November 28th 2023.
The Assam Education Department has recently announced that any teacher willing to participate in a Vipassana meditation course will be granted a 12-day leave to do so. The department has made this decision in the hopes of equipping teachers with the ability to teach their students Vipassana.
Vipassana, often misspelled as “Bipashana,” is an ancient Indian meditation technique that focuses on the connection between mind and body through disciplined attention to physical sensations. Its purpose is to purify the mind, eliminating qualities such as anger and greed, which can lead to enlightenment. This practice is widely used in non-sectarian settings, often taking the form of 10-day retreats.
Teachers have started to arrive at the designated center, which is run by an organization in the Chandrapur neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. Although the center has been open for some time, this is the first formal directive that allows teachers to take part in Vipassana training. The 10-day program includes travel time and is authorized for a 12-day break.
Student organizations such as the Students' Federation of India have voiced their disapproval of the government proposal to allow teachers to travel for Vipassana learning "at the cost of regular classes," though teacher organizations have yet to state their opinion.
Sangeeta Das, Assam state secretary of SFI, expressed her concern, saying “When over 3,000 government schools are run by a single teacher, if one teacher goes out for a course facilitated by a private trust, what will the students do? What is the interest of the government behind sanctioning 12-day leave?”
The prospect of teachers taking part in Vipassana training has caused debate in the community. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that Vipassana has many benefits, such as improved concentration, better sleep, and increased creativity. It also helps to reduce stress, improve self-awareness, and create a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts and feelings.
The Assam Education Department has taken a step forward in promoting the practice of Vipassana, and it will be interesting to see what the long-term effects of this decision will be.
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