Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has begun a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat in Punjab, seeking a period of rejuvenation. The retreat, commencing on March 5 and concluding on March 15, 2024, is taking place at the Dhamma Dhaja Vipassana Centre in Hoshiarpur, as per PTI. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, is also accompanying him on this meditative journey.
Where is Kejriwal taking Vipassana in Punjab?
Situated in the tranquil surroundings of Anandgarh village, the Dhamma Dhaja Vipassana Centre is where Kejriwal is taking Viapsana this time. Established in 1998, the centre derives its name from 'Dhamma Dhaja,' meaning 'Flag of Dhamma.' Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range, it provides an ideal setting for self-reflection and mental purification.
Kejriwal’s Vipassana journey over the years
Kejriwal's decision to attend the retreat follows a challenging political period for AAP. The party faced a setback in the recent Delhi Assembly elections, securing only 22 out of 70 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won with 48 seats.
The retreat is believed to be a much-needed personal break for the AAP leader, who has had an intense political schedule along with legal challenges related to an ongoing money laundering case concerning the excise policy.
However, this is not his first time embracing Vipassana; he previously undertook a similar retreat. Below are the media reports at times when Kejriwal tuned to Vipassana:
2013: Days before the results of AAP’s debut Assembly election, Kejriwal attended his first Vipassana session. AAP won 28 seats, and he briefly became Delhi CM before resigning in early 2014.
2014: Before the Lok Sabha election results, Kejriwal attended a retreat in Haryana. His party secured only four seats, and he lost to Narendra Modi in Varanasi.
2016: After a legal setback where the Delhi High Court reinforced the Lieutenant Governor’s authority over Delhi, he sought Vipassana in Himachal Pradesh.
2017 and 2021: Following electoral gains, including a Delhi bypoll victory and AAP’s entry into Chandigarh’s municipal elections, he took retreats in Maharashtra and Jaipur.
2022: After AAP’s historic MCD victory and its Gujarat debut, Kejriwal credited Vipassana for his renewed energy, encouraging others to experience its benefits.
2023: Amid the legal troubles with the Enforcement Directorate over the excise policy case, he attended a retreat in Punjab, drawing criticism from the BJP over its timing.
What is Vipassana?
Vipassana, an ancient meditation practice rooted in Buddhist traditions, focuses on self-awareness through deep observation of bodily sensations and mental patterns. This technique aims to cultivate inner peace, emotional resilience, and clarity of mind.
The 10-day retreat follows strict discipline, including noble silence, detachment from electronic devices, and adherence to a structured meditation routine.
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Benefits of meditation breaks
Taking time out for meditation offers numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Regular Vipassana practice has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving concentration and emotional stability. By focusing on mindfulness and deep introspection, practitioners can achieve greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and inner peace.
Studies suggest that meditation can also lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mental well-being. For individuals in high-pressure roles, such as political leaders, meditation is a powerful tool to maintain clarity during challenging times.
How to practice Vipassana meditation
Vipassana meditation requires discipline and commitment to truly experience its benefits. Beginners are advised to start by setting aside a quiet space for practice, free from distractions.
The meditation involves observing natural breath patterns and bodily sensations without reacting to them. Over time, this practice cultivates self-awareness and equanimity. Maintaining a posture of stillness and practising noble silence are key aspects of Vipassana.
Further, those interested in a deeper experience can join a structured 10-day course at certified centres, where participants undergo rigorous meditation sessions while following a strict schedule of silence and mindfulness exercises.
