Vipassana Meditation – Its Procedure and Techniques
To be aware and absorbed in a moment and place is wonderful. All the concealed beauty will reveal itself to you, leaving you with unexplained delight and satisfaction. Imagine doing the same with your being! Sitting quietly, observing yourself, paying attention to your senses, and unraveling yourself bit by bit. Vipassana meditation will make that happen for you. Read on to know more about Vipassana and how it can help you.
But first, let’s find out what Vipassana is all about.
What Is Vipassana Meditation?
Vipassana is the most ancient meditation technique. It was taught by Buddha about 2500 years ago. It is a means to become aware of yourself, your life, and the essence of your existence. In this meditation, the mind is a tool to get closer to reality and the way things are. Vipassana will lead to liberation – a permanent phenomenon unlike the temporary tranquility that other kinds of meditation offer.
How To Practice Vipassana?
Vipassana is deep and lasting. The ability to understand the life process without any filters is not as easy as it sounds. A series of mind exercises will help you become aware and attentive. Vipassana is a gradual process that ultimately makes you realize the real purpose of life. Read on to know how to do Vipassana meditation.
All About Vipassana Meditation
1. Grind-Free Mind
A clear mind is capable of achieving the impossible. Before you get started, remove all impure thoughts from your head and make peace with people and happenings that troubled you. Wish true happiness for everyone. This clearing will make it easier for you as you go ahead in Vipassana.
Keep your mind in check as it can easily trick you. It will start a thread of thoughts, and before you know it, you will get embroiled in it. Cut the thought chain out, train your mind, and concentrate on the greater good.
2. Hocus Focus
Sit down in a balanced manner. Close your eyes gently and try to focus on your breathing. Observe how the air is going in and out of your body. Then, get to observing other aspects of your body.
Various thoughts will crop up in your head and distract you, but do not let them stop you. Keep trying. Gently refocus each time your thoughts tend to wander. As you go on like this, your focus will become sharp, and you will build a strong base for Vipassana.
3. Breezy Breathing
It is imperative to be mindful of your breath because it serves as a referral point for your focus. Every time your mind wanders, you can bring it back to stability by concentrating on the breath – it keeps the mind from wavering. Also, breathing helps you go into a meditative state. To understand breath is to understand life itself as it is common to all living beings.
Breathe in a manner that is convenient. Vipassana recommends deep breathing. Feel and follow how the air goes in and out of your body, observing how you receive and react to it.
4. Lasting Liberation
Keeping your mind free of negative thoughts and focusing on your breath and breathing right isn’t easy at all, but don’t give up. Don’t judge yourself for straying. Always try to get back on track, gently yet firmly. Slowly, you will feel the awareness kicking in. The feeling of knowing something for what it is, perceiving the truth of everything, and realizing the potential and power of the present. These feelings come gradually after continued practice and will enlighten you.
The above procedure and technique are the beginning to unravel eternal wisdom and knowledge. They will take you past the illusion, and present reality as it is.
5. Benefits
Vipassana works differently for each person, but here are some guaranteed general benefits:
- Vipassana helps you understand the behavior and reactions of other people in a better manner. It will make you realize the reason behind their mood and interact with them in a way that is helpful to them.
- It will soak you with knowledge that will help you converse better and listen attentively instead of reacting instantly and unnecessarily.
- Your attachment to worldly matters decreases, and you learn to look at life beyond that.
- You become more forgiving and begin to look at life positively.
Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding Vipassana meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn Vipassana meditation?
Ideally, a guru must teach Vipassana, and it is a lifelong process. To get initiated into it and get basic training, at least 10 days are required.
Is Vipassana religious?
Vipassana transcends beyond religion. It is the pursuit of the true nature of reality and the workings of life.
How does one know if they are fit for Vipassana?
Anybody with decent mental and physical health can practice Vipassana. Patience, perseverance, and dedication will take you a long way in benefitting from the Vipassana practice.
Can Vipassana cure diseases?
An imbalance in the mind and the body causes disease. To begin Vipassana with the purpose of curing a disease is not advisable. It will neither help in curing the disease nor benefit you with the actual purpose of Vipassana.
Should one do Vipassana every day?
It is beneficial if done every day. Morning hours are good as your mind is fresh and you can quickly focus and breathe.
Vipassana is all about freeing you from the illusions you create for yourself and giving you an insight into actuality. It will liberate your thoughts, feelings, and actions and make you fully aware and present. You will begin to appreciate life even more. Vipassana is uplifting and beautiful. Try it now to experience its magic.
