The “Happy Village” project has started in many villages and a few towns with cooperation between Vipassana Research Institute and local governing bodies of villages and town's. Before starting this project workshops are arranged to train the dhamma-workers. Until today 11 such workshops have been arranged in various Vipassana centres in Maharashtra. Under this project, after selecting a village, the villagers above 10 years of age have been taught Anapana meditation and are informed about Vipassana meditation. Good results are coming as a result with improved cordiality among villagers. Any mediator can participate in starting this project to make his village or town, a “Happy Village” or a “Happy Town”. This will benefit people at large.
What is Anandi village for?
Misery is all around. Village or city, poor or rich, illiterate or scholar, woman or man, whoever generates mental defilement or negativity is bound to be miserable, its universal law of nature. India is a village dominated country. 67% of the population is rural. There are many types of problems in the village. such as -
- Addiction, Communal conflict, Suicide, Casteism, Violence against women and children, Indebtedness, Superstitions, Violence against women,Mental problems such as: Stress, Depression, Anxiety.
2000 years ago Vipassana was spread in every village of India.
India was the happiest and richest country. India was called the golden bird. India was a world teacher in the field of spirituality.
People used to talk about vipassana at common places of villages in India. Like Panwata where women draw the water and also wash the clothes and also at Village meeting places i.e. verandah or chonpal.
How did the concept of Anandi village originate?
Initially the project of making village tobacco free with Anapana & Vipassana Meditation was launched in Kawalgaon Village by VRI in association with Govt. of Maharashtra public health department. The response from villagers was very good, participation for Anapana & Vipassana meditation was increasing.
How are the local authorities are approached:
1Give brief information regarding project to Head of the Village
Gram Panchayat (Sarpanch) Or to the head of the Municipal Council Let them see the documentary as well as arrange 10 min Anapana Meditation for them.
2Happy Village project proposal Should be passed through Gram Sabha Or in General body meeting of Municipal Council
3Approval should be taken from Area teacher of that region and also inform to VRI
4Make a team of old meditators (Male & Female)
5Appoint team Co-ordinator AT/ CCT / L.C. Meditator
6Request VRI to arrange workshops to train the team
7Fill up the happiness score questionnaire to measure the level of happiness of villagers above 10 years of age before starting Anapan Session for them.
8Take the Anapana Session for villagers in the Gram Panchayat hall.
9Team should visit from home to home and give 10 min Anapana in Pujya Guruji's Voice after filling the happiness score questionnaire.
10Give a 10 min audio clip of Anapana Meditation on their mobile phone and time table sheet for regular practice.
11Happiness Score questionnaire to be filled again after 1 year of regular practice.
Change of kavalgoan
- Total population 5273.
- About 4 thousand people took advantage of the practice of Anapana.
- 26 people benefitted from the ten-day Vipassana course
- Appreciation of meditation practice in about 5 to 6 places.
- Practicing 10 minute Anapana cultivation in the traditional festive.
- Haldi Kumkum, Wedding Ceremony, Dutt Birth Anniversary, Savitrimai Phules
- On birth anniversary occasions, 10 minutes of Anapana Sadhana is organized.
- Increase in proof of modesty practice.
- Decreased evidence of conflict.
- Lack of proof of adultery.
- Some people find help in addiction release. e.g. Daru, Bidi, Tambakhu.
- Discussion about Anapana Vipassana meditation in the village and Transformation of Kavalgaon Seekers have come to know through various means.
Like Kavalgaon, there are calls from many seekers to make Anandi Gaon in their village. Under this project, after selecting a village, the villagers above 10 years of age have been taught Anapana meditation and are informed about Vipassana meditation. Good results are coming as a result with improved cordiality among villagers. Any mediator can participate in starting this project to make his village or town, a “Happy Village” or a “Happy Town”. This will benefit people at large.
The Anandigoan project has been started in the following villages:
- Santuk Pimpri, District Hingoli 2. Khaparkheda, District Hingoli 3. Asai, District Jalna 4. Kondwada, District Hingoli.