra)
In an age dominated by smartphones, social media, relentless notifications and increasingly hectic lifestyles, can one imagine living without a mobile phone, books, newspapers, a pen, or even a casual conversation for ten consecutive days?
For most people, the answer would be a firm “No.” Yet, this is precisely what I experienced during a ten-day Vipassana Meditation Course at the Sohtta Centre of Vipassana Sadhana Sansthan, Sohna, Haryana, from June 3 to June 14, 2026. What began as a challenging experiment soon evolved into one of the most meaningful and enlightening experiences of my life.
“The Beginning of a Unique Journey”
The registration process was simple and transparent. Interested participants are required to apply online by submitting basic personal details and Aadhaar information. Within a few days, confirmation is received through email and WhatsApp from the Vipassana Sadhana Sansthan.
Upon arrival at the centre, participants deposit their mobile phones and other distractions, symbolically leaving the outside world behind. What follows is an intensive journey inward—a journey of self-observation, self-discipline and self-discovery.
“The Discipline of Noble Silence”
One of the most distinctive features of the course is the observance of Noble Silence. Participants are required to maintain complete silence throughout the ten days. Conversations with fellow meditators are strictly prohibited. There is no reading, writing, internet access, television, newspapers, or communication with the outside world.
For a journalist, author and columnist like me, voluntarily staying away from words, books and communication devices was perhaps the most difficult aspect of the course. Yet, it ultimately proved to be one of the most rewarding. Gradually, the silence shifts one’s attention from the external world to the inner landscape of the mind, allowing deeper levels of awareness and introspection to emerge.
“A Day Begins at 4 A.M.”
The daily schedule is rigorous yet remarkably well structured. The day begins at 4:00 a.m. with the wake-up bell and concludes at 9:30 p.m. Participants meditate for approximately ten to eleven hours daily, alternating between individual and group sessions.
The routine includes meditation, meals, rest periods, teacher interviews, and evening discourses based on the teachings of Acharya S. N. Goenka. While such a demanding schedule may initially appear daunting, it gradually cultivates mental resilience, concentration, discipline and inner stability.
“World-Class Facilities & Management”
The Sohtta Centre impressed me with its exceptional management, cleanliness and attention to detail.
Each participant is allotted a comfortable single room with an attached bathroom and continuous hot and normal water facilities. Purified drinking water is readily available near residential blocks, meditation halls, pagodas and dining areas.
The dining arrangements are equally systematic. Participants are served nutritious vegetarian meals in a clean and organized environment. The food is simple, wholesome and perfectly suited to the requirements of meditation practice.
What particularly stood out was the centre’s meticulous organization. Every participant is assigned a room number, meditation seat number, dining seat number and later an individual meditation cell number in the pagoda. Such systematic planning ensures discipline, order, punctuality and efficiency throughout the programme.
“Learning the Art of Living”
The essence of Vipassana lies not merely in meditation but in learning the art of living.
Participants undertake five fundamental moral precepts:
- Refraining from killing any living being.
- Refraining from stealing.
- Refraining from sexual misconduct.
- Refraining from false speech.
- Refraining from intoxicants.
These ethical principles form the foundation of a disciplined and meaningful life. They support the development of moral conduct (Sīla), concentration (Samādhi), and wisdom (Paññā)—the three pillars of Vipassana practice.
“The Wisdom of S. N. Goenka”
Each evening, participants attend a pre-recorded discourse by the late Acharya S. N. Goenka, whose teachings have introduced millions around the world to Vipassana meditation.His central message is remarkably simple yet profound:
“Observe yourself as you are.”
According to Goenka Ji, Vipassana is neither a religion nor a ritual. Rather, it is a universal science of mind and matter, accessible to people of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds.
The discourses emphasize self-observation, self-transformation, experiential wisdom, equanimity, compassion and living fully in the present moment. His logical explanations, personal experiences, practical examples and powerful delivery make every discourse intellectually stimulating and emotionally uplifting.
For me, these daily sessions became one of the most inspiring dimensions of the entire programme.
“Insights from an Experienced Teacher”
One of the most enlightening aspects of my Vipassana journey was my interaction with Acharya Ashvani Mehta Ji, the resident teacher at the centre. He shared that his own introduction to Vipassana came more than a decade ago through his wife, and today even his granddaughter follows this path of meditation—an inspiring example of how the practice can positively influence generations within a family.
According to Mehta Ji, mindfulness training can begin at a remarkably young age. Children as young as eight years can participate in one-day Ānāpāna courses designed specifically for them, while separate meditation programmes are organized for boys and girls in the 13–17 age group. Pregnant women are also encouraged to attend suitable courses to cultivate mental calmness, emotional balance, and inner well-being.
The Vipassana tradition offers programmes of varying durations, including 10-day, 20-day, and 45-day courses, enabling practitioners to deepen their understanding progressively. Drawing from his extensive experience, Mehta Ji emphasized that newcomers should ideally prepare themselves mentally and physically for at least a month before attending a ten-day residential course to derive maximum benefit from the experience.
“A Global Community of Seekers”
One of the most inspiring aspects of the course was its international appeal. Among the participants was a 24-year-old Japanese youth, Aaberyutu, from Saitama City, Japan.
On the concluding day, I asked him how he had discovered Vipassana and what his experience had been during the programme. Smiling, he revealed that he had found the course through a Google search. He candidly admitted that by the second day he felt extremely uncomfortable and was almost ready to leave. However, as the days progressed, he gradually adapted to the disciplined routine, became mentally stronger, and began experiencing the positive effects of meditation.
By the end of the course, he felt comfortable, confident, and deeply enriched by the experience. He also shared that Vipassana is well known and respected in Japan. His story beautifully reflected the transformative power of perseverance and self-discovery that attracts seekers from across the globe.
“A Personal Transformation”
Before joining the course, I had never practised meditation seriously—not even for ten minutes at a stretch. Therefore, meditating for more than ten hours daily over ten consecutive days seemed almost impossible.
Yet, through patience and perseverance, I completed the course successfully.
More importantly, I discovered the profound significance of breathing, awareness and bodily sensations. I learnt how the mind constantly reacts to pleasant and unpleasant experiences and how equanimity can help maintain inner balance amid life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Since returning home, I have incorporated several positive habits into my daily routine, including one hour of meditation every morning and evening, along with greater attention to healthy eating and disciplined living.
“Nature’s Role in Inner Peace”
The natural surroundings of the Sohtta Centre further enriched the experience. Lush greenery, beautifully landscaped gardens, flowering plants, towering trees, chirping birds, playful squirrels, friendly cats, and graceful peacocks created an atmosphere of serenity and harmony.
The campus itself seemed to encourage contemplation, mindfulness and inner peace.
“A Meaningful Investment in Life”
Vipassana is not merely a meditation technique; it is a practical training in self-awareness, emotional balance and personal growth.
In a world increasingly characterized by stress, anxiety, anger and distraction, such programmes offer a valuable opportunity to reconnect with oneself and rediscover life’s deeper purpose.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Acharya Ashwani Mehta Ji, Dr. Prashant, Rakesh Ji, Vijay Singh Yadav Ji, the entire staff of the centre, and my family friend Dr. B. B. Prasad Ji, whose encouragement inspired me to undertake this transformative journey.
Looking back, I can confidently say that these ten days of silence have given me lessons that will remain with me for a lifetime. They have taught me that true peace does not come from changing the world around us, but from understanding and transforming the world within us.
As I wrote in my 5th book WOW:
“Life is an expedition, so explore new destinations.”
My journey into Vipassana has certainly been one such destination—one that has made life more meaningful, purposeful and profoundly positive.
