Practice >> Introduction to Vipassana Meditation

Introduction to Vipassana Meditation

A ten-day course in Vipassanā meditation is the practice of the Eightfold Noble Path, as taught by the Buddha. The Path is divided into three parts, namely: higher training in morality (sīla), higher training in equanimity of mind (samādhi) and higher training in wisdom (paññā).

Sīla (Right Conduct): Right conduct, morality is the common denominator of all religions. At the Centre, students observe the five precepts of refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, wrong speech and the use of drugs or intoxicants. By diligently observing these precepts, one develops purity of physical and verbal actions.

Samādhi (Calmness of mind): Based on the foundation of Right Conduct, training in calmness of mind is taught using Anapana meditation (mindfulness of breathing). By learning to control the mind during the first five days, the students learns to appreciate the benefits of a steady and balanced mind.

Paññā (Wisdom, Insight): Through Vipassana meditation all impurities of the mind are removed, by stages.