What Is The Goal Of Vipassana Meditation?

Vipassana meditation is a type of Buddhist meditation. Vipassana roughly translates as "insight" in English. Vipassana emerged from the Theravada school of Buddhism, primarily in Sri Lanka, in the first millennium. The original teacher of this practice, however, is thought to have been Gautama Buddha, who lived about 2,500 years ago in India. The ultimate goal of Vipassana is to develop detachment and to achieve spiritual liberation, called "nibbana". The means by which this is done is by observation of the change. Vipassana is popular and widely practiced around the world.

Annapannasati

The practice of Vipassana can be divided into two practices, Annapanna and Vipassana, or meditation proper. The purpose of Annapanna is to develop the skill of concentration. Meditators are encouraged to observe the sensations of air produced below their noses while respiring quietly. The aim of this practice is not to control the breath in any way, but to practice simple observation of the sensations against the body. Respiration is considered especially important in Vipassana, because it carries out a vital function yet can be controlled. As a person focuses on an inspiration, his rate of breathing naturally becomes slower, deeper and more refined. When this practice is applied routinely over several days, the meditator is able to build concentration.

Vipassana Meditation

A meditator who practices annapanna for several days is often fit to be initiated into the formal Vipassana practice. Vipasanna meditation primarily is centered on observation. As a person sits in mediation, she is instructed to focus on each individual part of her body, starting from her head, and to proceed downward, in a methodical fashion, to her toes. While keeping her attention on a body part, the meditator is instructed to look for any observable sensations, such as heat, cold or pain. A variety of sensations may be experienced in this way, but the meditator is instructed not to react to any of them, regardless of how pleasurable or painful they may be; instead, she is instructed to simply take note of them and continue the practice of observing her body.

Possible Benefits of Vipassana Meditation

Though the practice of Vipassana is simple, many who try it may find it difficult initially. Objective data regarding the benefits of Vipassana is still lacking. The ultimate aim of meditation is to achieve spiritual liberation, or nibbana. While the ultimate aim of Vipassana, spiritual liberation, may seem an impossible undertaking, people who practice Vipassana regularly report a variety of positive changes in their lives. Some of the changes people experience are positive thinking, increased mental clarity and a decreased reactivity to negative situations. A study published in 2006 in "Psychology of Addictive Behaviors" showed that inmates who practiced Vipassana had a decreased incidence of substance abuse and positive psychosocial outcomes. More data is needed to firmly establish the claims of Vipassana.

Vipassana Movement

A movement to spread the teaching of Vipassana started at the outset of the 21st century. A variety of Vipassana courses have emerged. Many of these follow a 10-day format, and are conducted as silent retreats. Meditators spend the first few days of the camp practicing Annapanna to develop concentration. The practice is then extended to include Vipassana, meditation proper.