An insight into the nature of reality. VIPASSANA MEDITATION.

Ask yourself.

Do I give time to my thoughts to process? How often do I sit alone where there's just me and my constantly flowing thoughts? Do I try to observe what's happening in my mind? Do I give the attention to my body it so desperately seeks?

These are rather boring questions but important nonetheless.

Now that you have questioned yourself, how do you do all this? 

Vipassana may be the answer for you.

In this blog post, we will dive deep into the concept of vipassana, its significance, history and benefits.

After you have read this, you will also find a link at the bottom to a blog post on how to practice vipassana meditation (The right way).

WHAT IS VIPASSANA MEDITATION?

- Vipassana is a form of meditation that involves self observation and introspection. It is a technique that was discovered by Buddha over 2500 years ago as a means to attain enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

The practice involves sitting in silence for extended periods, focusing on your breath and bodily sensations.

The aim is to cultivate deep awareness and insight into the true nature of reality, including the impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and selflessness of all phenomena, which leads to self-discovery and a profound shift in your perspective towards life and the truth.

Sounds philosophical right?

It quite is.

S.N Goenka

Discovered 2500 years ago, vipassana meditation gained renewed interest as a meditation practice in the 20th century. One of the key figures who popularized vipassana meditation in the west and reintroduced it in its pure form in India was S.N Goenka, an Indian meditation teacher who learned vipassana from his teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin, in myanmar. 

Goenka eventually established meditation centres around the world and taught vipassana to people from various religious and cultural backgrounds.

- The core principle of vipassana meditation is the practice of mindfulness, which involves paying close attention to the present moment with complete equanimity and without judgement.

Another key principle is impermanence — the understanding that all sensations, thoughts and emotions are temporary and constantly changing.

- Practitioners are encouraged to observe their bodily sensations, thoughts and emotions as they arise and pass away.

By observing the ever-changing nature of sensations in the body, you learn to cultivate a sense of detachment and non-attachment to the passing phenomenon. This can lead to a profound shift in perspective, helping you to let go of attachments and aversion and ultimately find freedom from suffering.

*imagine the bell ringing and its resonant tone -ethereal and enchanting- reverberating through the air.

That feeling you get is like the vibration reaching the soul. That feeling is when you are at peace with yourself and at peace with everything around.

BENEFITS OF VIPASSANA MEDITATION

• Greater clarity & insight: you develop insight into the impermanent and selfless nature of all phenomena which can lead to more clarity and insight into the nature of reality and self.

• Enhanced physical well-being: by developing mindfulness towards bodily sensations, you become more aware of your physical state, resulting in better body-mind connection, improved posture, etc.

• Emotional regulation: with vipassana, you will be observing your emotions with equanimity and by doing so, you learn to respond to your emotions in a balanced and skillful manner, rather than reacting impulsively.

• Better sleep: Calm mind and relaxed body means better sleep. With regular practice, your sleep quota may even go down as your body won't be needing much rest.

• Improved focus and concentration: In this easy to be distracted technologically advanced world, vipassana gives you a way to increase your focus to get the most out of whatever it is you do.

• Reduced suffering: sorrow is an intrinsic part of life, it can never be eliminated.

Buddha says– desire is the cause for 'dukha'(sorrow). However, by knowing the impermanent nature of pain & pleasure and happiness & sorrow- by experience, you may witness a  profound shift in your attitude towards suffering.

CONCLUSION

No matter at what stage in life we are, what our age is or where we live, one thing that all of us want is a prospect for a better future. But how many of us are actually willing to work for it?

Vipassana is just a way and maybe just one of many other ways to get in tune with your mind and body. 

The process is long and definitely not easy.

Doubting the process or the practice itself is very reasonable, you should continue the practice only if you think it is benefitting you.

Start practising and see for yourself.

But before forming any judgement, you must practise it in its true form, follow the correct procedure and if possible, learn from a vipassana teacher.

Here's the link to the blog post :

HOW TO PRACTISE VIPASSANA MEDITATION

Click on the link to know the correct procedure of practising vipassana, so that you do it right and judge it right.