What is Vipassana

Vipassana is an ancient meditation technique. Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha in India more than 2500 years ago. The word Vipassana means seeing things as they really are. It is a process of self-purification through self-observation. The process starts with the observation of the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With this sharpened awareness the student then learns to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and the absence of a permanent self. This truth-realization by direct experience is the process of purification. The entire path (Dhamma) is a universal remedy for universal problems. For this reason, it can be freely practiced by everyone, at any time, in any place, without conflict due to race, community or religion, and will prove equally beneficial to one and all.

What Vipassana is

Vipassana is a technique that will eradicate suffering.
It is a method of mental purification which allows one to face life’s tensions and problems in a calm, balanced way.
It is an art of living that one can use to make positive contributions to society.

What Vipassana isn’t

Vipassana is not a rite or ritual based on blind faith.
It is not an intellectual exercise nor for philosophical entertainment.
Its purpose is not to cure disease.
A Vipassana course is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing.
Vipassana practice is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

Vipassana meditation aims at the highest spiritual goals of liberation from all suffering, and full enlightenment. Vipassana eliminates the three causes of all unhappiness: craving, aversion and ignorance. With continued practice, the meditation releases the tensions developed in everyday life, opening the knots tied by the old habit of reacting in an unbalanced way to pleasant and unpleasant situations.

Although Vipassana was developed as a technique by the Buddha, its practice is not limited to Buddhists. There is no question of conversion. All human beings share the same problems and a technique which can eradicate these problems will have a universal application. People from many religious denominations have experienced the benefits of Vipassana meditation and have found no conflict with their faith.

Self Discipline & Commitments

The process of self-purification by introspection is certainly never easy–students have to work very hard at it. By their own efforts students arrive at their own realizations; no one else can do this for them. Therefore, the meditation will suit only those willing to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is there for the benefit and protection of the meditators and is an integral part of the meditation practice.

Ten days is certainly a very short time in which to penetrate the deepest levels of the unconscious mind and learn how to eradicate the complexes lying there. Continuity of the practice in seclusion is the secret of this technique’s success. Rules and regulations have been developed keeping this practical aspect in mind. They are not primarily for the benefit of the teacher or the course management, nor are they negative expressions of tradition, orthodoxy or blind faith in some organized religion. Rather, they are based on the practical experience of thousands of meditators over the years and are both scientific and rational. Abiding by the rules creates a very conducive atmosphere for meditation; breaking them pollutes it.

Students make a commitment to stay for the entire period of the course. The 10-day course actually spans 12 days when you include the arrival and departure days.

Students must remain within the course boundaries throughout the course. The other rules should also be carefully considered. Only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply for admission.

Mental Health Issues

People with significant mental health issues have occasionally come to Vipassana courses with the unrealistic expectation that the technique will cure or alleviate their mental health problems. Even when someone’s mental health is currently stable, with or without medication, old symptoms may resurface during or after the course. Psychological conditions that have been in remission may reoccur.

Vipassana meditation is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric treatment, and we do not recommend it for people with significant mental health issues.

Code of Discipline

Detailed Code of Discipline for meditators can be found here: Code of Discipline