Photo Essay: Dhamma Aranya, Vipassana meditation centre in Raj’than’s Chaksu

         ‘Vipassana’ literally means ‘seeing things as they really are’. It is a practice to be enlightened. Its website says, “the foundation of the practice is ‘sīla’ — moral conduct. ‘Sīla’ provides a basis for the development of ‘samādhi’ — concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through ‘paññā’ — the wisdom of insight.”

Meditation hall at Vipassana centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Pic by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

         ‘Vipassana’ centres are spread across India. ‘Dhamma Aranya’, is one of them. It is situated in the forested area of Chaksu, about 45 km away from Jaipur. 

         Although it is a small and new centre with the sitting capacity of only 35 students, but it is totally surrounded by nature. 

Meditation hall at Vipassana centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

         Meditation Hall is the core of all Vipassana-related activities, where students meditate by the teacher's guidelines. It is designed conjugating the old architecture of Buddhism with modern facilities—mikes, speaker, TV for ‘pravachan’, fans and bulbs with traditional bells, ‘chaitya’ (living room) and pot to keep water. 

Drinking water facility symbolises old and new technique to cool water near dining room
 at ‘Vipassana’ centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj) 

        Meditation Hall is such located in the premises of Vipassana centre, which resembles a unique pattern of ‘chaitya’ and the footway to come so that students can walk in the morning and evening circumambulating it. 

Drinking water facility symbolises old technique to cool water near meditation hall at ‘Vipassana’ centre at Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

        Along the footway to the meditation hall, ‘chaitya’ is built to accommodate the students. It is entirely simple with only a bed and washroom. It actually motivates a student to live ascetic life beyond all luxurious lifestyle.  

A combination of photos shows ‘chaitya’ (living room) in the forested area and footway to the meditation hall or living room at Vipassana centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu, on Oct. 2, 2023. (All photos by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

A combination of photos shows a newly-constructed ‘chaitya’ (living room) (L) allotted to me and its inside at Vipassana centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu, clicked respectively on Oct. 2 and Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

        The meal here provided is totally simple. In breakfast, milk, tea, 'daliya', fruits, 'chana', 'poha' are provided at only 6:30 am. For lunch, bread, rice, 'daal', 'sabji', 'raita' and salad are available at 11 am. After lunch students are expected not to eat anything except ‘nimbu-pani’ at only 5 pm before retiring to the bed at 9 pm. 

A combination of photos shows evening meal (methi paratha, milk), left, and Lunch, clicked respectively on Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

         All Vipassana centres are nature bound. 'Dhamma Aranya’ where I recently attended a 3-day short meditation camp is also rich in flora and fauna. Its surrounding is full of desert trees. ‘Babul’ (acacia tree) is prominent. 

‘Babul’ (acacia tree) along the footway to meditation hall at Vipassana centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

         ‘Bodhi’ tree is the most important part of Buddhism. After a 12-year long ‘tapasya’ under it Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and gave this ‘Vipassana’ meditation technique to the world. 

‘Bodhi’ tree at Vipassana centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj) 

What I observed— Follow the link- Vipassana: What I learnt and why everyone should do

        Living with nature, listening to birds chirping in the morning and evening, eating ‘Satvik food’ timely at 6:30 am, 11:30 am and snacks at 5:00 pm, timely waking up at 4:00 am and retiring to bed at 9:00 pm give a boost-up to everyone after the end of 10 days. It is a daily routine, doing meditation approx 8 hours a day. Most importantly, during this period, a meditator has to observe ‘nobel silence’ (Arya Maun) i.e. no talk to anyone for 10 days, and no use of mobile phones and other disturbing items.

Me doing meditation in the meditation hall on the last day of the 3-day short course at ‘Vipassana’ centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by a meditator through my phone)

Some other related pictures- 

Me at Vipassana centre on the very first day of 3-day course in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Sept. 29 evening, 2023. (Photo by a meditator from my phone)

A peacock at Vipassana centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

Footway going to the meditation hall at ‘Vipassana’ centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

Students at the meditation hall, listening to the ‘pravachan’ on the last day of the camp at ‘Vipassana’ centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj) 

Specially-designed waiting area near the meditation hall at Vipassana centre on Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo by R. Suresh Bhardwaj)

Me taking selfie on the last day of 3-day short course, in the shadow of forest at Vipassana centre in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. 

