Vipassana is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. It was
rediscovered 25,00 years ago by Lord Buddha. The word Vipassana means seeing
things as they really are. It
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is the
process of self- purification by self-observation.One begins by
observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind.With a
sharpened awareness one proceeds to observe the changing nature of
body and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence,
suffering and egolessness. This truth realization by direct
experience is the process of purification. It can be freely
practiced by everyone, at any time, in any place, without conflict
due to race, community or religion, and will prove
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equally beneficial to one and all.
What Vipassana is all about ?
It is a technique that will eradicate suffering.
It is an art of living that one can use to make positive contributions to
society. It is a method of mental purification which allows one to face
life's tensions and problems is a calm, balanced way. Vipassana meditation
aims at the highest spiritual goals of total liberation and full
enlightenment. Its purpose is never simply to cure physical disease. In
fact, 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 absolutely no question of conversion.
The technique works on the simple basis that 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 profession or faith.
The Code of Discipline
The foundation of the practice is sila --moral
conduct. Sila provides a basis for the development of samadhi
--concentration of mind; and purification of the mind is achieved through
panna --the wisdom of insight
The Precepts
All who attend a Vipassana practice must
conscientiously undertake the following five precepts for the duration of
the practice:
1. to abstain from killing any living creature;
2. to abstain from stealing;
3. to abstain from all sexual activity;
4. to abstain from telling lies;
5. to abstain from all intoxicants.
Acceptance of the Teacher and the Technique
Vipassana followers must declare themselves
willing to comply fully and for the duration of the practice with the
teacher's guidance and instructions; that is, to observe the discipline and
to meditate exactly as the teacher asks, without ignoring any part of the
instructions, nor adding anything to them. This acceptance should be one of
discrimination and understanding, not blind submission. Only with an
attitude of trust can a student work diligently and thoroughly. Such
confidence in the teacher and the technique is essential for success in
meditation.
Other Techniques, Rites, and Forms of Worship
During the practice it is absolutely essential
that all forms of prayer, worship, or religious ceremony--fasting, burning
incense, counting beads, reciting mantras, singing and dancing, etc.--be
discontinued. All other meditation techniques and healing or spiritual
practices should also be suspended. This is not to condemn any other
technique or practice, but to give a fair trial to the technique of
Vipassana in its purity. Vipassana followers are strongly advised that
deliberately mixing other techniques of meditation with Vipassana will
impede and even reverse their progress. Despite repeated warnings by the
teacher, there have been cases in the past where Vipassana followers have
intentionally mixed this technique with a ritual or another practice, and
have done themselves a great disservice. Any doubts or confusion which may
arise should always be clarified by meeting with the teacher.
Noble Silence
All Vipassana followers must observe Noble
Silence from the beginning of the practice until the morning of the last
full day. Noble Silence means silence of body, speech, and mind. Any form of
communication with fellow student, whether by gestures, sign language,
written notes, etc., is prohibited.
Couples
Complete segregation of men and women is to be
maintained. Couples, married or otherwise, should not contact each other in
any way during the practice. The same applies to friends, members of the
same family, etc.
Physical Contact
It is important that throughout the practice
there be no physical contact whatsoever between persons of the same or
opposite sex.
Yoga and Physical Exercise
Although physical yoga and other exercises are
compatible with Vipassana, they should be suspended during the practice
because proper secluded facilities are not available at the practice site.
Jogging is also not permitted. Vipassana followers may exercise during rest
periods by walking in the designated areas.
Food
It is not possible to satisfy the special food
preferences and requirements of all the meditators. Vipassana followers are
therefore kindly requested to make do with the simple vegetarian meals
provided.
Outside Contacts
Vipassana followers must remain within the
practice boundaries throughout the practice. They may leave only with the
specific consent of the teacher. No outside communications is allowed before
the practice ends. This includes letters, phone calls and visitors. In case
of an emergency, a friend or relative may contact the management.
Music, reading and Writing
The playing of musical instruments, radios, etc.
is not permitted. No reading or writing materials should be brought to the
practice. Vipassana followers should not distract themselves by taking
notes. The restriction on reading and writing is to emphasize the strictly
practical nature of this mediation.
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