MAY 2025
10 days without connection or conversation
How I completed 3 Vipassana meditation courses
What this experience gave me
What this experience gave me
In April, I returned from my third Vipassana meditation course, where I spent 10 days in silence and completely offline. I feel alive and refreshed — like my whole being has been gently reset.
I’ve had many new impressions and insights that I want to share. But first, here’s a short explanation of what Vipassana is and how it works.
History and technique
Vipassana is an ancient Indian meditation technique, over 2,500 years old. Its essence is to observe reality as it is — to watch your feelings and sensations without running away from them.
One of the most well-known Vipassana teachers, S.N. Goenka, began opening meditation centers in the 1970s — first in India and soon after, around the world.
There are currently two centers in Spain and one in Russia.
What religion is Vipassana associated with?
The technique is rooted in Buddhist philosophy, but Vipassana teachers emphasize that people of all religions can practice it.
What are the living conditions like at a Vipassana center?
It depends on the center. For example, at the Vipassana course in Israel, I stayed in a double room with a private shower. In Spain, I was in a triple room, with shared showers and toilets for a block of four rooms.
The food is simple vegetarian food: a full breakfast and lunch, and fruit in the afternoon for new students. Old students get only breakfast and lunch.
Everything is delicious, but lunch ends at 11:45 a.m. These restrictions help the body feel lighter and allow participants to concentrate more sharply on their sensations.
Since there’s not much physical activity during these 10 days, I never really felt hungry.
What other rules and restrictions are there?
– Silence for 9 days. On the 10th day, talking is allowed, while meditations continue.
– Strict gender segregation. Men and women meditate in the same hall but are discouraged from even looking at each other. (Though, ironically, primal instincts sometimes feel even more intense in such conditions!)
– No physical contact (to better connect with oneself).
– Modest clothing — no bare stomachs or tight leggings.
– No phones, no reading, no writing.
What do people sit on during meditation?
There are lots of cushions in the main hall. Every student can take what they need to sit more comfortably. If you have physical limitations or pain, you can ask the course manager for a meditation bench or chair. Yes, people with disabilities also participate in Vipassana.
Can you speak at all?
You can speak to the course manager about practical needs and ask the teachers questions about the technique (each course has two teachers — one for men and one for women).
Can you leave early if it gets too hard?
You can, but it’s strongly discouraged. It’s unlikely you’ll continue meditating at home. Vipassana is taught step by step, with new tools added daily. At times, it can be physically or emotionally very hard. But it’s important to remember that discomfort, like everything else in life, is temporary.
Cost
Vipassana courses are free of charge. They’re funded entirely by voluntary donations from participants — each gives what they can and want to.
All staff at the centers are volunteers (experienced students) who serve and meditate too.
Last year, I volunteered in the kitchen. It was an amazing experience.
History and technique
Vipassana is an ancient Indian meditation technique, over 2,500 years old. Its essence is to observe reality as it is — to watch your feelings and sensations without running away from them.
One of the most well-known Vipassana teachers, S.N. Goenka, began opening meditation centers in the 1970s — first in India and soon after, around the world.
There are currently two centers in Spain and one in Russia.
What religion is Vipassana associated with?
The technique is rooted in Buddhist philosophy, but Vipassana teachers emphasize that people of all religions can practice it.
What are the living conditions like at a Vipassana center?
It depends on the center. For example, at the Vipassana course in Israel, I stayed in a double room with a private shower. In Spain, I was in a triple room, with shared showers and toilets for a block of four rooms.
The food is simple vegetarian food: a full breakfast and lunch, and fruit in the afternoon for new students. Old students get only breakfast and lunch.
Everything is delicious, but lunch ends at 11:45 a.m. These restrictions help the body feel lighter and allow participants to concentrate more sharply on their sensations.
Since there’s not much physical activity during these 10 days, I never really felt hungry.
What other rules and restrictions are there?
– Silence for 9 days. On the 10th day, talking is allowed, while meditations continue.
– Strict gender segregation. Men and women meditate in the same hall but are discouraged from even looking at each other. (Though, ironically, primal instincts sometimes feel even more intense in such conditions!)
– No physical contact (to better connect with oneself).
– Modest clothing — no bare stomachs or tight leggings.
– No phones, no reading, no writing.
What do people sit on during meditation?
There are lots of cushions in the main hall. Every student can take what they need to sit more comfortably. If you have physical limitations or pain, you can ask the course manager for a meditation bench or chair. Yes, people with disabilities also participate in Vipassana.
Can you speak at all?
You can speak to the course manager about practical needs and ask the teachers questions about the technique (each course has two teachers — one for men and one for women).
Can you leave early if it gets too hard?
You can, but it’s strongly discouraged. It’s unlikely you’ll continue meditating at home. Vipassana is taught step by step, with new tools added daily. At times, it can be physically or emotionally very hard. But it’s important to remember that discomfort, like everything else in life, is temporary.
Cost
Vipassana courses are free of charge. They’re funded entirely by voluntary donations from participants — each gives what they can and want to.