Vipassana: What I learnt and why everyone should do

       If you do good, you will be awarded, and for wrong, you will be punished by nature. It is the rule and essence of ‘Vipassana’ that a meditator learns at its centre, SN Goenka, a Vipassana meditation teacher, said while elaborating on its tough technique during' recorded pravachan’.

‘Sadhak’ (meditators) listen to the recorded ‘pravachan’ by SN Goenka at meditation hall in Rajasthan’s Chaksu on Oct. 2, 2023. (Photo clicked by R. Suresh Bhardwaj) 

         He adds, “Due to its toughness, it has been disappearing in Bharat, but by the design of the ‘Vipassana’ centre, it has been reviving across Bharat and around the world.”

       Even after, each course is attended by a number of people. Many complete, and some leave amid the course. Although they come for several reasons, including to sort out their personnel problems, in fact, ‘Vipassana’ is not for that, though undoubtedly they benefit.

Then, what 'Vipassana' is? It is an ultimate way to learn how to live and how to die, an old ‘Sadhak’ (meditator) said at ‘Dhamma Aranya’ in Rajasthan’s Chaksu. 

       ‘Dhamma Aranya’, a meditation centre, situated in the forested area of Chaksu, about 45 km away from Jaipur, was my first 3-day short course, but second in this row after completion of a 10-day course in Haryana’s Rohtak in 2019. 

      Whatever its purposes are, I never thought about it. I ponder into how it benefitted me to come out of a sad situation. Undoubtedly, its technique worked for me when I attended the course in a depressed and sad state after continuous failure in the civil services exam in 2019. 

        Actually, ‘Vipassana’ is to maintain ‘affinity’ (Samata Bhav) to every moment of life— sorrow, pain, happiness and pleasure. 

        Living with nature, listening to the chirping of birds in the morning, eating ‘Satvik food’ timely at 6:30 am, 11:30 am and snacks at 5:00 pm, rising up at 4:00 am and going to bed at 9:00 pm give a boost-up to everyone after the end of 10 days. It is a daily routine, doing meditation approx 8 hours a day. Most importantly, during this period, a meditator has to observe ‘nobel silence’ (Arya Maun) i.e. no talk to anyone and no use of mobile phones and other items.

       The first 3-day of the 10-day entirely focuses on the breathe. On day four, SN Goenka gives the technique of ‘Vipassana’ to feel the sensation of each part of the body. It is actually a flow of micro current in the body that has to be felt enjoying not only good sensation but to observe affinity to even painful sensation. Creating ‘samata bhav’ to every sensation is ‘Vipassana’. 

        The 3-day short course is also the same. The first one and a half day is scheduled for ‘Ana Pan’ (observing breathe) and rest of the time for doing ‘Vipassana’. This is what is said an ‘ultimate way’ for enlightenment, guided by Gautam Buddha to the world. 

         During ‘pravachan’, SN Goenka explains ‘vipassana’ how it is different from religion. He said that during the observance of ‘Vipassana’, there is no worship, it is only to improve concentration on breathe and feel the sensation. He adds it also not promote any religion; It motivates to be enlightened like Buddha because Buddha is not only one who has been enlightened by this way, there were many and many will be.

       And, I came to believe why Gautam Buddha took 12 years to be enlightened. It is not only a story, it is a reality because I have reason to believe after meditating and observing breathe and sensation.

      It is also beneficial to avoid addiction of some particular things. Before attending the short course, I was totally addicted of using mobile phone. Its proof lies in my activity in the morning on very first day of the course when I looked for the phone. I also gained the habit of awaking up in morning after following a fixed routine.

       I believe, and will be, for its panacean nature that it benefitted me even after I had not been following full guidelines of the course. I never did morning meditation from 4:30 to 6:30 because I had been sleeping. Actually, I only followed the group meditation properly for 3 hours a day in the meditation hall. Rest of the sessions, either I had been sleeping and walking in the campus. 

         During walk, I witnessed many creatures in their habitats including snakes crossing the footway going to meditation hall from my residence, chirping of birds and a row of ants on the street. Unknowingly, I had killed many ants while walking on the street after evening snacks. 

