Vipassana Meditation: Some Frequently Asked Questions
By Goodpal, 1st Jun 2011 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutHealthMind & SpiritMental Health
Meditation is all the more relevant for today' world that is entangled in conflicts and wars and that is overflowing in mutual distrust. Current hectic lifestyle also demand that we learn to keep the stress levels down and generate inner peace and learn to live in harmony. Vipassana meditation is a great simple tool to achieve it.
Why Meditate?
The fast paced current lifestyle can throw anyone into mental turmoil, which manifests as stress, anxieties and a general lack of inner peace. We all know it by experience. The qualities of inner peace, mutual harmony, sense of cooperation, and compassion for other people have become more or less extinct. Meditation is the only correct antidote to violence, conflicts, and mutual distrust ubiquitous around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions on Vipassana Meditation
1. What is Vipassana Meditation?
The word Vipassana comes from the language (Pali) spoken by the Buddha. It is derived from the root “passana”, which means "to see" or "to observe". Vipassana means seeing things "as they are, and not as you would like them to be". It is the art of "mere observation" or "bare observation", without the interplay of bias or prejudice.
Introductory Videos (in several languages)
2. How this meditation differs from other meditation techniques?
There are many kinds of meditation practices, all of which have their own benefits. Vipassana, as taught by S.N. Goenka, is a highly practical way for the individual to face reality and detoxify habitual mental negativities. It primarily aims to teach the participant a skill to purify his mind by his own efforts. He learned it in Myanmar from U Ba Khin and since 1969 has been devoted to propagating it throughout the world.
3. Is this a religious practice?
Because of its ancient roots in the teachings of the historical Buddha, some individuals may be concerned that it promotes Buddhism. However, most people who practice Vipassana do not identify themselves as Buddhists. Vipassana is, and can be, practiced by people from all walks of life and religious beliefs. It is a universal skill like Yoga that any person from any background can learn, practice and purify his/her mind.
4. What if I don't believe in God?
Whether you believe in God or not has no relevance when you come to learn the art of Vipassana meditation. It also makes no difference whether you call yourself a Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, or a Buddhist. Any one can experience impermanence of things and change once life.
5. How is this different from relaxation and stress reduction techniques?
Reduced stress is certainly one outcome of this practice but it is not the primary goal. People practice Vipassana to rid themselves of mental negativities that can be toxic to themselves and the society. In this sense, Vipassana can be seen as a kind of detoxification— a sometimes difficult process but one which leaves the individual in a more wholesome and balanced state.
6. Is it open to anyone?
Yes, anyone who wants to learn the art of mental purification can learn Vipassana meditation. However, on rare occasions, some people may be denied admission due to some psychiatric or physical conditions.
7. Why is the course ten days long?
The introductory course is ten days long and is residential. All courses are conducted in silence. Experience tells that the ten-day duration is the minimum; it provides an essential introduction and foundation to the technique and allows sufficient time to learn and practice. Ten days allows time for the mind to settle down and to work deeply. However, once you have learned the technique you start applying it your life to derive benefits of peace and harmony.
8. What is the cost of a ten day course?
None. The residential courses are offered free of cost – there is no charge for either the teaching, or for room and food. It is a gift from the previous meditators who benefited and desire to invite others to take the benefits. All Vipassana courses worldwide are run on a strictly voluntary donation basis. At the end of your course, if you have benefited from the experience, you are welcome to donate for the coming course, according to your volition and capacity. Another good way to contribute is to come and serve as a volunteer.
9. Where can one learn it?
Although its International headquarter is at a town near Mumbai (Igatpuri), the network of Vipassana meditation centers are spread across the world. The following links will help you learn more and locate a center near you.
Vipassana Mediation Website
Worldwide Contact List
The Pariyatti Book Store
Vipassana Meditation in Prisons
General Confusion about Meditation
The word “meditation” has different meaning for different people. In this Internet age ideas spread very fast – correct or incorrect, so it is better to stay with substance and shed the illusions right from the beginning. Often people make statements about meditation as if they are general laws, while they might be actually propagating certain religious or philosophical beliefs. It is also not uncommon to find people talking about meditation without ever having meditated themselves!
Therefore, it will very useful to read What Vipassana Meditation is NOT – 8 Common Misconceptions.
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