Mindfulness meditation and insight meditation are both meditation practices in the Buddhist tradition, but they have significant differences. Mindfulness focuses on being present in the moment, while insight meditation is centered around cultivating clear, stable, and non-judgmental awareness. Both practices aim to know your experience as clearly as possible, but there is a qualitative difference between them.
Insight meditation, on the other hand, goes beyond mindfulness to uncover the true nature of reality. It goes beyond mindfulness to understand the nature of experiences to gain deeper wisdom. Insight meditation can be integrated into daily activities, such as walking, eating, or doing any task. Bhante’s teachings emphasize that happiness doesn’t rely on ever-changing external circumstances, and by looking inwards, we can discover our true nature, which is our Buddha nature.
Mental mindfulness is more modern and adjusted to modern western society, while insight meditation is more focused on understanding the nature of experiences. Both practices aim to be present in the moment without judgment, and mindfulness is a quality rather than a practice.
In summary, mindfulness and insight meditation are both essential meditation practices in the Buddhist tradition, with mindfulness focusing on being present and aware of the present moment without judgment. However, the approach to time and the nature of the practice can greatly differ.
📹 Concentration meditation vs Vipassana meditation (mindfulness)
Mindfulness is being aware of your actions and feelings. In Insight or Vipas sanaa meditation, you don’t manipulate your breathing …
What is the opposite of mindfulness meditation?
The Langerian approach to mindfulness emphasizes that life becomes embedded in meditation, contrasting it with mindlessness, which is often seen as autopilot. According to Ellen Langer, mindfulness is a simple process of actively noticing new things. This approach allows for more accurate assessment and response to situations, releasing judgement, and staying open to possibilities. It separates individuals from limiting beliefs and keeps them awake in the moment.
This approach differs from contemplative traditions, which typically involve training the mind to focus by resting awareness in one place for an extended period. While both mindfulness practices offer immediate and long-term benefits, the Langerian approach sees meditation as an activity that is embedded in life, resulting in energizing engagement rather than energy depletion.
What is better, mindfulness or meditation?
Meditation involves mindfulness, while mindfulness doesn’t require meditation. A strong meditation practice can improve mental well-being and overall well-being. However, meditation is not necessarily superior to mindfulness, as it is a way of being present in every moment of life. While attempting to be mindful may seem daunting, making mindfulness a habit through slowing down, tuning into our senses, and practicing meditation can benefit both daily and long-term.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. For health or medical emergencies, consult a physician or 911 immediately.
Which is the most powerful meditation in the world?
Qigong meditation is an ancient Chinese practice that uses energy pathways to harness the body’s energy. Other meditation styles include sitting upright, following the breath, and focusing on a mantra. These techniques aim to foster presence and alertness, and can be learned with an experienced teacher. Another practice is focused attention meditation, where the mind is quieted by focusing on a mantra, such as a syllable, word, or phrase.
The subtle vibrations associated with the mantra can encourage positive change, such as increased self-confidence or compassion, and help enter a deeper state of meditation. It is essential to learn these techniques with an experienced teacher for optimal effectiveness.
What are the side effects of insight meditation?
A 2020 review of over 40 years of research reveals that meditation can cause anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms, dissociation, and fear. These effects can occur to people without previous mental health issues and moderately exposed individuals, leading to long-lasting symptoms. Arnold Lazarus, a key figure in the cognitive-behavioural science movement, warned in 1976 that meditation, when used indiscriminately, could induce serious psychiatric problems such as depression, agitation, and even schizophrenic decompensation.
When not to use mindfulness?
Mindfulness can be beneficial for some individuals with mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar vulnerability, but it is important to note that there is no substantial body of evidence yet on its effectiveness or causes of negative reactions. People who react poorly to mindfulness may drop out of classes or stop using the app or workbook, rather than make a fuss. This is partly due to the current faddishness of mindfulness and its marketing as an alternative lifestyle choice, rather than a powerful form of therapy.
It is crucial to have experienced trainers to facilitate this, as people may not know they have a bipolar vulnerability until they try mindfulness or have repressed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Is Vipassana highest form of meditation?
Vipassana meditation is a spiritual practice that aims for total liberation and enlightenment, eliminating psychosomatic diseases and releasing tensions in everyday life. Developed by the Buddha, it is not limited to Buddhists and has a universal application. It eliminates the three causes of unhappiness: craving, aversion, and ignorance. The practice is not limited to Buddhists, as it works on the basis that all human beings share the same problems. People from various religious denominations have experienced the benefits of Vipassana meditation without conflicting with their profession of faith.