Finally, I have no hesitation to confess that it tracked me again to wake up in the morning, to be quite and peaceful, to take plain food after following its vows, and most importantly, it helped me to avoid addiction of the mobile phone. 

Note: The word ‘Vipassana’ means seeing things as they really are. According to its website, the foundation of the practice is ‘sīla’ — moral conduct. ‘Sīla’ provides a basis for the development of ‘samādhi’ — concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through ‘paññā’ — the wisdom of insight.

The precepts which abstain the meditators for the duration of the course: from killing any being; all sexual activity; telling lies; all intoxicants. There are three additional precepts which old students are expected to follow to abstain from eating after midday; sensual entertainment and bodily decorations; using high or luxurious beds.

Mood: 😉😉😉

Notebook: Remembering Gandhi’s Anniversary without forgetting him

        The man who needs no introduction. The man who is known as ‘Rashtrapita’ who fought for India’s freedom without arms & ammunition, was none, but Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi Museum in Patna. (Pic by R. Suresh Bhardwaj) 

       He took ‘Satyagrah’, a conjugation of truth and non-violence, as a mean of power. He not only succeeded in India but also in South Africa.

       It is his works that inspire everyone, even government to recognise his valour against the cruel tyranny of the Britishers. The Indian Government incepted publishing his smiling face on currencies, named many governmental polices after him, and gave his iconic eyeglasses a watermark to the ambitious ‘Swachcha Bharat Mission’.

         It is his personality that made him powerful even after 75 years of India’s Independence. His thought has been blowing like air in the humans’ ambience, that can’t be ignored. Although it is omnipresent, but tough to be lived. 

         In street talk, ‘Majboori Ka Nam Mahatma Gandhi’ is popular among people who are not mature and unaware of his works. It is done because his thought is, in my opinion, somewhat, a matter of age. With the growing age of men, he becomes relevant. 

         His birth anniversary is observed on October 2  every year. Indian Government declared his birthdate a national holiday like Republic and Independence Day, which proves his importance.

        This day describes his potency, thought, philosophy and approaches to live symbiotically. His birthdate is popular as ‘Gandhi Jayanti’, and ‘International Day of Non-Violence.’ Truth with non-violence were the ‘mul-mantra’ of his strategy when he was struggling for independent India. He explained the spiritual power of these that curate the core of all powers.

        But, it is shocking to listen that in recent years, people decorated the Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata's Ruby Park allegedly designing the ‘Asura’ as Mahatma Gandhi. Many times, Hindu Mahasabha supporters have been defaming his recognition. But, there is no answers of ‘why’ even in the book ‘Why I Killed Gandhi?’ by Hindu Nationalist Nathuram Godse. (Also read - Gandhi Godse - Ek Yuddh : Conversation between assassinated and assassinator )

         No doubt, those who try to defame Gandhi are fringe elements of society. By their mischievous attempts, Gandhi becomes powerful, more powerful! They have no idea that he is beyond the politics. 

        His means start when politics ends. His view on Means-Ends duo is an example which states that means should be good, end will be automatically good! He actually defines the ethical power of politics that works in many cases. 

        Let’s remember him on his birth anniversary, keeping in minds his actions against all suppositions, that proved the spiritual power of Truth and Non-violence. He bid adieu for the heavenly abode, practising his philosophy until his death.

Notebook: Ravish Kumar Ka NDTV Se Chale Jaana

         Journalist Ravish Kumar had a watershed moment in the history of TV journalism. No doubt, he did everything for a cause on the turf of dying fourth estate of democracy, as I felt while watching his documentary ‘While We Watched’ last night. 

Screenshot from a documentary based on him, that shows him reading news in NDTV studio. (YouTube)

         The documentary, directed by Vinay Shukla, tells how he reported news stories, and why and how he was outcasted. Although the 1 hour 21 minutes drama is not free from its prejudices, but it makes the people realised why Ravish’s casting off from mainstream media is not good at all. 

Tale of media bifurcation era- 

         It was year 2014 when Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, a Hindu-nationalist leader, claimed the throne of Delhi. A fear began spreading among self proclaimed liberals, leftists, feminists and specially Muslims. 

