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MEDITATION FOR HOMEWORK

A two-week workshop of anapana meditation is annually held at Gitanjali School in Hyderabad, India. Anapana is the first stage of vipassana meditation, as taught by S.N. Goenka, and involves watching the breath. The course is held within the school, with batches of students spending two hours a day meditating. While meditating, the students sit cross-legged on the floor and, with their eyes closed, watch their breath as they inhale and exhale. They are joined in this exercise by the school staff.

Vipassana counselors also explain the techniques of meditation to students through stories. Children clear their doubts in interactive sessions where their problems are discussed threadbare. The students are also given regular meditation 'homework' for five days. On the last day, they write their own impressions about the course.

Going by the reactions of the students, anapana meditation seems to be an ideal means for self-development. Tasleem Banu, a class nine student, finds meditation an effective tonic to improve her concentration. Anapana has also given Siddharta Subramanian of class eight a boost in self-confidence.