For those just starting out, it’s completely valid to perceive Vipassana meditation simply as a practice where you sit quietly with your eyes shut. There are no chants, no intricate hand gestures, and you definitely don’t need to shuffle around a room or bow to any objects. No special attire is required either. After a session, someone may give a talk, and you have the choice to listen, leave, or even poke fun at the speaker later—whatever feels right for you.
Reason #1 to Fear Meditation: The Inevitable Approach of Death
It’s understandable that many people harbor fears about meditation, and they have every right to. A significant number of practitioners are older, which can serve as a stark reminder that aging is unavoidable. Attending a Vipassana session brings a wave of realization about mortality, making it clear that we all face the Grim Reaper eventually, possibly in our comfiest red socks and corduroys.
Moreover, as you immerse yourself in meditation, you might find yourself dozing off and falling from your chair. This has happened to several people I’ve seen during my meditation journey, and it’s not indicative of any issues—just a humorous reality of the experience.
Reason #2 to Fear Meditation: The Company You Keep
Many individuals are drawn to meditation because they seek a peaceful existence. However, there’s also a reality that some attendees—like myself—might not have entirely shed their less-than-pleasant traits. Meditation doesn’t guarantee an immediate transformation into a saintly individual.
Take, for instance, a recent experience I had. I arrived a bit late to a session, and right behind me was a newcomer. As we hurriedly shed our outerwear, she whispered, “Can we just go into the other room? Even though they started?” I nodded in agreement.
However, another woman in the foyer, who hadn’t been addressed, shot us a disapproving look and said, “It’s disruptive.” While I understood her point, I thought it was a minor issue. The new woman looked lost between the two of us, and rather than debate her right to enter, I shrugged and went in. The disapproving woman’s shrug seemed to communicate her moral superiority, contrasting sharply with my more carefree attitude.
The irony? Moments later, someone else entered late, and shortly after, another person tumbled from their chair—now that’s what I’d call disruptive!
Reason #3 to Fear Meditation: The Noisy Environment
One of the more intimidating aspects of meditation is the sounds that accompany the silence. It’s often so quiet that you can hear the slightest noises—like the gurgles of digestion or gentle burps from fellow meditators.
At my last session, the woman next to me unzipped her bag, pulled out some trendy mints, and the sounds of her munching echoed around us. I found myself fixated on her every move, almost sketching a mental image of her mouth’s interior. What began as annoyance eventually morphed into a strange fascination.
So yes, if you’re contemplating meditation, be aware of these elements that may evoke fear. But don’t fret about being proficient or even enjoying the process. The essence is simply to pause and do nothing for a while. In time, you may discover that sitting in a silent room with strangers can be surprisingly exhilarating—like a low-cost euphoric experience without the hangover.
Interestingly, the term ‘Vipassana’ means “to see things as they truly are,” challenging our perception that reality is a burden. This makes me reconsider the value of reality itself.
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In summary, while meditation may seem daunting with its reminders of mortality, challenging interactions, and unexpected sounds, it offers a unique opportunity for introspection and growth. Embracing the discomfort can lead to profound insights about yourself and the world.