The process of self-purification through meditation is not easy, and students must work hard to achieve their realizations. The discipline is there for the benefit and protection of the meditators, and it is an integral part of the meditation practice.
Is Vipassana meditation the same as mindfulness?
Vipassana meditation is a mindfulness technique originating from the teachings of the Buddha, promoting enlightenment through self-observation without judgment. It is one of India’s oldest meditation techniques and is typically taught in ten-day courses under the guidance of experienced teachers. This non-sectarian practice is open to people of all faiths and nationalities, and requires no belief system, making it compatible with any religion or philosophical outlook. The course typically lasts for 10 days, allowing participants to learn the basics and practice the meditation under the guidance of experienced teachers.
What is the difference between insight and mindfulness?
Mindfulness meditation is a practice that emphasizes being present and aware of the moment without judgment. In contrast, insight meditation utilizes mindfulness as a tool for understanding the nature of experiences and attaining deeper wisdom. The three stages of insight in meditation are as follows: first, the recognition of mental and physical processes; second, the understanding of their impermanent nature; and third, the realization of non-attachment to these processes.
What is the difference between mindfulness and mediation?
Mindfulness and meditation are both practices that aim to improve our well-being by promoting awareness of our surroundings and bodily sensations. Mindfulness involves being aware of our surroundings and our bodies, while meditation focuses on calming the mind by focusing on our thoughts. Both practices require specific benefits and practices, but mindfulness encourages awareness, while meditation focuses on creating singular thoughts.
What is insight meditation?
Vipassana meditation, also known as insight meditation, is a nonjudgmental practice that involves self-observation and focusing on one’s inner self. This meditation technique is beneficial for both the mind and body, and is derived from the ancient Pali language, which means “seeing things as they really are”. It involves practicing self-observation and focusing on one’s inner self, promoting self-awareness and self-awareness.
📹 What is Insight (Vipassana) Meditation?
Insight or vipassana meditation is a relatively recent form of Buddhist practice, but one with deep roots back into history. We will …
I just completed a 10 day Vipassana course. My life has been a complete roller coaster for the past 21 years of my life. I’m happy to say that I’ve been committed to learning about and implementing so many lifestyle changes since then. It was like a boot camp for my brain and for learning to live a better life.
Sir let me correct, Vipassana will not only of arising and passing observation, it is just starting point. That’s why Budha explains in various ways and use number of terminology to clear the meaning of Vippasana. This is the method to know Dharma in right sense on spiritual, scientific, psychological, metabolic, virtual,anatomy based and so on
Vipassana: To see things as they are. Buddha had no word for meditation per se. Rather bhavanna vipassana sati: the cultivation of mindfulness to see things as they are. The canonical references in the Suttanipata include Vipassana as an enlightment factor, cf D.22, M.10 and S.47 also Abhidhamma VII PP24.
I usually try to do some type of samatha before vipassana meditation, but something I occasionally wonder about is whether doing some type of calming meditation sort of inhibits my ability to see what my mind objectively acts like during the day – you know, off the cushion. In my understanding, a large part of Insight is sort of observing the mind in it’s natural state, seeing how easily it becomes “the monkey mind,” and to practice note-taking and reeling it back in. Do you think samatha meditation could inhibit the ability to practice this by doing it right before? Because when I practice mindfulness outside of a meditative context, it’s not like I’m able to sit down and focus on my breath for ten minutes in a stressful situation at work. I feel like outside of a meditative context, we must learn to practice mindfulness without the crutch of samatha. Do you have any thoughts about this?
Vipassana meditation has changed my life. I completed my first 10 day course in 2018 and have taken 2 subsequent courses. I am currently trying to decide if I will do a Sit and Serve program which would be for several months. I was able to silence the inner critic and anxiety that has plagued me for most of my life which was no small feat. I have so many good things to say about Vipassana. Thanks for the article!
Hey Doug, I’m currently starting PhD research into using meditation in schools and their impact. There are many meditations and programs in schools that focus on developing serenity (samadhi), but there is very few that explore the development of insight (vipassana). My research will compare two university meditation programs and their impact: comparing secular mindfulness programs (samadhi meditation) and wisdom-based meditative practices (vipassana meditation). One thing I’m still thinking about is how to teach vipassana to inexperienced meditators who are university students. My thoughts were to work through the 16 steps of mindful breathing that follow the 4 establishments of mindfulness (Body, Feelings, Mind, Dharma/Wisdom: Impermanence, Suffering, No-self). Your article helped me think this would be appropriate. Do you have any thoughts to add?
