Vipassana Meditation: Discover Inner Peace and Self-Awareness

Vipassana is a deep spiritual practice that originates in ancient India. Translated from Sanskrit, it means "special vision" or "seeing everything as it is."

Over 2500 years ago, it was used by the Buddha in his search for the Truth. He believed that meditation leads to a state of happiness that doesn’t depend on external circumstances. Acknowledging one’s essence relieves suffering.

In the 20th century, the practice spread worldwide thanks to the method of the spiritual master Satya Narayan Goenka. He saw Vipassana as a science of mind and matter, not tied to any religion, making it accessible to everyone. Today, there are over 300 Goenka Vipassana centers around the world, with other unique methods also being practiced.

A standard 10-day retreat takes place in special private centers. Participants follow a strict schedule: an early start to the day, early bedtime, vegan meals, spiritual readings, breathing practices, and silent walks. During the retreat, a vow of silence is observed. Mobile phones and any contact with other participants are prohibited.

Meditations under the guidance of the master take place in a motionless seated position and can last up to 10 hours a day. The practices begin by observing the breath and focusing on the area under the nose where the air passes. This sharpens the mind and develops the ability to notice subtle sensations in the body.

Vipassana teaches us to be fully aware of the present moment. Its core idea is that everything passes. Nothing is worth worrying about or focusing too much on. By calmly accepting any event, we avoid stagnation and negativity. Through meditation, we gain peace, clarity of mind, get rid of stress, and connect with our authentic selves.

Vipassana is a challenge for the body, mind, and spirit. It’s best to approach it with inner readiness and prior experience in spiritual practices and meditation.

However, it’s a valuable experience that brings a new level of perception. It helps us feel life more subtly and profoundly. The practice of scanning the body develops, enabling us to calmly observe and accept the variability of our nature through each cell’s touch.

“Working with the deepest level of the mind changes our habitual behavior patterns. We realize that any sensations that arise in the body eventually pass. This changes our reactions. A pure mind, free from negative emotions and passions, generates love, compassion, and goodwill.

We feel peace and harmony and share them with those around us. Both we and those around us become happier. When there is peace within us, there is peace outside. This is the right, healthy way of life.”
— Satya Narayan Goenka

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