About MITRA Upakram
MITRA Upakram This is a joint initiative of the Education Department Government of Maharashtra and Vipassana Research Institute. MITRA, is an abbreviation of Mind In Training for Right Awareness and Upakram means Program or Activity. This includes participation in Anapana meditation training and practice it daily. 'Ana' (आन) means incoming and 'Apana' (अपान) means outgoing breath. The participants learn to observe the natural incoming and outgoing breath by focusing attention at the entrance of nostrils.
Anapana meditation is the first step in learning Vipassana. Through anapana training children are able to face with confidence the fear of examination, anxieties and pressure of childhood and adolescence. Anapana gives them insight into the working of their own minds, making their thought process positive and helps them build inner strength and confidence enabling them to control their conduct and thought process.
This is provided in three steps. In the first step students practice abstinence from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and the use of intoxicants. These forms the foundation of technique. By observation of these precepts students can successfully control their unruly mind with the help of self discipline. In the second step through Anapana practice they focus attention on the breathing process. Thereby they experience the movement of breath as it comes in and goes out naturally. In the third steps through Anapana techniques the observed peace of mind and happiness is shared with others through Metta Bhavna.
It is observed that daily practice of Anapana Meditation by children helps them to improve concentration of minds, awareness and alertness of the mind, improve self discipline, increases memory, decision making power, increases self confidence, overcome fear, anger, nervousness increases capacity to work, better performance in studies, sports and extra curricular activities. There are no rites or rituals involved in the practice of Anapana, therefore practicing it is essential for developing new generation of healthy mindset. In view of the above, it is thought fit to introduce Anapana courses in all schools for the children from 5th standard onward.
Guruji message of June 2013 Vipassana Newsletter
MITRA Upakram: In addition, the Maharashtra Government has started a plan through which the teachers of all the Government schools are given Vipassana and the students are given Anapana. Teachers are given paid leave to participate in the courses so that not only will they themselves benefit from this knowledge but they will also be more successful in encouraging the students to do Anapana. In this manner, hundreds of thousands of people have been benefitted. This plan should be further extended.