I came this article because I wanted to understand the difference between the mindfulness and vipassana meditation, and I’m happy to say that Dough explained quite clearly. I am doing mindfulness for almost a month and it has done wonders in terms of anxiety and mood control, and now I want to learn more about vipassana. Thank you Dough.
Clear, solid and contextualized, that’s the best explanation I’ve heard on Vissapana. I really appreciate that the somewhat social science approach does not sacrifice the spiritual aspect of the teachings. You really hit the sweet spot between the East and the West. Thank you so much for this! I’ll check your other articles 🙂
I don’t think it is good to say that nobody needs to be an accomplished meditator to attain stages of enlightenment. There may have been some exceptions, but they were extremely rare in Buddha’s day, and they are not practically worthy of mentioning today. It is not worthy of saying today in any practical sense. It’s like telling people to buy a lottery ticket because they COULD win. Second, both views are important. You need to attain the 8th Jhana to attain the 9th. And that is a stage of enlightenment. Nothing is seen clearly until that point. Whether you do the 5th+6th is debatable, these things are fuzzy, like the 1st 4 Jhanas. Scanning the body, up, down and all around, inside+outside, in all positions: the four foundations of mindfulness. But the 4th/7th,8th,9th are pretty much 100% necessary. Samatha is necessary. But it fails in the 8th Jhana because there is no perception of breath, body, or mind. The only way to move beyond is via another technique and nobody can be helped with that because there is no mind at that point. You can’t use any thinking or memory. At that point, a real investigation must begin. It may be termed Vipassana. I don’t see that Moggallana or Sariputta attained anything without sitting meditation. I am dubious about an insight being anything more than a clue as to what direction to head in life. An insight is not a supra-mundane attainment. I really dislike all the confusion that is being created for people. It does not lessen delusion, it strengthens it.
Hi Doug. I was very surprised with the revelation of the late birth of Vipassana as a meditation technique. I am new to Buddhism and your articles have been really helpful to understand many things. From your Knowledge, is Ledi Sayadaw the first Theravada Buddhist monk that gives birth to Vipassana as a meditation technique or was Medawi? The second question of many more : If Vipassana as a meditation technique was born in Burma around the year 1800 of our common era, when does Shamata as a meditation technique was born? Third question : Do Shamata and Vipassana appear as meditation techniques in the Canon Pali? In the last 5 days I’ve had so many questions that I’m considering to have a Skype conversation with you, of course if that suits you or if you are available for that. Thank you very much Doug.
This is a great article. I think Ledi Sayadaw was trying to map out a framework from which the practictioner could realise the teachings of the Buddha (anicca dukkha anatta) and not lost in the teachings. But probably the master also stressd on the importance of mental clarity from jhana to be able to contemplate.
In the competition for followers, the parts of Christianity that believe that faith alone (not works) would be especially attractive compared to “extremely rare Nirvana” Buddhism. Do you know if the Burmese competition was from Catholicism or Protestantism or both? I have not found a chart comparing different religions’ requirements for salvation; that would be a very interesting chart to read! Was Mahayana Buddhism, with it’s “big capacity vehicle”, a reaction to the easier salvation of Christianity, do you think?
buddha did not teach samatha nor vipassana … samatha meditation existed before buddha and lead nowhere – vipassana well it does not really go anywhere until you reach the jhanas through samatha . so buddha brought one difference to the table > right view . add right view to your jhana practice and bingo
I’ve been doing Vipassana for about 9 months now 1-2 hours a day, and didn’t really understand it’s origins or distinctions from other styles until I watched your article, so thanks lol! I recently tried focused meditation, and found out I have a hard time staying on one ‘object’ and this helps me make sense of why – it’s not meant to be a path to enlightenment at all. Wow. Incidentally, I have read that research shows Vipassana helps with acceptance and creativity, whereas focused meditation helps with decisiveness and clarity. Perhaps Vipassana is a gateway drug to focused meditation?
What is insight? You are a more happy calm wiser and detached person. What is liberating insight? To see the truth of rebirth, the truth of conditionality – that ignorance and craving leads to the five aggregates, to truly understand anicca, dukkha and anatta. Just like the three knowledge of thd Buddha – of rebirth, kamma and the four noble truths.
