Vipassana is an ancient meditation technique of India and a straight-forward practical method of purifying the mind through self-observation. Vipassana means to see things as they really are.
The Technique was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha more than 2500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art Of Living. It aims for the total eradication of mental impurities and the resultant highest happiness of full liberation.
As a way of self-transformation through self-observation, Vipassana focuses on the deep interconnection between the mind and the body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion.
The practice of Vipassana meditation involves following the principles of Dhamma/Dharma, the universal law of nature. It involves walking on the Noble Eightfold Path, which is broadly categorised into Sila (Morality), Samadhi (concentration) and Pañña (wisdom, insight).
To learn Vipassana, it is necessary to take a 10-day residential course under the guidance of a qualified teacher. The courses are conducted at established Vipassana Centres and other non-centre locations. During the course, participants follow a prescribed Code of Discipline.
Practicing Vipassana the mechanisms that operate one's thoughts, feelings, judgements and sensations become clear. Through direct experience, the nature of how one grows or regresses, how one produces suffering or frees oneself from suffering is understood. Life becomes characterized by increased awareness, non-delusion, self-control and peace.