What is Vipassana?
Vipassana meditation is a unique practice discovered by the Buddha. It consists of
observing one’s own mind and body in order to understand their true nature and develop
insight knowledge. This is the very method the Buddha himself cultivated to gain
Enlightenment, and later taught it to his disciples during his time. The practice has been
preserved and continues to be handed down to the present day.
“This is the only way, bhikkhus, for the purification of beings,
for the overcoming of sorrow and lamentation,
for the disappearance of pain and grief,
for reaching the Noble Path,
for the realization of Nibbāna,
namely, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.”
The Buddha, "Mahā-Satipathana Sutta" (The Great Discourse on the Foundation of Mindfulness)
The practice of Vipassanā meditation leads meditators to a clear understanding of the ultimate realities. With such an understanding, meditators are able to get rid of ignorance and craving, the source of grasping and suffering. Once the practice is mature, meditators will experience Nibbāna and attain enlightenment, an ultimate emancipation of all suffering or a total freedom.
Vipassana meditation is translated as Insight Meditation because it helps meditators to gain insight into the nature of mental and material phenomena such as three common characteristics as impermanent, unsatisfactory, and non-self. It is also known as Mindfulness Meditation because the object of this meditation practice belongs to one or more of the four foundations of mindfulness such as body, feelings, mind, and Dhamma objects. It is also called Tathāgata Meditation since any Boddhisatta (would-be Buddha) who wants to become a Buddha (Tathāgata) must practice this meditation.