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Buddha Purnima 2024: What Is Vipassana Meditation That Lord Buddha Preached? Know Its Benefits

Vipassana is a meditation technique that connects you with your inner-self. Read this article to know more benefits of this meditation. 
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Buddha Purnima 2024: What Is Vipassana Meditation That Lord Buddha Preached? Know Its Benefits


Vipassana is one of the most ancient meditation techniques which was rediscovered by Lord Gautama Buddha more than 2,500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal problems, an Art of Living. This non-sectarian technique aims for the total eradication of mental impurities and the resultant highest happiness of full liberation.

To properly understand Vipassana meditation technique, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Manisha Pandey, Yoga Instructor, Holistic Vibes, Noida. 

Defining Vipassana, Pandey said, “Vipassana meditation is a mind exercise where you focus on your breath, and when all your attention is centred on your breathing, your mind finds calm and peace.” 

Adding further, Pandey said, “This practice helps you observe your emotions without overreacting, leading to a balanced and composed mindset. By regularly practising Vipassana, you can develop the ability to stay grounded and clear-minded, no matter what challenges come your way.” 

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How To Practise Vipassana

Observation of Breath: Practitioners start by observing their natural breath to concentrate the mind.

Body Sensations: Once the mind is focused, they move on to observing sensations throughout the body, understanding their impermanent nature.

Equanimity: By observing sensations without reacting, practitioners develop equanimity, learning to maintain balance in all situations.

Self-Exploration: It’s a self-exploratory journey that involves deep interconnection between mind and body, and through disciplined practice, it leads to heightened awareness and clarity.

Also read: What Is The AUM Technique Of Breathing And How Does It Help In Reducing Anxiety?

The Vipassana course lasts for 10 days where students practise noble silence, refraining from speaking and other forms of communication for the duration of the course. The daily schedule of Vipassana  is rigorous, with around 10 hours of meditation each day.

Benefits Of Vipassana

To dive deeper into the benefits of Vipassana, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Shruthi Jain, Founder of YoniTara Birth, Yoga and Wellness Studio.

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Jain explains, “Vipassana Meditation, which comes from the deep teachings of Lord Buddha, is like a guiding light for looking inside yourself and finding true understanding. It helps not just the person practising it but also has a positive effect on our connected world. By promoting inner peace and balance, Vipassana helps make the world a calmer and more harmonious place.” Here are some benefits of Vipassana

1. Self Awareness

Vipassana Meditation encourages us to look within ourselves and become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, as per Shruthi Jain. “By carefully observing these, we can uncover and understand our habits and conditioned behaviours that hide our true selves,” she said. This practice of self-examination leads to deep understanding and freedom, bringing inner peace and a more authentic way of living.

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2. Equanimity

According to Manisha Pandey, the main benefit is achieving a calm state, which helps you avoid panic in stressful situations and maintain emotional stability, achieving 'sam bhaav' or equanimity, which means "to see things as they really are”.

Also read: 7 Meditation Tips For The Beginners To Follow

3. Stress Reduction

In today's busy and chaotic world, Vipassana Meditation is a powerful way to handle stress and feelings of being disconnected. “By focusing on the present moment, we can find our natural ability to feel joy and contentment in every breath we take,” Jain said. 

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4. Healing 

Vipassana Meditation is a powerful method for healing and change. According to Jain, by practising mindful awareness, we learn to address our inner wounds and traumas with kindness and acceptance. This helps us heal deeply, freeing us from past pain and allowing us to live a more complete and vibrant life.

Conclusion

Vipassana meditation offers you several spiritual benefits to heal your mind, inner thoughts and conflicts and give you a clarity of life. Although it was preached by lord Buddha, Vipassana is not tied to any religion and can be practised by people of any background. It emphasises personal experience and observation rather than blind faith or dogma.

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