Ruslan Gafarov’s Thoughts: What I Realized While Observing the Vipassana System from the Inside

How ten days inside the Vipassana system can change your perspective on leadership, trust, and personal responsibility — even if your role is limited to the kitchen or administrative work. These insights are shared by Ruslan Gafarov, entrepreneur and founder of the San Francisco Innovation Hub.

As an author of books about culture, I was especially interested in observing the management of Vipassana — how the system works from the inside.

After all, this is not just one center. There are thousands worldwide. In California alone — dozens, maybe hundreds. All of them operate according to the same principles established long ago by Goenka.
He is no longer alive, but the system continues to live and develop, with new centers opening. And all of this is funded by donations. No profit. No advertising. I was amazed at how this is even possible.

I watched closely how the kitchen is organized, how people take on roles, how decisions are made. The system is not based on control, but on an inner law. On clarity and intention. On deep trust and service. And on people. I saw those who consciously moved closer to the center, leaving cities, jobs, and the hustle behind. Some came from LA, some from San Francisco, some from other states. They rent housing nearby to be close to this place. They help in the kitchen, handle administrative work, teach, serve, and support. Why? Because this culture gives meaning. Because it helps people process trauma. Because it teaches humility and responsibility.

When I participated last year, next to me was a development director from Google, managing hundreds of people. He works in AI. There was also one of the well-known Silicon Valley entrepreneurs — I won’t name him because I didn’t ask for permission. Why do I mention this? Because the culture of Vipassana has influenced the culture of Silicon Valley. As far as I know, the founders of Google, OpenAI, and other major companies have attended these courses.

They come not to “relax,” but to regain focus, meaning, and a state that allows them to go into business, inspire teams, make decisions, build trust, attract funding, and — most importantly — not lose themselves.