1. What is Vipassana meditation?
1.1. What is Vipassana meditation?
Vipassana is a word from India that means to see things as they are. This is also the name of the oldest meditation method of India discovered by Gotama Buddha more than 2500 years ago. Vipassana meditation was taught and applied as retreatment for many human mental and health problems as well as an art of living. This method of meditation aims to eliminate mental impurities and lead to human happiness through total freedom.
Vipassana meditation in Myanmar helps people to change themselves through observation. This practice of meditation focuses on the intimate relationship between mind and body. To achieve this requires a journey of observation and self-discovery into the roots of mind and body. From there it will remove the sadness, stress, hate, and help people filled with love and compassion.
1.2. History of Vipassana meditation
From the time of the Buddha, Vipassana has been developed until now through successive generations of Zen masters. One who has made merit in developing and multiplying Vipassana meditation is Mr. Goenka, an Indian Zen master who was born and raised in Burma. After receiving Vipassana knowledge from the great Zen master Sayagyi U Ba Khin, Zen master Goenka started to teach Vipassana in 1969.
Since then he has taught tens of thousands of yogis of all races and religions. Vipassana meditation has been developed in both the East and the West. In 1982, the Zen master began appointing assistant meditation teachers, aimed at helping him serve the growing need for Vipassana courses all around the world.
1.3. Vipassana meditation instruction
To get the benefits of Vipassana meditation you need to follow the course rules and methods. First of all, you need to remember the following rules:
Vipassana is not:
- Rituals based on blind faith.
- Intellectual entertainment or philosophy.
- An opportunity to socialize.
- The evasion of challenges and troubles in everyday life.
Vipassana is:
- Method of eliminating suffering.
- Mind purification methods to help you cope with the stresses and difficulties of life in a calm, balanced manner.
- Art of life that we can use to make a positive contribution to society.
For any meditation, it is necessary to have discipline, self-consciousness, and persistence. Meditators can only try with their own effort, so it is only suitable for those who are willing to practice meditation diligently and follow the rules. Rules of Vipassana meditation called Sila means morality. In which there are many provisions such as not killing creatures, not stealing, not telling false, combining yoga and exercise, not contacting outside. But all of these rules and methods have the same purpose, which is to improve mental health that will lead to better physical health.
1.4. Benefit of Vipassana meditation
It is not difficult to realize the benefits of Vipassana meditation for practitioners such as:
- Mindfulness retreat, mental training methods to help healthy soul development.
- Get rid of sadness and stress.
- Improve the quality of daily life even after only a short 10-day course.
- Get true happiness and know how to share happiness with others.
2. Wellness tour and Vipassana meditation in Myanmar
2.1. Myanmar – Place of stunning nature and authentic style of living
If you are looking for a place with a totally different experience from the places you used to go to, then Myanmar may be an ideal destination for you. You will be amazed at the wonderful temples, majestic natural scenery, and the simple lifestyle of the locals.
It is not exaggerating to say that Myanmar is the land of temples. You will be overwhelmed by temples like the Shwedagon even day or night. You also have the opportunity to see the giant hot air balloons at the temples in Bagan fly in the sky from October to March each year. Surely these stunning images will be a “one of a kind” experience in your life.
As for the natural scenery. You want to cycle or ride a horse around a quiet lake, have a mountain trekking, or watch the sunrise and sunset. Myanmar can offer all of these scenes. Besides, the people of Myanmar are the friendliest people you can meet. They are always full of happiness, warmth, and friendliness.
2.2. Wellness tour and Vipassana meditation in Myanmar
As a country with more than 90% of the population following Buddhism, meditation is also becoming popular in Myanmar. Many monasteries and meditation centers in Myanmar are able to teach and train Vipassana meditation very well. In addition, Myanmar is an unexplored country and is not affected much by tourism. Hence, Its quiet space is also very suitable for Vipassana meditation in Myanmar. Whether you are a Buddhist or not, the meditation here is very helpful for reducing stress, calming down, and achieving inner peace.
3. Place to practice Vipassana meditation in Myanmar
3.1. Dhamma Joti
Dhamma Joti was opened in 1993 in Yangon. At this center, Vipassana meditation is trained for many people. There are many different Vipassana courses to choose from 1 day to 1 month here.
3.2. Chanmyay Yeitha
Chanmyay is located on the outskirts of Yangon with meditation techniques like Vipassana, Sattipatthana Sutta, and Mahasi Sayadaw. The shortest course duration is 10 days. But if you don’t have a lot of time, you can also contact the wellness tour affiliated with the center to arrange a suitable practice time.
3.3. Pa-Auk Forest Monastery
The Pa-Auk forest monastery is one of the top choices for visitors from all over the world for Samatha and Vipassana meditation. The monastery located in Taung Nyo mountain in Bang Mon has welcomed many students from more than 20 countries with both short and intensive courses.
Vipassana meditation in Myanmar will help you to overcome both mental and physical health if you do it in the right way. You can also enjoy the clean air, untouched scenery, and authentic lifestyle here.
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