What is Vipassana meditation?

Vipassana meditation, also known as "insight meditation," is a practice that has its roots in ancient India, and is considered to be one of the oldest forms of Buddhism. The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, is believed to have attained enlightenment through the practice of Vipassana.

In the centuries that followed, Vipassana meditation was passed down through an unbroken line of teachers and practitioners in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The practice was eventually transmitted to other parts of Asia, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, where it continues to be a central part of Buddhist practice to this day.

In the 20th century, Vipassana meditation was reintroduced to India by a Burmese teacher named Sayagyi U Ba Khin, and it has since spread to the West, where it has gained popularity as a secular practice for personal growth and self-improvement. Today, there are many organizations around the world that teach Vipassana meditation, and it is considered to be one of the most powerful forms of meditation for achieving insight and inner peace.

The goal of this practice is to gain insight into the true nature of reality and to develop a state of inner peace and equanimity. The practice involves sustained attention to the breath and to physical sensations in the body, with the aim of developing a deep understanding of the impermanence and interrelatedness of all things. It is often taught in silent retreats lasting several days or even months, and is considered by many to be one of the most powerful forms of meditation.