Vipasana

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 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 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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