Chapter 3 - The Aim And Technique Of Vipassana Meditation

"WHAT IS the aim of Vipassana meditation" many people ask," and when we will achieve that aim?" The aim of Vipassana meditation, in brief, is to be happy — to be happy continuously. We are not really happy when we feel anxious, irritated, angry, frustrated and disappointed. We are not happy when we feel jealous nor are we happy when we feel envious.

There is no happiness when there is fear. Nor will there be happiness when the mind is wandering. There is no peace when the mind is being dominated by restlessness and agitation.

The causes of all the unhappiness, according to the Buddha, are attachment, anger (hatred) and delusion. All problems of the mind stem from these three roots. So long as they are there, the mind reacts to the internal and external world in ways that bring unhappiness to ones life. They tend to control the mind and its functions. From the psychological point of view, the aim of Vipassana is to eradicate these three unwholesome factors, attachment, anger and delusion from our mind.

Philosophically, the objective of Vipassana meditation is to see things as they truly are. When we do not see things as they are, we have to make judgement as to what some thing is like. Judgement is by nature a result of not seeing objects directly. When we see water there is no need for a judgement that it must be water. It requires only a statement at most. If our mind is consciously or unconsciously clouded with unwholesome factors, our view is bound to be gloomy. It is to have the right view of life that we practice Vipassana meditation.

Observing breathing or abdominal movements is just the first step to build up mindfulness and concentration. It is not everything about Vipassana meditation. It is only the first step. There is a lot more to it. We have to go ahead from there.

As the practice progresses, we will understand more how our mind works. Only with that kind of understanding can we control and later make full use of our mind to experience lasting peace. That will be the time when we are away from the three unwholesome factors of the mind. It is this freedom for the mind that we are seeking through Vipassana meditation. By being a bit more observant of the mind, you will notice clearly that the mind tends to create frustration and unhappiness as opposed to our natural desire, which is to acquire satisfaction and happiness. You have to stop the mind doing that by learning to understand, and make use of it to create happiness.

To the last part of the question, "when can this aim be achieved", I have to say I do not know for sure. However, let me make it clear that it is possible here and now Nevertheless, it depends on the individual especially his ability to secure a good foundation, the amount of effort he makes, his teacher and the environment. It is up to the individual, some make quick progress and some do not. We come to see how individual we are as we practise because in meditation two people can never be alike. People are never more individual than in Vipassana meditation practice.