After taking three buses and walking down steep stone steps set amidst a forest, I reached the center, welcomed by heavy rainfall and a cup of tea. Later I was guided to my room which I had to share with another Dhamma Server. [break]
The room consisted of two beds, two windows and two hangers. It resembled a bare prison cell. But the magnificent view of Begnas lake from the center, reminded me of the reasons for being there. I wanted to spend some time in peace among nature.
The next day I was given a booklet about Dhamma Servers, but was still unsure about what was expected from me. My fellow server, however, had been doing Vipassana for the past 14 years and I was given a brief orientation.
Over the next 10 days I learnt my job well. I guided the meditators, catered to their needs while at the same time served food, cleaned tables, swept floors and helped in the kitchen. But, my most important job was acting as the medium of communication between the teacher, the meditators and the other two servers.
At the Vipasanna center meditators came from 18 different nations. Between the other two volunteers - one (female) was from England and the other one (male) from Greece. Hence, English being the lingua franca. I worked as a translator for them.
The manager of the center once told me, “While you’re meditating you have one teacher but while you’re serving every meditator is your teacher.” He was right.
As a meditator, I only knew my problems, those that had taken priority over all else. But, as a Dhamma server I got a chance to witness the sufferings of others and was expected to place the needs of others before mine own. While many cried in pain, I realized that I wasn’t the only one with problems. During my hall duty, I had to meditate with open eyes while watching the meditators.
I observed the faces around me. Each had a different expression and a story of their own.
I didn’t just learn from the meditators, but also from the managers.
A kitchen staff had recently resigned. The manager and a trustee worked in the kitchen from early morning by 3 am.
They would wait until late at night to fill up the water tanks. All through tough times, no one ever complained. Instead each person had a look of joy on their face, knowing that their hard work was helping others learn valuable technique of Vipassana while easing people out of suffering towards a more meaningful life.
During this trip I learnt compassion since I had always been a receiver rather than a giver I also learnt about humility, selfless service, hard work and simplicity while understanding the difference languages can make!
I surprised myself by stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new. I traveled alone but wasn’t ever really alone.
That’s the best thing about traveling alone - you are open to new friendships, new possibilities and new adventures.
In the material world, we are constantly in the pursuit of bigger possessions to make us happy. But true joy is brought about by helping others with a pure heart and knowing that you are making a difference.
True joy is also attained when you have the courage to do what you believe in, without having the fear of being alone.
Taking a step outside yourself and thinking about a higher purpose adds a new dimension to your life and makes it worthwhile.
The writer is back to resuming a normal life after spending a month in meditation and then in service, but this normality starts with a new kind of vigor and enthusiasm.
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