Monday, September 23, 2013

Vipassana Meditation and It's Benefits

Vipassana meditation is an ancient Indian form of meditation which was re-discovered by Gotama Buddha more than 2500 years ago. Vipassana meditation is all about a self-exploratory journey to enhance a balanced mind that is full of love and compassion. This practice is currently taught in India by Mr. S.N. Goenka who learnt Vipassana meditation from his teacher, Sayagyi U Ba Khin. Mr. Goenka spent fourteen years studying Vipassana techniques and now has many assistant teachers to help him handle the increasing demand for Vipassana teachings.

Simply put, Vipassana means to see things as they really are. Vipassana meditation does not adhere to any particular form of faith. Many people from various religions have had excellent results from Vipassana and no interference with their specific faith occurred. Vipassana meditation is a method to eliminate suffering, increase mental purification and assist the individual to handle life's tensions and stresses in a calm, peaceful manner. In practicing this technique one will observe the changing nature of the body and mind. In realizing the truth about change, suffering and tensions, one will experience the process of purification. The aim of Vipassana meditation is self-observation to facilitate self-purification.

Vipassana meditation is taught free of charge over a period of ten days. Participants will live at the training centre during their course. Costs for the training facility are covered by donations from people who have previously benefited from the training and wish to give others the same opportunity. Do not mistake this opportunity as a holiday or a socializing retreat. Only serious, hardworking individuals who are dedicated to benefit from the course should attend.

The training can be divided into three stages. The first stage will involve concentration on abstinence from killing, stealing, sexual activity, telling lies and intoxicants. This first stage of Vipassana meditation helps to calm and prepare the individual for the task of self-observation. The second phase focuses on accomplishing power over the mind by paying particular attention to the breathing process. By the fourth day of training the individual is considerably calmer, more relaxed and ready to focus on the Vipassana meditation itself. This is the self-observation part whereby the individual will concentrate on understanding the nature of sensations that occur in the body and learn how to control reactions to them. On the last day everyone learns the art of kindness, love and compassion to other living beings.

Vipassana meditation essentially is used to develop a healthy mind through continued practice. All your problems will not vanish within 10 days but you will have learned sufficient skills to apply Vipassana techniques to your life.








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