Meditation Course in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I did a ten-day meditation course. It was the second most challenging experience of my life (behind passing the CPA exam) and I know I will do it again in the future (I will never willingly take the CPA exam again). So it could not have been that bad, right?

I am not going to lament about my challenges and frustrations, but here is a link to the rules and daily schedule that I had to adhere to during my stay. Yes, it was a lot. But I purposely selected a strict course because that was what I needed to not slack off in my practice. In the end, I am glad that I selected it because I would have left early if the course had been more casual.

I am also not going to go over the insights and lessons I learned. Each person’s experience is different and personal so going over mine might create a false expectation for others. Let’s just say that this course altered the rest of my trip. I gained clarity on a lot of aspects of my life and left my course being more centered and balanced.  

That being said, there are some things I would keep in mind if contemplating a similar course.

1.       DO YOUR RESEARCH.

I learned about Vipassana from my friend, Lisanne. She suggested it after we had a few discussions about meditation and my desire to strengthen my practice. Her encouragement lead me to do hours of research – reading blogs, looking up meditation centers, understanding the process. Though this did not make my course substantially easier, at least I had an idea of what to expect. I knew this course would not be relaxing or simple. I knew it would be painful and mentally exhausting and frustrating. In the days leading up, I was nervous about my ability to stick with it and spent some time getting my head in the right mindset. Research helped me set my resolve to see the course through.

2.       Consider doing a couple of preparation steps.

Take a beginner meditation course. Watch YouTube videos on proper sitting posture. Schedule a dhama talk with a monk prior to beginning your course. The thing I was not expecting was the lack of instruction we would be getting. We were told to sit and that was about it. Much of the guidance I was given was linked to Buddhism. Not knowing the tenants of Buddhism or understanding the purpose of meditation, it was confusing until we had a two-hour dhama talk with one of the nuns on the eighth day. My meditation sessions were MUCH more productive after that.

3.       Commit to ten days, minimum.

This course is difficult and challenging. I spent the first four days in pain, clearing my brain of thoughts, working through exhaustion, and battling extreme loneliness. In talking with others after my course, many have said they are interested in doing a 3- or 5-day course. But those first few days tend to be the most unproductive and frustrating. Ten days is necessary because this is a process and it cannot be rushed. If you end your meditation course during the most difficult part, you may never try again.

4.       Accept that it is a process and stick with it.

One of the most significant tenants of Buddhism is impermanence. Remember that nothing is consistent. Therefore, one day your practice will be sublime and the next day it will be shit. But both days will teach you something if you accept the situation and pay attention to the lesson. Meditation is not just sitting there and it is not a natural ability. It is a practice that needs work and commitment. The course creates an extremely protected environment in which you get to do nothing but focus on your practice. This is a gift to yourself, not a punishment. In the hard times, remember that and keep going. It will all be worth it.