Vipassana Meditation: The Technique Of Mental Purification

Vipassana meditation is one of the oldest meditation techniques in India. It is a transformative path based on self-observation and contemplation. Vipassana consists of using the mind to find the answers to the big questions that affect us. Some of these questions are: Who am I? How can I free myself from my sufferings? What is my relationship with the world?

Those who have devoted their lives to instructing others in this meditation practice often repeat the same phrase to students: “You must understand where you are to get where you want to go.” This is definitely something we should reflect on.

In our hectic modern world, there are many people who put a thousand and one project, wishes and goals on their plate. Each of us sets great goals for our immediate future.

But before we reach those goals, we need to remember where we started. We must see things clearly and objectively. We need to know what surrounds us. We must also know that these goals can somehow make us suffer.

Implementation of Vipassana meditation

People have a bad habit of not getting carried away by grief. We often run out and patch everything before it can bother us. We are experts in the art of ignoring. We ignore the fact that our ignorance causes us to stumble and sometimes fall into a deep grave caused by our own actions. This deep grave is filled with our conflicting emotions, such as hatred and anger. It catches us and prevents us from taking action. But how do we free ourselves from this?

Buddhist meditation shows us two things that can help us: Samatha and Vipassana. Although we will address the latter in this article, it is worth emphasizing that practicing Samatha is fundamental. If we are not able to get in touch with our emotions, we will not be able to achieve true Vipassana. This is a practice that is perfect for achieving personal growth.

We will only be able to perceive many more things when our minds have peace. We get better self-esteem. This will help us reach our goals and ultimately reveal the answers to the mysteries that sometimes rule us.

Vipassana Meditation: What is it?

Those who do not know much about meditation will undoubtedly believe that all meditations are the same. For any ignorant person, meditation is just an exercise in which people sit in a certain position, close their eyes and continue to relax. Now those who practice Vipassana meditation indicate that it must be separated from other practices.

• Experts say it is over 2,500 years old. Furthermore, there are texts that reveal that it originates from India.

• In addition, Vipassana means insight. It is the capacity to discover and see things as they are.
• It is mainly the impulse that allows us to realize things and in turn eradicate misunderstandings and false beliefs.
• One of the principles of Vipassana meditation is that life has many layers. Only when we learn to meditate will we be able to train our eyes to see through these layers with total clarity.

How to practice Vipassana meditation

Vipassana meditation requires a very special attitude. We must set aside everything we have been told or think about meditation. We must banish all prejudices and stereotypes we may have about it.

It is a way to clear our focus, to begin with the tabula rasa where we can be more receptive than ever to everything we are to learn and experience. We must not forget that the mind is very deceptive. Sometimes we are trapped in a complex cycle of ideas, perceptions and beliefs that make it difficult for us to be more open to everything around us. However, Vipassana meditation requires openness.

• As we have pointed out , we combine breathing with mental focus in this practice. Therefore, we must be aware of every emotion when we breathe.
• We also need to focus on something very specific (some people look at a candle or other object). In this way, we will be aware of how our thoughts wander and train our perception and attention.
• In the same way, as we inhale and exhale, we must also be aware of the emotions our body experiences. It’s like scanning the body and seeing everything we can perceive.

The mental part

After going through the physical journey, we need to focus on our thoughts and feelings. To do this, we can focus on a specific question or observe an external event. We must observe what is inside. We must also cleanse our fears, ideas, thoughts and beliefs. We need to let go of them and relax.

To conclude

Vipassana meditation has many benefits. In addition to those it shares with the most basic types of meditation, it allows us to see things differently. It also causes a shift in consciousness. Vipassana gives us the opportunity to see things as they really are.

In addition to Vipassana meditation, we have Vipassana insight, which only the most advanced students have access to. Those who are attracted to this practice tend to immerse themselves a little in the knowledge of the mind and its relationship to the body. This is known as the sixteen stages of insight. These theoretical axes range from the knowledge of the cause-effect-relationship between mental and physical states of the impurities of the mind.

Vipassana meditation is definitely a good practice that can help us learn and connect to our mental states in a more positive way.