Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1999 08 Twenty Years

Author(s): Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh

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On my arrival at the camp, the peacefulness and the beauty of the camp were striking. One gets a feeling of exhilaration just being in that surrounding. We filled out the registration forms and were each assigned to a small cottage. The cottage was shared with one other person. Simplicity was everywhere.
On the very first day, at the orientation meeting in a large Meditation Hall, Guruji gave us our instructions, we took an oath to maintain silence and follow the procedures stated above for the next 10 days. It was essential that we not talk or communicate, even with sign language.
During the course, each day begins with a wake up bell at 4:00 am for the first meditation session (from 4:30 am to 6:30 am). Following breakfast and shower, the second meditation session runs from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. There is a short break for lunch, and for taking care of cleaning and washing clothes. The rest of the afternoon is again spent in meditation. There is a snack at 5:00 p.m. This snack is also the dinner as there is no evening meal. There is evening meditation with a videotape from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lights are out at 9:00 p.m. and we retire to bed. This schedule is maintained for ten days.
The first three days were trying with physical discomfort of joint pains from long sessions of sitting position, feelings of ambivalence and doubts about why I was doing this. We felt a flood of thoughts and memories in the mind as we had to maintain complete silence. But there was daily reassurance from Guruji and from observing another 150 persons going through the same experiences. We also had opportunities for individual talks with Guruji daily, the only time we were allowed to talk.
Most remarkably, a transformation started on the fourth day. The ambivalence and doubts began to dissipate. A feeling of tranquility set in and I began to experience a unique feeling of peace.
Indu Varia is a psychiatrist at Duke Medical Center. She lives in Chapel Hill.
This article is sponsored by Vasant & Prabha Sejpal.
My Favorite Things by Payal and Pari Shah
My name is Payal Shah and I am eight years old. My sister is Pari Shah and she is six years old. Our favorite things about Jain group meetings are:
1. We love the food.
2. Sitting quietly.
3. Playing with other kids.
4. Singing Om Mangalam.
5. Sometimes we get a reward.
6. We like helping to pass things out.
Payal and Pari Shah are elementary school students at Ephesus School in Chapel Hill.
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