Screenshot of a hoarding informing Ravish Kumar’s show on NDTV. (From a documentary based on him, YouTube) 

          It was also the time when cow vigilante violence was hitting the headlines. In a trail of violence Gauri Lankesh, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi were killed due to their voice against injustices in the society, as it was said by their tribes. They also blamed BJP-led central government for boosting up the morale for these killings. 

         In another trail to suppress the naxal, anti-national and terrorist-sympathising voices, many activists were also arrested just after the Bhima Koregaon violence. A term ‘urban-naxal’ became frequent to vanquish their voice. Film director Vivek Agnihotri became the poster boy of this campaign and came with several films such as ‘Buddha in Traffic Jam’, ‘The Tashkent Files, and ‘The Kashmir Files’, and books especially ‘Urban Naxals’.

Screenshot from a document based of Ravish Kumar, that shows him reading news on TV screens. (YouTube) 

         The fire had already been ignited. Its flames spread beyond its potential after an unfortunate incident of raising anti-national slogans in JNU. JNUSU leaders including Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattaachaarya were apprehended for organising the event ‘A Country Without Post Office’ where these slogans were voiced, but no charge sheet has still been filed in this case. 

          Just before the 2019 general election, 44 CRPF personnel were killed in a horrific explosive blast in Pathankot. In response, a surgical strike was carried out across the Line of Control, that awoke the sentiments of nationalism. With the announcement of dates for Lok Sabha election, media industry was completely divided between ‘nationalist’ and ‘anti-nationalist’ approach. 

Screenshot from a document based on Ravish Kumar, that shows a teleprompter just before he reads news. (YouTube) 

          

Screenshot from a documentary based on Ravish Kumar, that shows him in his newsroom working office. (YouTube) 

         Start of Ravish Era - 

         The propagation of so called ‘nationalism’ by several media houses had become juicy prime time shows for TRP, which was termed ‘godi media’ by Ravish Kumar. And, the democracy’s fourth estate was bifurcated by the trail of actions and reactions when Zee News anchor Sudhir Choudhary created a new term ‘designer patrakar’. 

        The divide was clear. The unfortunate JNU episode of raising anti-national slogans was a triggering point to spread the debate over nationalism. It was ‘masala’ for both parties and media houses. The BJP, whose origin is based on nationalism, utilised its potential for the political and ideological benefits. 

         JNU, that gave charming stars in every field, was targeted and the dominance of leftists in the university has been eradicated. JNU that was a core of leftist triangle has already been shaped against its previous recognisance. Although the Jadavpur University still stands, but the Jamia has bowed down. 

        In this row, Umar Khalid, accused of JNU episode, was shot but fortunately he escaped unhurt. No other channels criticised this extra-judicial attack, but Ravish Kumar was one who raised his voices against this uncivilised shooting. 

       Channels were full of Hindu-Muslim debates. Employment, health, education, per capita income and good governance, that actually determine developmental nuances, were out of the debate arena, and still it is. But, it seemed that Ravish was chosen for these and without any fear, he raised the mass’ grievances.

Screenshot from a documentary based on Ravish Kumar, that shows him in his newsroom office. (YouTube) 

         Although the language used during his ‘prime time’ show was out of journalistic standard, but it was good for a vibrant democracy. He was on the way to make procedural and participatory democracy still relevant, even after his words targeted directly at the government. It created a balance in the TV industry. 

         At this point, Ravish Kumar missed the opportunity to be part of a reform in the media industry. He showed his overexcitement like ‘The Great Gatsby’ who lost everything after achieving all. 

         He should have balanced his approach and shown impartiality. He ought to have used his activism cleverly. Keeping the TV screen ‘black’ and presenting ‘mime’ actors for a show were a clear activism. It could not be accepted in journalism even a journalist is a face of a channel. Also, no government can tolerate this.

        These actions attracted reactions including the investigation of NDTV promoter Prannoy Roy, and an order to keep the channel off for a day by the government. Acquisition of the channel by the Adani group was the final nail in the coffin, and Ravish Kumar, a mouthpiece of the latest period of journalism, was asked for resignation.

Screenshot from a documentary based on him, that shows him in TV screen. (YouTube)  

         It was an end of journalistic era, but the end should have not be like this even after I never liked his latest episodes due to my leaning towards the ‘centre-right’ on the ideological spectrum. His outcast created a vacant in the TV industry. 

“Ravish Aapko Aise To Nahi Jaana Thaa.”