Vipassana meditation is one of the oldest techniques of meditation, practised in India for millenia. Gautama Buddha adopted the technique 2500 years ago for his middle way teaching of the path to enlightenment. Practised regularly Vipassana is a universal remedy for all suffering. Though included in the teaching of the Buddha it is a secular technique ideal for practise by the lay person or householder. The practise is designed to clear mental afflictions bring about contentedness and happiness with ones lot. The healing of Vipassana is not simply the curing of physical disease, but the essential healing of human suffering, caused by the afflictions of greed, hatred and ignorance.
The technique involves a great degree of self reflection, which in itself raises awareness, though unlike psychoanalysis does not involve the detailed analytical constructs and interpretations, since the raised awareness itself is simply the goal. Over time greater self understanding is born and this is the seed of true wisdom - self realisation.
Through concentrated focus on the minute details of physical sensation that make up daily life, awareness of how we react, rather than act is born and nurtured through continued practise. This journey of realisation leads us to the root of all suffering, the conflicting desires of mind and body and allows us to perceive and more intuitively appreciate the value of a balanced mind full of love and compassion.
The process is entirely experiential and cannot be understood through the scientific analysis of thoughts, feelings, judgements and sensations, which can only be subjectively considered by that form of enquiry. The direct experience of Vipassana practise is a clearer perception of the cyclical periods of personal growth and regression and how these are allied to whether one continues to react through base desires, fears and ignorance. Personal growth continues however as long as the practise is regular and once experienced the awareness is not lost.
The journey is long however and while a little practise brings immediate dividend a lifetime of reacting induces habits which are difficult to overturn. A good teacher is necessary to ensure continued succes and one who can provide advice conducive to modern life with family and children is important. Gil Fronsdal of the Insight Meditation Centre in Redwood City California fulfils that criteria. For a life of raised awareness, non-delusion, self-control and peace follow this link to audiodharma.org with mp3 player at the ready to subscribe and digest. There are plenty of guided meditation resources as well as teachings on how to go about living mindfully. Gil has extensive education within Buddist schools but is also a family man
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