All staff at the centers are volunteers (experienced students) who serve and meditate too.
Last year, I volunteered in the kitchen. It was an amazing experience.
Vipassana schedule
4:00 — First morning gong
4:30–6:30 — Meditation in the hall or in your room
6:30–7:15 — Breakfast
7:15–8:00 — Rest
8:00–9:00 — Meditation in the main hall
9:00–11:00 — Meditation according to instructions
11:00–11:45 — Lunch
11:45–13:00 — Rest and teacher Q&A
13:00–14:30 — Meditation in the hall or in your room
14:30–15:30 — Meditation in the hall
15:30–17:00 — Meditation according to instructions
17:00–18:00 — Fruit break and rest
18:00–19:00 — Meditation in the hall
19:00–20:15 — Goenka’s lecture (available in your native language)
20:15–21:00 — Meditation in the hall
21:00–21:30 — Teacher Q&A
22:00 — Lights out
4:00 — First morning gong
4:30–6:30 — Meditation in the hall or in your room
6:30–7:15 — Breakfast
7:15–8:00 — Rest
8:00–9:00 — Meditation in the main hall
9:00–11:00 — Meditation according to instructions
11:00–11:45 — Lunch
11:45–13:00 — Rest and teacher Q&A
13:00–14:30 — Meditation in the hall or in your room
14:30–15:30 — Meditation in the hall
15:30–17:00 — Meditation according to instructions
17:00–18:00 — Fruit break and rest
18:00–19:00 — Meditation in the hall
19:00–20:15 — Goenka’s lecture (available in your native language)
20:15–21:00 — Meditation in the hall
21:00–21:30 — Teacher Q&A
22:00 — Lights out
The Dhamma Sacca meditation center in Spain, about 2.5 hours' drive from Madrid
How I found Vipassana
I first heard about Vipassana over 10 years ago. Friends and acquaintances shared their experiences, but I never dared to go. Disappearing from the world for 10 days felt unrealistic.
Then I met my future husband, who practiced Vipassana. We left Russia and entered a period of uncertainty. To stay grounded during this turbulent time, I finally registered for a 10-day course in Israel (we lived in Egypt at the time, and it was the closest center — though it was quite an adventure to get there).
During that first course, Sergey volunteered in the kitchen while I learned to meditate.
It was hard for me to just sit and observe the pain in my body and the anxiety in my soul, but by the end of the course, I felt strong and alive. The skills I gained helped me navigate the challenges of emigration. But over time, I stopped meditating regularly.
A year later, we decided to attend another Vipassana course near Barcelona.
All the spots for women were taken, so they accepted me as a kitchen volunteer. Sergey went as a student. Yes — this was just days after our wedding. That’s how much we love Vipassana.
As a photographer, I’ve seen many weddings and never imagined my honeymoon like this. After the course, I wanted to go on a romantic trip, but then a tragedy happened in my family, and everything else faded away.
I first heard about Vipassana over 10 years ago. Friends and acquaintances shared their experiences, but I never dared to go. Disappearing from the world for 10 days felt unrealistic.
Then I met my future husband, who practiced Vipassana. We left Russia and entered a period of uncertainty. To stay grounded during this turbulent time, I finally registered for a 10-day course in Israel (we lived in Egypt at the time, and it was the closest center — though it was quite an adventure to get there).
During that first course, Sergey volunteered in the kitchen while I learned to meditate.
It was hard for me to just sit and observe the pain in my body and the anxiety in my soul, but by the end of the course, I felt strong and alive. The skills I gained helped me navigate the challenges of emigration. But over time, I stopped meditating regularly.
A year later, we decided to attend another Vipassana course near Barcelona.
All the spots for women were taken, so they accepted me as a kitchen volunteer. Sergey went as a student. Yes — this was just days after our wedding. That’s how much we love Vipassana.
As a photographer, I’ve seen many weddings and never imagined my honeymoon like this. After the course, I wanted to go on a romantic trip, but then a tragedy happened in my family, and everything else faded away.
It’s easy to be happy when life is perfect — but how often is that the case? Life is imperfect, always with its rough edges. Being happy during hard times — that’s an art. I’m learning it through meditation.
2024 was a tough year. I started meditating more regularly.
This winter, Sergey and I attended another Vipassana as students. After the course, we promised to meditate every day. We stick to this commitment about 95% of the time. I’m proud of us.
Meditation helps me avoid spiraling into anxiety, to observe anger, fear, confusion — and realize that everything passes eventually. Challenges are followed by good times, and so on. Don’t cling to pleasant sensations or push away unpleasant ones.
Since I started meditating, I sleep better, I stopped stress-eating sweets, and I don’t overeat in general (because hunger, too, is just a sensation to observe). I’m less afraid of biking or a motorbike — and I’ve even started thinking about driving a car. Now I feel my body more clearly, thanks to this mindful attention.
