Vipassanā, (Pāli: विपस्सना, Skt.: विपश्यना, Vipaśyanā) meaning “insight” or “clear seeing,” is a form of meditation practice in the Buddhist tradition that aims to cultivate deep awareness and understanding of the true nature of reality. It is one of the two primary types of Buddhist meditation, alongside शमथ Samatha (calm abiding meditation). While samatha focuses on developing concentration and tranquility, vipassanā emphasizes insight into the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and selfless nature of all phenomena.
The practice of vipassanā involves mindful observation of the body, thoughts, and sensations without attachment or aversion, encouraging the practitioner to observe the arising and passing away of all experiences. Through sustained mindfulness, practitioners develop insight into the Three Marks of Existence:
Vipassanā is often taught using techniques such as mindful breathing, body scanning, and observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise. The goal is not to control or alter the experience but to develop a detached awareness that leads to deep insight and liberation from suffering.
In Theravāda Buddhism, vipassanā is considered essential for the attainment of နိဗ္ဗာန် Nibbāna (Pāli; Skt.: nirvāṇa), the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, which is the cessation of suffering and the end of the cycle of birth and rebirth (संसार Saṃsāra).
While vipassanā is most closely associated with the Theravāda tradition, particularly in countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, it is also practiced in other schools of Buddhism, including Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna, where it may be integrated with other forms of meditation, such as samatha or tantric visualizations.
In modern times, vipassanā meditation has gained worldwide popularity, largely due to the teachings of influential Theravāda teachers such as S.N. Goenka, Mahasi Sayadaw, and others who have popularized structured retreats and courses for lay practitioners.