Are you working longer hours? Are you spending less time with loved ones? Does your day consist of deadlines, budgets and ‘irritating’ customers? Do you have the means to acquire more but never seems to be enough? Do you find yourself troubled and don’t know why? Are you unable to sleep? Are your stress levels constantly increasing and are in some cases unmanageable to a point that cause pain, sadness, lamentation and on-going suffering? This is the modern world as we know it, and with materialism on the rise, there is less time and attention given to the growth and support of the mind. The mind, central to every bodily action, speech, emotional disposition and most importantly, your level of happiness. The mind that determines your ultimate reality and how you interact with other human beings.
Vipassana (loosely translated as Insight) meditation is a unique method introduced by the Buddha over 2500 years ago. This precise system of scientific investigation by which one develops the power of empirical observation (Sati or Mindfulness) reveals the underlying nature of the mind and body process. The natural result of a yogi's (meditator’s) efforts in sustained meditative observation is a series of developmental discoveries or "insight knowledges." These knowledges reveal the true nature of existence. The accumulation and deepening of such transformative experiences builds existential wisdom which cleanses the mind of destructive mental tendencies called kilesa (greed, hatred and delusion). Firm commitment to this meditation practice ultimately leads one to the development of complete mental purity, the experience of which is known as Nibbana (Awakening) and is attainable, in this very life.
“Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.” -The Buddha (Dhammapada)
Science of the Mind
Drawing it’s roots from the original teachings of the Buddha, Vipassana’s focus is understanding the truth and law of nature - the dependent links of origination that lead to change and the realization of impermanence. Modern science has only recently given empirical evidence of mental transformations, aspects meditation masters have known for more than 2500 years.
Science states that all things whether solid, fluid or gaseous, at their most atomic level are not fixed, but rather in a constant flux or change. Vipassana aids one to grasp the differences presented within the framework of ones body and also looks at the true nature of the physical and mental phenomena. Thus realising that all compounded things which we crave and hold as ever-lasting are seen for what they really are, impermanent and transient in nature - arising and passing away moment to moment. The freedom from such deluded thoughts brings a stable, confident and happy mind. Recently, there has been a very keen interest from Western Science to test the benefits of practicing meditation. Even though in its infancy, there has been many beneficial results relating to better regulation of bodily symptoms.
Benefits of Vipassana
Vipassana is studied and practiced by millions around the world. It’s basis for insight leads to a calmer, more stable and intuitive mind. A mind that is aware, concentrated and flexible - ultimately happier.
Buddhism emphasizes more practical matters, such as how to lead our lives, how to integrate our minds and how to keep our everyday lives peaceful and healthy.
Understanding the true nature of reality, and seeing things how they really are. The Buddha said, “Would you like to eliminate sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief and despair.” The tool Buddha spoke about to eliminate such nuances was that of meditation. More specifically, Vipassana bringing light where darkness exists.
"Impermanence, suffering and non-self will be realized through direct personal experience, and with the full development of these knowledges, Nibbana will be realized. It will not take long to achieve the objective, possibly one month, or twenty days, or fifteen days, or, on rare occasions, even in seven days for those select few with extraordinary parami (moral development)."
- Mahasi Sayādaw Agga Maha Pandita
“We do not practice meditation to gain admiration from anyone. Rather, we practice to contribute to peace in the world. We try to follow the teachings of the Buddha, and the the instructions of trustworthy teachers, in hopes that we too can reach the Buddha’s state of purity. Having realized this purity within ourselves, we can inspire others and share this Dhamma, this truth. “
- Ovādacariya Sayādaw U Paṇḍitābhivaṃsa
This is the only way, (monks/laity),
For the purification of minds of beings,
For overcoming sorrow and lamentation,
For the disappearance of pain and grief,
For realization of the Path,
For the realization of Nibbāna,
namely, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
-
-The Buddha
(Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta Dīghanikāya)
Ekāyano ayaṃ, bhikkhave, maggo sattānaṃ visuddhiyā, sokaparidevānaṃ samatikkamāya, dukkhadomanassānaṃ atthaṅgamāya, ñāyassa adhigamāya, nibbānassa sacchikiriyāya, yadidaṃ cattāro satipaṭṭhānā.
“People don’t start practising meditation until they get some big shock in their life. By then, it may be too late.”
“When people listen to Dhamma talks they should use the advice given to self-investigate, not just keep attending but with no improvement.”
- Sayādaw U Pandita
Why
Vipassana?
U Bein Bridge - Amarapura, Burma
Buddha’s footprint (Bodh Gaya, India)
Mahabodhi Temple (Bodh Gaya, India)
Mahasi Sayādaw Agga Maha Pandita
Sayādaw U Paṇḍitābhivaṃsa
Sayādaw U Paṇḍitā
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The approach and why you owe it to yourself
Sayadaw U Pandita has extensive knowledge regarding the intrinsic and in some cases misunderstood practices of Buddhism. Although the knowledge and wisdom given during instruction is based on teachings of the Buddha regarding meditation, Sayadaw’s approach is one open to all genders and faiths without judgement. Buddhism is generally considered a religion, but it is no more in the realm of science, psychology and philosophy. Therefore, the talks given by Sayadaw are mindful of how you can take this ancient wisdom and knowledge and apply it to your daily activities in this very life.
Sayadaw believe’s the practice to be of great benefit in our modern age of consumerism, where spirituality and cultivation of a sound and happy mind are paramount from the viewpoint of Buddhist philosophy, but so very often not refined.
Cankamana (Cloister Walk - Bodh Gaya, India). Buddha spent the 3rd week here walking up and down in meditation.
Manohara Forest Centre
Supporting Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation & Traditional Theravada Buddhist Teachings