In April, I decided to attend another Vipassana course — two in one year. The gap between my “soul searches” was quite short, but diving into your depths is never wasted time, especially when you have the luxury of time itself.
That said… I don’t recommend going to Vipassana expecting to solve all your problems — to cure depression or quit smoking. You never know what will surface. It can be painful, scary, and there’s no guarantee you’ll overcome everything in 10 days. But getting closer to your inner truth — that’s already a big step.
Of course, positive changes do happen after Vipassana. But it’s a long road and always the result of deep personal work.
This winter, Sergey and I attended another Vipassana as students. After the course, we promised to meditate every day. We stick to this commitment about 95% of the time. I’m proud of us.
Meditation helps me avoid spiraling into anxiety, to observe anger, fear, confusion — and realize that everything passes eventually. Challenges are followed by good times, and so on. Don’t cling to pleasant sensations or push away unpleasant ones.
Since I started meditating, I sleep better, I stopped stress-eating sweets, and I don’t overeat in general (because hunger, too, is just a sensation to observe). I’m less afraid of biking or a motorbike — and I’ve even started thinking about driving a car. Now I feel my body more clearly, thanks to this mindful attention.
In April, I decided to attend another Vipassana course — two in one year. The gap between my “soul searches” was quite short, but diving into your depths is never wasted time, especially when you have the luxury of time itself.
That said… I don’t recommend going to Vipassana expecting to solve all your problems — to cure depression or quit smoking. You never know what will surface. It can be painful, scary, and there’s no guarantee you’ll overcome everything in 10 days. But getting closer to your inner truth — that’s already a big step.
Of course, positive changes do happen after Vipassana. But it’s a long road and always the result of deep personal work.
What’s been the hardest part of all three courses?
Being completely disconnected.
There is an emergency contact number you can give to your loved ones, in case of urgent need. But I was terrified that something might happen to my family and I wouldn’t be there, or the course managers wouldn’t call me to the phone.
The only thing that helped was reminding myself: I can’t control everything. Just like so many other things in life.
What did this April Vipassana give me?
As an expat, I often struggle with comparing myself to others — especially other women.
But during this course, I managed to look at others without envy. I finally noticed how beautiful, interesting, and unique the participants around me were.
First and foremost, we are all just people, and we feel the same.
On the 10th day, when we were allowed to speak again and I saw everyone’s smiling faces (realizing I hadn’t smiled in over a week), it was so beautiful to simply observe all these women: Spanish, Latin American, English, German, Polish, Portuguese, French, Russian, Ukrainian. I don’t even know how many countries were represented. About 150 people in total.
Right now, I don’t have much money. I can hardly make donations. I try to give back by volunteering, taking photos, writing texts.
And thanks to someone I’ve never met, I can still take part in these courses, live for 10 days in a beautiful mountain setting, eat well, and study meditation — making my life better.
It warms my heart to know that Vipassana students give something good to one another.
To me, it’s the cycle of kindness.
This time, I was able to hear myself even more clearly. The more you focus inward, the easier the meditation becomes and the less physical pain you feel. But to reach those depths, you need practice. It’s like running — running a marathon fast can feel easier than doing it in 5 hours. But without experience and regular training, nothing works.
Being completely disconnected.
There is an emergency contact number you can give to your loved ones, in case of urgent need. But I was terrified that something might happen to my family and I wouldn’t be there, or the course managers wouldn’t call me to the phone.
The only thing that helped was reminding myself: I can’t control everything. Just like so many other things in life.
What did this April Vipassana give me?
As an expat, I often struggle with comparing myself to others — especially other women.
But during this course, I managed to look at others without envy. I finally noticed how beautiful, interesting, and unique the participants around me were.
First and foremost, we are all just people, and we feel the same.
On the 10th day, when we were allowed to speak again and I saw everyone’s smiling faces (realizing I hadn’t smiled in over a week), it was so beautiful to simply observe all these women: Spanish, Latin American, English, German, Polish, Portuguese, French, Russian, Ukrainian. I don’t even know how many countries were represented. About 150 people in total.
Right now, I don’t have much money. I can hardly make donations. I try to give back by volunteering, taking photos, writing texts.
And thanks to someone I’ve never met, I can still take part in these courses, live for 10 days in a beautiful mountain setting, eat well, and study meditation — making my life better.
It warms my heart to know that Vipassana students give something good to one another.
To me, it’s the cycle of kindness.
This time, I was able to hear myself even more clearly. The more you focus inward, the easier the meditation becomes and the less physical pain you feel. But to reach those depths, you need practice. It’s like running — running a marathon fast can feel easier than doing it in 5 hours. But without experience and regular training, nothing works.
I plan to keep going to Vipassana once a year and to meditate daily.
Every course brings me to new depths.
What I gain there is priceless.
I wish you all freedom and happiness!
Almost every evening, I repeat this in my mind.
It feels like a prayer to me.
Every course brings me to new depths.
What I gain there is priceless.
I wish you all freedom and happiness!
Almost every evening, I repeat this in my mind.
It feels like a prayer to me.