Buddhism Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [vipassana]

Vipassanā (Pāli, Vipaśhyanā in Sanskrit, Lhagthong in Tibetan) is a form of insight-meditation and one of the two meditation techniques that supposedly were taught by the Buddha

Vipassanā (Pāli, Vipaśhyanā in Sanskrit, Lhagthong in Tibetan) is a form of insight-meditation and one of the two meditation techniques that supposedly were taught by the Buddha (the other meditation type being ). Literally, the word Vipassanā means "to see things as they really are".

In Vipassanā meditation one uses mindfulness of breathing and techniques like contemplation, introspection, or observation of bodily sensations for example, to cultivate insight into one's mind and into the true nature of reality.

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What exactly differentiates Vipassana from Samatha meditation?

What are the key aspects of Vipassana that are not present in Samatha? What is the main difference in the method from a meditator's perspective? Labeling emotions and feelings are part of samatha or vipassana? Does Vipassana allows emotions to rise…
konrad01
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On Vipassana: Focus on feeling sensations VS Focus on describing sensations through words

I have noticed that there are perhaps two main different approaches to experiences/sensations in vipassana. One of them (e.g. Mahasi Sayadaw) describes experiences/sensations through words: Mahasi Sayadaw, Kenneth Folk, Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu: pick a…
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How do I integrate Vipassana practice into daily life?

I'm am completely new to meditation, and I have really been wanting to start it. The past few days, I've been doing Vipassana sessions for the first time; however, I hear people say that it doesn't matter if you mediate if you do not carry the…
Beyond20
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What is considered consciousness?

Could someone illuminate me in "consciousness"? Is it simply the ability to rationalize, analyze and most important concentrate? With or without ego? Does consciousness dictate who we are?
user10244
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Is it only possible to pay attention to one thing at a time?

I once was at a (theravada) mini-retreat where the teacher insisted that if one really watched carefully, one would recognize that it is not possible for the mind to pay attention to more than one thing at a time. I commented that in my experience…
OPL
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Seven 10-day and one 20-day Goenka Course but no "good results"

I have attended seven 10-day and one 20-day Goenka course, but never experienced either the "subtle sensations" or the "free flow." I have stopped going to Goenka retreats because I get frustrated hearing about how after the first day I should be…
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What is Modern Vipassana?

The more I learn about the modern Vipassana movement the more I feel it promotes an incorrect or inadequate view. But I don't know the movement well so I thought I'd ask what others here think about this increasingly popular approach to the…
user14119
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Important readings in vipassana

I am looking for the most important Buddhist readings regarding vipassana teachings. I have read thoroughly the Satipatthana Sutta, but I wonder if there are other important texts regarding insight meditation. Thank you.
core
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What is Meant by Inner and Outer Meditation?

I am attending a class in Vipassana meditation. It's a series of three courses. The second course is almost over. The third course starts May 5. The instructor says the third course will teach "Inner meditation" and "Outer meditation". He won't…
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What is bhanga?

Bhanga: the dissolution of the ego. Can it be described as a synonym of wisdom (panna)? As the realization (experiential seeing and knowing) of the tilakkhana (anicca; dukkha; and anatta)?
Guy Eugène Dubois
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Does being Emotionial generate new sankaras?

I just finished a vipassana retreat and well, I am still confused with just observing and feeling, and holy **** that was a h**** of an experience.... a-bomb (more bad then good, but we all need it, I felt pain from others in distance, and well I…
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Problems with the abdominal area while practicing Vipassana

I have been practising Vipassana for 5 months since going on a 10 day course. In answering someone's question on increased salivation during a 10 day Vipassana course, the respondent stated that the abdomen was the anchor that stopped us from…
angela munden
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Is it fine to learn Vipassana meditation online?

Is it essential to go to SN Goenka centre for 10 days to learn Vipassana? Or is it fine to learn Vipassana online?
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Vipassana sharpens my ability to feel the feelings of others, but I'm not yet sure how best to use that?

I've completed 5 10-day Vipassana courses, one Sati, and I've served a 3-day and in various other smaller capacities. I'll be serving my first 10 day in about 6 weeks, and began regularly sitting 2 hours a day after completing my last course in…
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Is vipassana outside a ten day retreat possible?

Traditionally Vipassana meditation is taught in a 10 day retreat. I have been trying to participate in one of those, but there is only one place where I live that offers this course, it is almost always fully booked, so it is very hard to match…
konrad01
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