Feel the serenity in Vipassana center, Dhammagiri

After visiting the religious places of India, I thought of visiting the meditation center of Maharashtra where I would be relaxed and get peace of mind. I then travelled to Igatpuri in Maharashtra where over twenty acres of land is occupied by Dhammagiri -the Vipassana center.Igatpuri is a small village near Mumbai and world famous for the Vipassana techniques that are available at Dhammagiri. It was established in 1974 and since then offers various courses to the people of all ages who are interested in learning the Vipassana meditation technique.

I reached to Igatpuri via the central railway and took an auto to reach the Vipassana center. It hardly took 5 minutes to reach there by an auto. I found Igatpuri to be a very pleasant place surrounded by mountains, huge trees and much more. I just captured all these things in my camera. While entering there, I saw a hoarding outside which mentioned about the establishment and other important things about the center.

A well-known Vipassana teacher named Saya Gyi U Ba Khin wanted to have a Vipassana center in India. There efforts were successful when they purchased this land in Igatpuri which is just about a three hours distance from Mumbai. After the construction was completed in 1976, the first 10-day course was started for the common people. Since then, many courses are held every year which are attended by thousands of people, not only from India but also from each and every continent of the world.

The description which I read was about the place when it was hardly transformed with any development. But what I saw now was something really outstanding. The place was so much developed due to the constant landscaping, gardening and tree planting. Dhammagiri which began on a scrubby, dry and barren hill is now transformed to a lush garden with various shrubs.

Many Indians consider the 10-day meditation course as their cultural and spiritual development which is carried out in great silence and discipline. At a time more than 2500 people enjoy the meditation. The sixty-foot pagoda raises high in the sky. Food provided here is one of the most interesting things. I just loved the spicy Indian food with sweet chutneys, curries and many more.

After completing the meditation course, I felt like I have achieved some great thing in my life. I found the word “Vipassana” similar to meditation, while Vipassana actually means to see the things as they really are or appear. It is a practical way for achieving peace of mind and also to lead a happy life. Vipassana also teaches people to strengthen their thoughts and face all ups and downs in a calm way. Today, this center is the principal Vipassana Meditation center of the world which provides a unique, serene and cheerful environment!