Whoa! Darren, what an experience. But I admire you for enduring it for five days. I would like to think I can survive that but then, why put ourselves through that when there are pleasanter more comfortable ways to meditate? I have always been curious about Vipassana, after a friend of ours talked about it--he seemed to have enjoyed it. After reading your account, though, I think I'll give it a pass and take it off my bucket list. Thank you. Great read by the way, as always!