blog #12

6 AM; the sun now shone obnoxiously bright, a stark contrast to the modest dawn rays of forty minutes prior. The breakfast gong had just sounded, signaling half-asleep meditators in various states of dishevelment to groggily trudge towards the dining hall in silence, eyes barely open, feet dragging on the pavement — we had just finished our first meditation session of the day.

The atmosphere changed considerably in the dining hall. The clang of dishes, the flurry of movement, and the aroma of chai gave life to this otherwise unassuming room — though we could not speak to each other, the sir was unmistakably filled with a sense of renewed energy and lifted spirits as the meditation course went on. 

Each day we followed the same schedule — waking up at 5 AM, about 8 hours of meditation, and sleeping at 9 PM.

It was difficult. It was tiring, at times. But for the moments where it brought a promise of peace, it was worth it.