Introduction to Vipassana Meditation

Vipassana is an insight into the true nature of things;instructor is a person who has himself practiced
seeing things as they are. The path that leads to thisVipassana meditation thoroughly and has acquired a
insight or realization is awareness or mindfulness. It isvery sound experience of meditation. The meditator
exclusively found in no other religion rather thanshould see and relate to the instructor very often
Buddhism. In this meditation, four objects areabout his experience of the meditation. During the
considered for concentration of mind: body, feelings,interview, the instructor can guide the meditator on the
thoughts and mental states. Vipassana practice is tocorrect method of meditation. If the meditator is
use these four objects for the development ofdiscouraged due to lack of progress, the instructor
concentration, mindfulness and insight or understandingmust give him some words of encouragement.
of yourself and the world around you.If such instructor is not available, then you must follow
It offers the most simple, direct and effective methodthe guidance given here.b) A firm determination Not all
for training the mind to meet daily tasks and problemsmeditators have firm determination to achieve insight.
and to achieve the highest aim: liberation.With insight, the mental impurities of greed, hatred and
It is safe for all types of characters and a harmlessignorance can be uprooted. It is not an easy task to
way to train the mind. You can use this methodachieve these insights. Only meditators with firm
anywhere at anytime, in a busy office or in the quiet ofdetermination will have the ability to attain mental
a peaceful night.purification.c) Good discipline For best results, it is
The task is to develop awareness or mindfulness.recommended that one seeks training at a proper
Awareness is paying bare attention to an object. Thismeditation center. From the time the lessons in
means you simply observe an object without judging itmeditation begin until a meditator leaves the center, he
or thinking about it. Awareness is simply observing ofwill have practically no time to attend to external
giving close attention without making any judgement ofactivities.
thinkingThose who enter into a meditation center usually get
Target of Vipassana meditationup very early in the morning and practice meditation
To achieve insight, so that you can understand the realfor many hours. This insufficiency of sleep, under
nature of anything. Physical and mental healing isnormal circumstances, may affect the health of a
merely a byproduct of this meditation.person. But it does not affect the practicing meditator,
Who will need this? a) People who think they arebecause of his mental concentration.d) Real honesty In
sufferers because of relational problems with friends,describing his experiences to the instructor, the
family, colleagues and society; b) People who want tomeditator must be truthful. He must tell only the facts,
purify themselves and want to start new lives; c)good or bad, which the meditator has definitely
People who want to heal their migraine and similarexperienced. If he does not have mental concentration,
diseases d) People with mental problems likeor if he loses his confidence in meditation, he must
aggressiveness, lack of confidence, phobia and otherreveal it. There are some meditators who have learnt
stuffs.about meditation either from others or from books.
Remember one thing! If you are not a sufferer, if youDuring the interview with the instructor, they may relate
don't want a change, you will not realize the purposethese facts as if they are their own. This kind of
of this meditation. This meditation will give you insight,untruthful dealings must be avoided at any cost. If the
the cause of suffering will be revealed and mind will bemeditator does not tell the truth to the instructor, the
peaceful ever since. If you want to do meditation onlylatter will not be in a position to help him. The meditator
for supernatural purposes, Vipassana meditationmust relate only what he has experienced during
cannot help you to achieve this. You will need othermeditation and not what he imagines he has
meditations that build up super concentration.experienced. He must therefore be able to examine
Requisites of a meditator The five most importanthimself mindfully.e) Persistent diligence As has been
requisites for a meditator who wants to practicepointed above, the task of uprooting desire, hatred, and
Vipassana meditation for the achievement of supremeignorance is not an easy task. It requires unflagging
bliss are as follows: a) A qualified teacher b) A firmeffort, patience, strong determination, devotion and
determination c) Good discipline d) Real honesty e)understanding of the real purpose of the meditation.
Persistent diligencea) A qualified instructor A qualified