Vipasana Center
Third day- We never had in our schedule to visit Sula Vineyards when we had left Mumbai for Igatpuri. Our plan for third day was to visit Vipasana center and go back to Mumbai. It was on the breakfast table on third day of our stay that we suddenly decided to visit this world famous Vineyards as well.
Since it was decided quite late, around 10 o’clock, by the time we checked out of the hotel, it was well above 11 AM. This is what happens when one travels in a group, however small it is. Decisions have to be made in keeping everybody in mind.
First we drove to Vipasana center. It is also known as Vipasana International Academy.
The main person who could give us some information about entering the center was not available. At the reception while waiting for him we watched a detailed one hour program on a projector.
This meditation center offers meditation techniques, which relieve stress and promote inner peace and spiritualism. During Vipasana courses one follows the basic precepts of Buddhism: abstaining from killing, sex, intoxication, stealing and lying. The technique of Vipasana Meditation is taught at ten-day residential courses. One is not allowed to speak to fellow students, but a student can speak to a teacher when necessary.
There are no charges for the courses – not even to cover the cost of food and accommodation. All expenses are met by donations from people who have completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipasana. Normally everybody who comes out of the center donates a moderate sum.
This Stupa is inside the campus. See the clear sky.
The main gate.
By the time the main person came it was lunch time for inmates, and nobody is allowed inside during that period. Since it was getting late, we headed towards Sula vineyards. I promised myself to visit this place again. I’ll probably opt for the course someday. The queue for opting the course is normally six month long.
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