Meditation has been a part of the yogic traditions for years. Meditation has taken on different forms like Transcendental, Loving-Kindness, and Metta among others. One style of Retreat that has stood the test of time is Vipassana meditation.
The term Vipassana means – to see things as they are. The practice of Vipassana in India goes back 2500 years. It requires your mind to contemplate the bigger questions of life.
Let us now check out what Vipassana is.
Vipassana Meditation – A Brief Introduction
Vipassana is a non-religious meditation technique. It is the oldest Buddhist meditation practice in existence. This meditation technique rids you of mental clutter and improves self-awareness and observation.
Daily practice of Vipassana leads you down the path of self-transformation. It also helps you establish a strong mind-body connection. A yoga retreat can help you learn this fine meditation technique.
In Vipassana, deep insight happens when you come face-to-face with the impermanence of this world. You start paying attention to physical sensations within your body including your breath.
Your mind does produce fleeting thoughts and emotions. But, you do not get caught up in them and become aware of the present moment.
Are you a beginner to Vipassana? Meditation experts have come up with a few simple tips to help you out.
Vipassana Meditation Tips for Beginners
- For a step-by-step guidance you can listen to online Vipassana meditation recordings.
- Download the Vipassana meditation app. It contains educational article and resources. These help you understand the basics of this meditation technique.
- Enroll in a yoga retreat for a more personal touch.
- Set a timer during the first lessons. Increase your time slowly after becoming comfortable with the practice.
- Make sure to keep the smartphone on silent mode.
- It takes time to learn and practice Yoga asanas.
Following these tips opens up a world of vipassana meditation benefits to you.
Vipassana Meditation Benefits
Given below are 4 major benefits of Vipassana.
1. Equanimity
The first Vipassana meditation benefit is equanimity. It helps keep your mind calm and peaceful in every situation. Whether a situation is favourable or unfavourable it has no impact on your mind. Vipassana meditation keeps your subconscious mind from reacting to every situation.
2. Improves Focus & Concentration
In this age of fast-paced lifestyle, it is normal for you to lack concentration. Your mind is always busy analyzing past situations. This causes problems with your subconscious mind. This will help increase your concentration levels.
3. Focused on Present Moment
Vipassana is not only a technique. It is a spiritual path. Practising this meditation keep your conscious and subconscious mind in the present moment. This is one of the major benefits which makes it quite popular.
4. Gives Clarity
There will always remain a lack of clarity in everyone’s life. You set the goals but often fail to stick to them. Meditation helps you gain clarity. This helps you dive deeper into a problem without giving a reaction to it.
Apart from these benefits, there are a few things you should do outside the meditation hours.
Outside of Active Meditation Hours
Yes! Retreat does require you to do a few more things when you are not meditating.
1. Dana
Share any good you have with others. It helps you let go of the habit of self-centeredness.
2. Selfless Service
A greater Dana is to give your time and efforts in helping others learn Vipassana. You cannot expect anything in return for giving your time. Join a yoga retreat to learn this aspect of Vipassana.
3. One Path Only
Do not mix Vipassana with other meditation techniques. If you are practising other meditation techniques along with Vipassana, make a decision to stick to one.
Meditation might be ancient but it does offer you some major benefits. Enroll in a certified yoga school to learn this under the guidance of experienced meditation teachers.
Conclusion
Do you want to let go of unnecessary mental clutter? Join a certified yoga retreat to understand and practice Vipassana meditation under experienced yoga teachers.