Another great article, Doug. Like some of the other folks commenting here, I’m becoming increasingly interested in vipassana – and particularly intrigued by Goenka’s techniques and retreats, and those of other folks within his lineage (Roger Bischoff runs some 2 and 10 day vipassana retreats not to far from where I live in the UK). I’m interested in where the Insight people fit in with this all. As I understand it, Jack Kornfield and some of the others within IMS were early students of Goenka and it very much shaped their vision for IMS. Would that be fair to say, do you think?
Hello Doug! Thanks for all your content, I really enjoy them and find them helpful. I wanted to comment on this article though because I am working on a blog post for my new website, and this post is covering some of the different types of meditation. I am writing this from the perspective of someone who has practiced many different types of meditation, so I went online to research what others consider “different types of meditation” and tried to mix that with my own perspective and experience. The reason I stumbled across this article, is because I am trying to understand the difference between “Mindfulness Meditation” and “Vipassana/Insight Meditation”. After trying to write a few paragraphs on each, I can’t get past the sense that they are really one and the same. I want to clarify, that by mindfulness meditation, I am referring to meditation based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in the Satipatthana Sutta. (1-Mindfulness of Body, 2-Mindfulness of Feelings/Feeling Tones, 3-Mindfulness of Mind, 4-Mindfulness of Mental Objects) These seem, at least to me, to be exactly the same as Insight Meditation. So I was wondering if you might be able to reach out and weigh in on this and I would be more than happy to link to you and provide credit once my blog is up and running. I would be more than willing to share what I have so far as well. Thanks again for all you do. -Jason
My finger twitched…I mean to say in the writings of Mahasi there are “steps and stages” that seem a little esoteric, implying a familiarity with a very different interior landscape that emerges thru absorption. To my knowledge Mahasi was the seminal teacher of Goldstein, Jack K., and the others who brought these practices here.
Hi Doug, very interesting. Do you do anything around Mahasi Sayadaw’s Progress of Insight? It is true that popular Insight Meditation retreats offer meditation practices (anapana, body scanning, mental noting, etc. ) that over 10 days or longer alter consciousness that does relieve dukkha or suffering.
It was a good introduction. I will read the book you recommend. However, in your talk, as in the Buddhist literature is not clear what insight is. One interpretation could be that insight is the realization moment by moment of arising and passing of mental states. But this is too few, and I cannot see what usage it can have. The other one is the claim that the practitioner knows the nature of reality. It is what Ledi Sayadaw seems to say. He says, for example, in a conversation with some disciples that the next Buddha is around the corner and that it will pass eons until a new one appears. This knowledge is much like the prophetic knowledge of Christians and Muslims; that is garbage.
This article is a very good explanation of Vipassana, and is exactly what is taught on the Goenka 10 day course that I just completed. I asked the teacher about the Jhanas, and he said they do not teach that, but did not say why. Your article is a good explanation of the historical reasons of how and why it can be done two different ways, and still be true to the Pali Canon. That is, the first way, which is just enough breath observation meditation first, (Apanana) to get the monkey mind under control, then Vipassana, or, the 2nd way, which is Jhanas first, and then Vipassana. In my opinion, trying to learn it without a detailed course and a trained teacher is not a workable idea. The 10 day boot camp generated LOTS of questions for the teacher, even though the instructions were very thorough.
Hi Doug! Perhaps a somewhat trivial question but I was wondering what is said in the Satipatthana Sutta and elsewhere with regards to how one’s eyes should be when meditating? I have often read or heard it said they should be slightly open. I recently attended a Dharma talk by Lama Lhakpa Yeshe who said, “If you are a beginner, you should close your eyes.” Personally I cannot envisage a time when I would want to meditate with my eyes even slightly open. I find it difficult enough to concentrate on my breath without having visual stimuli to contend with also. Tia.
Christianity isn’t one thing: the Church fathers, and also Catholic contemplatives DO believe you can get a sort of heaven on Earth experiences by meditating on God and communing with the Holy Spirit. Sorry, Doug but this sounds like a lot more like an Northern American Protestantism and not much like either Catholic or Orthodox mystical traditions or hermeticism.
Hello Doug, Thank you for the informative article! Something that I often feel puzzled about is how we can pursue things in life that we value or love while understanding the impermanence of those very things.That aspect of Vipassana sometimes makes me wonder how we can love without attachment. That is what I would like my focus to be on for my practice.