Meditation Practice
WHAT IS INSIGHT MEDITATION
The following description quotes and relies heavily, through paraphrasing, on a booklet called INTRODUCTION TO INSIGHT MEDITATION put out for free distribution by Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in Hertfordshire, England. Amaravati is an important center for the Western tradition of the Thai Forest school of Buddhism. It is a place where Taraniya our advisory teacher spends retreat time.
"The purpose of Insight Meditation is not to create a system of beliefs, but rather to give guidance on how to see clearly into the nature of the mind. In this way one gains firsthand understanding of the way things are, without reliance on opinions or theories -- a direct experience, which has its own vitality. It also gives rise to the sense of deep calm that comes from knowing something for oneself, beyond any doubt.
"Insight Meditation is a key factor in the path that the Buddha offered for the welfare of human beings; the only criterion is that one has to put it into practice!"
"The term for Insight Meditation in the Pali language* is 'samatha-vipassana.' It refers to practices for the mind which develop calm (samatha) through sustained attention, and insight (vipassana) through what might be called nonintellectual or non-discursive reflection. A fundamental technique for sustaining attention is focussing awareness on the body; traditionally this is practiced while sitting or walking.
"Refection occurs quite naturally as one becomes relaxed within the meditation practice. There will be a sense of ease and interest, and one becomes acquainted with the mind that is meditating. This is called contemplation, a personal and direct seeing that can only be suggested by any technique."
"All you have to do is relax and pay attention. Everything else flows from there." -- Taraniya
*Knowledge of terms in Pali -- the canonical language of Theravada Buddhism -- is certainly not necessary to begin the practice of meditation. It can be a useful reference point in regard to the classical teaching as well as to many contemporary writings.
Please Note: This page is still "under construction." Please check back in the near and distant future for specific guidance in practices in sustaining attention and developing insight.
