A Discourse on the Sallekha Sutta

Insight meditation, known as “Vipassanā” in Pali (and “Vipaśyanā” in Sanskrit), is one of the central meditation practices in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It’s primarily concerned with the cultivation of mindfulness and clear understanding. Vipassanā aims to gain a deep, direct insight into the nature of reality, including the three marks of existence: impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and the absence of self-nature (anattā).

Here’s a more detailed look at Vipassanā:

1. Objective: The primary objective of Vipassanā is to gain insight into the true nature of reality, leading to enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara).
2. Practice: Practitioners often start with mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati) to develop concentration (samatha). Once some level of concentration is achieved, they move on to the systematic observation of their own physical and mental phenomena. This includes observing bodily sensations, thoughts, emotions, and anything else that arises in the field of awareness.
3. Mindfulness (Sati): At the core of Vipassanā is the cultivation of mindfulness. It means being fully present and attentive to whatever is occurring in the present moment without judgment or reaction.
4. Three Marks of Existence: By closely observing one’s own experiences, a practitioner begins to perceive the three fundamental characteristics that, according to Buddhist teachings, apply to all phenomena:
   • Anicca (Impermanence): Everything is in a constant state of change.
   • Dukkha (Unsatisfactoriness): Holding on to anything impermanent leads to suffering.
   • Anattā (No-self): There is no unchanging, permanent self or soul in living beings.
5. Results: As the practitioner deepens in the practice, they may experience various insights, transformative experiences, and stages of enlightenment. This can eventually lead to the ultimate goal of Nibbāna (Nirvana in Sanskrit) — the end of all suffering.
6. Modern Movement: Vipassanā has experienced a revival in modern times, both in traditional Buddhist settings and in the broader global context. Retreat centers around the world offer intensive meditation courses, often ranging from ten days to several months.

One notable figure in the popularization of Vipassanā in the 20th century is S.N. Goenka, who established numerous meditation centers worldwide, teaching a specific method of Vipassanā practice. However, it’s essential to note that there are various approaches and techniques within the broader Vipassanā tradition.

In the West, Vipassanā has also influenced the development of mindfulness-based therapies, like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which apply mindfulness principles in therapeutic contexts.