This practice consists of the constant application of awareness in the present moment based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness ( Satipatthana IV ).
Namely, mindfulness of body in all it’s positions, mindfulness of feelings, mindfulness of mind and mindfulness of mind objects.
Progression in the practice arises from the consistent and steady noting af all mental and physical phenomena as they arise in the present moment. This practice is rigorous but highly beneficial for both mental and physical health.
Vipassana is a Pali word meaning:
Seeing clearly, seeing specially or seeing through (Vi – clearly, specially, into, through + passana – seeing).
Vipassana means introspection, intuitive wisdom, intuitive knowledge. Vipassana is often translated as insight.
Seeing what clearly? Insight into what?
Vipassana means seeing through the true nature of reality or Insight into the true nature of reality.
It means seeing things as they truly are.
Vipassana is the direct and intuitive understanding of the true nature of all mental and physical phenomena.
Vipassana is based on the Four Satipatthana, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. That is to say, Insight is realized by the consistent and progressive application of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness are:
- Mindfulness of the Body as Body
- Mindfulness of Feelings as Feelings
- Mindfulness of the Mind as Mind
- Mindfulness of the Mind Objects as Mind Objects
Text from “The Only Way,” by Ajahn Tong Srimangalo, published in 1999 and translated by Kathryn Chindaporn