Vipassana meditation: the mental purification technique

The meditation Vipassana It is an ancient meditation technique that has its roots in Buddhism and, specifically, in the tradition Theravada. It appeals to you to be able to develop an internal vision free of prejudices and artifices. It invites you to deep observation, the development of attention and the understanding of reality as it is, without judgments or attachments.

While it is true that this resource is practiced in classic spiritual retreats, it is also considered one of the purest forms of meditation. In fact, the mindfulness derives from it. So, A motto that accompanies this approach is “you have to perceive where you are in order to get where you need to go.”. Below, we suggest you learn more about it.

Vipassana meditation what is it?

Those who practice meditation Vipassana Their purpose is to achieve self-transformation through self-observation. It is an ancient technique that seeks to deactivate all types of “mental impurities”—anxiety and worries—to promote a fuller, relaxed and happier internal state.

What’s more, you will be interested to know that, as described in works published in Progress in Brain Research, people experienced in this tool have better cognitive performance. Areas such as attention, concentration and reflection improve. We now describe more interesting facts about the origin and traditions of this philosophy.

Features of this technique

Vipassana perspective-based meditation focuses on a perfect interconnection between mind and body. Something like this is only achieved through discipline and good self-knowledge of those who practice it. Likewise, it is striking to know that, since the time of Buddha, this resource has been transmitted from generation to generation. We explain more below:

A very old practice: According to the book Beyond the Breath: Extraordinary Mindfulness Through Whole-Body Vipassana Meditation (2002), by Marshall Glickman, this technique is more than 2,500 years old. What’s more, there are texts that reveal that its origin comes from India, and that Gautama Buddha himself recovered it from the oblivion of time.Your driver: Śrī Satya Narayan Goenka was the figure who acted as the driving force of the movement Vipassana in the 60s and 70s. Something that he defended, at all times, is that this resource is free of any religious or sectarian thoughts.Its meaning: Vipassana It translates as insight, that is, as that ability to discover and see things in all their reality, with all their prodigious nuances. It is, in essence, that impulse that encourages you to become aware of your misconceptions and false beliefs in relation to the mind and the world.Its purpose: The ultimate goal is to achieve liberation from suffering and spiritual awakening. Through deep observation and understanding of the impermanence and interdependence of all things, we seek to achieve a state of peace and deep wisdom.Detachment: in meditation Vipassana detachment is encouraged. Practitioners learn to observe their sensations, thoughts and emotions without clinging to or rejecting them. Instead of reacting impulsively, cultivate an attitude of acceptance and equanimity toward whatever arises.Attention to breathing: The most important thing in this traditional meditation resource is to pay special attention to breathing. Practitioners observe their breathing constantly and consciously, noticing how air enters and leaves the body. This focus serves as an anchor to keep the mind in the present moment.

What is it for and how can it help me?

Buddhist meditation starts from two key aspects: Samatha and Vipassana. The first invites you to achieve mental calm. The second requires taking a much deeper step. It is starting from that internal balance to develop a more authentic vision of reality and also of oneself. We now explain all its benefits.

Calm and mental clarity

Vipassana It is a direct invitation to observe everything that happens in your mind and body.. Through this focused and relaxed attitude, you will gradually eliminate confusion and mental agitation. All of this helps you achieve that balanced and clear internal emotional state, from which to make more informed decisions. This meditation is a self-exploration exercise that promotes great internal calm.

Reduction of stress and anxiety

As you become proficient in this meditation technique, you will perceive a greater ability to manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness and observation of sensations will allow you to recognize and release mental and emotional tensions, little by little.

Improved focus and concentration

Those who acquire the habit of practicing this technique daily notice an improvement in cognitive focus.. The ability to concentrate and pay attention is optimized, something that can translate into increased productivity and efficiency in daily life.

Greater awareness and self-knowledge

You are facing a type of meditation that awakens your self-reflection and understanding of yourself. It is an enriching journey that will allow you to know yourself better and even understand how the mind and emotions work.. Its most important pillar is to develop that union with yourself to discover what happens in your internal universe, at every moment.

Improved mental health

The practice of Vipassana can be beneficial for people suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. Helps reduce negative thoughts and cultivate positive emotions. In fact, it could be used as a complementary technique when intervening in patients with depression.

Alignment with values ​​and life purpose

Likewise, it guides you so that you can tune in to your values ​​and vital meanings. This will allow you to shape an existence guided by clearer and more meaningful purposes. Something like this is essential to achieve greater satisfaction in your daily life.

Reduction of reactive mental patterns

As you develop proper mindfulness skills, you will find that you no longer act impulsively. Vipassana is also a tool to deactivate negativity and allow you to react in a more thoughtful, wise and reflective way.

Greater sense of peace and well-being

As a last resort, This ancient meditation technique seeks liberation from human suffering. Its goal is to guide you to achieve a deep and lasting state of peace and well-being. However, yes, it is necessary that you commit to learning and practicing it.

Although meditation Vipassana It may seem strange to you, the truth is that the mindfulness derives from it. It is an approach that seeks, above all, to develop your attention and connection with your internal needs.

As practiced?

The meditation Vipassana It requires that you come to it with a very particular attitude. You must put aside everything you have been told or believe about meditation itself in general.. You have to banish prejudices in this regard and get started with curiosity and authenticity. Take note of all the steps:

Preparation: what it requires is open-mindedness. Therefore, to practice it and be consistent, find a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit in silence for a period of time. You can meditate in a chair or on the floor, on a meditation cushion or pad. Wear comfortable clothing and make sure there are no distractions nearby.Position: Sit with your back straight, but relaxed. You can adopt a lotus position if you feel comfortable, however it is not necessary. Keep your hands in your lap or on your knees, palms up or down. Close your eyes gently.Attention to breathing: Start by focusing on your breathing. Observe the inhalation and exhalation naturally, without forcing it. Pay attention to the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils or the movement of your abdomen as you breathe.Body Mindfulness: Now, direct your attention to your entire body, exploring the physical sensations from head to toe. Pay attention to any sensation, whether it is heat, cold, tingling, pressure, pain, or anything else. Do not judge or analyze sensations; just observe them.Maintain constant attention– As you move through the body parts, keep your attention moving, that is, avoid getting stuck in a single area for too long. This helps to develop a deep understanding of the impermanence of sensations.Observe thoughts and emotions: during meditation Vipassana, it is natural for thoughts and emotions to arise. When this happens, observe them with the same attention you give to physical sensations. Do not become attached to or reject thoughts or emotions, let them go like one who pays attention to the course of a river and then return to full attention to the body.Equanimity: It is important that you learn to cultivate an attitude of equanimity towards all experiences. Do not cling to pleasant sensations or reject unpleasant ones. Recognize that all experiences are impermanent and changing.

A very ancient meditation with great benefits

in meditation Vipassana you will find a door to inner peace and deep wisdom. It is not only a relaxation resource to achieve internal calm. You are facing a cognitive-spiritual strategy of great psychological interest because it allows you to place your attention on your thoughts and emotions to understand and regulate them better.

In today’s busy world, This practice offers you the beauty of acceptance, harmony in the midst of chaos and clarity in the mystery of existence. It is a journey towards freedom from suffering and the realization of a full and meaningful life. Do not hesitate to discover this tool that will give you light in your grayest moments.

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