To see things as THEY are, not as WE are

I consider myself fortunate to have come into contact with the technique that the Buddha himself taught—a practice that has profoundly shaped my journey. Twenty-five centuries ago, Siddhartha Gautama set out on a quest to understand the root of human suffering, eventually achieving enlightenment and dedicating his life to sharing this path of liberation with others. His teachings, especially the meditation technique known as Vipassana, have become an essential part of my life, guiding me to observe reality as it truly is and helping me cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and tranquility amid life's struggles.

Unlike many spiritual leaders, the Buddha did not claim to be divine. He insisted on being seen as an ordinary human being who discovered a way to be free from suffering. His teachings were initially transmitted orally and, much later, compiled into a text called the ‘Dhammapada’, meaning- at the feet of Dharma—a reference to the Universal Law of Life. The Buddha taught that suffering arises from craving, aversion, and ignorance—all of which stem from within us. He argued that only by turning inward and understanding our own nature could we confront the essential truths of life beyond the illusions of our own minds.

One key aspect of Buddha's teaching was the emphasis on personal experience as the source of true wisdom. Learning from others can provide intellectual understanding, but it is only when we experience the truth for ourselves that it has the power to transform us. Real freedom comes not from borrowing wisdom, but from discovering it firsthand within oneself.

Among the various expressions of his teachings, one of the Buddha's most practical contributions is the ancient meditation technique known as 'Vipassana Bhavana', which means "insight into the true nature of reality." The word "passana" translates as "to see," and "vipassana" means "to see deeply" or "to see things as they truly are." Vipassana is a method of observing bodily sensations without reaction, thereby cultivating a calm awareness that leads to a deeper understanding of reality.

The Buddha emphasized the importance of observing sensations because, according to the 'Satipatthana Sutta', it is through our sensations that we experience reality. Our senses are the gateways through which the external world affects our internal experience. Furthermore, our minds generate thoughts, emotions, and memories that enrich and influence our perception of life. Sensations, therefore, serve as the intersection between our physical and mental experiences. By observing these sensations, we can also observe and understand our minds.

Modern science confirms that every action or experience triggers biochemical reactions within our bodies, most of which occur below the level of our conscious awareness. Vipassana strengthens our awareness, enabling us to detect even the most subtle sensations, and recognize that they constantly arise and fade away. This realization marks the beginning of understanding 'anicca', or impermanence, which is a cornerstone of the Buddha's teachings.

The Buddha described that the mind operates in four stages: consciousness, perception, experience, and reaction. First, consciousness arises when the mind encounters a stimulus. Next, perception occurs when the mind labels or analyzes the stimulus. This is followed by an experience, which ultimately leads to a reaction. Typically, these processes unfold so rapidly that we are only aware of the initial stimulus and our reaction to it. Vipassana sharpens one's awareness, allowing practitioners to recognize each stage, particularly the processes of perception and experience. With heightened awareness, one gains the ability to observe experiences calmly rather than reacting impulsively.

This ability to stay detached from automatic reactions distinguishes Vipassana from other meditation techniques. While some practices employ chanting, visualization, or mantras to create mental focus, these often aim to bring about temporary states of tranquility or bliss. However, they do not directly address the underlying causes of suffering. Vipassana, on the other hand, aims to create lasting transformation by enabling practitioners to separate their experiences from their emotional reactions. By observing both pain and pleasure with equanimity, Vipassana helps practitioners release themselves from the grip of suffering.

The practice of maintaining balance and composure in the face of all sensations—whether pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral—helps one gradually overcome aversion, craving, and ignorance. By remaining calm when encountering unpleasant sensations, one weakens the tendency towards aversion. By not reacting with attachment to pleasurable sensations, one lessens craving. By remaining attentive and equanimous to neutral sensations, one begins to eradicate ignorance. This process represents a direct experience of suffering and the cessation of suffering within one's own body. The body, in this way, becomes a witness to the reality of impermanence.

The Buddha's last words to his disciples are said to have been-

" अण्डा दानी, भिक्खवे, अमन्तायामि वो, व्याधम्मा संखारा अप्पमादेन सम्पदेथा ।"

"All conditioned things are subject to decay. Strive diligently to realize this truth." These words highlight that simply learning about Vipassana or gaining knowledge about impermanence is not enough. Real transformation requires diligent practice. Even with the strongest resolve, conditioned reactions buried in the subconscious can at times overpower us. Therefore, the true solution lies in thorough and consistent practice—developing awareness and equanimity, both in meditation and in everyday life.

For experienced practitioners, Vipassana brings a tangible realization of impermanence that extends beyond the fleeting nature of individual experiences to include all phenomena, including one's own sense of self. This deep understanding is a key to liberation. Human beings alone have the faculties to comprehend this profound truth. The Buddha showed us that, through persistent effort and diligent practice, we can attain enlightenment. His teachings are a testament to the immense potential within each of us. To ignore this opportunity would be to squander the incredible capacity for growth and transformation that we possess as human beings.