Vipassana, or Insight, meditation is one of the oldest Buddhist meditation practices: its initial teaching is attributed to the Buddha himself. It is a simple, gentle, yet powerful method for the moment-to-moment investigation of the body-mind process. Through calm and focused awareness, the meditator gains first-hand knowledge of the way things are. By increasing one's understanding of the nature of existence, Vipassana meditation fosters the alleviation of suffering through wisdom and compassion, and enhances appreciation of the deeper texture of life.

vipassana retreats

A retreat provides an opportunity to deepen meditation practice with the guidance of an experienced teacher in a supportive environment. In Vipassana meditation, everything that one does becomes an object of meditation. The day consists of alternate periods of sitting and walking meditation, some instruction, and personal interviews with the teacher. Noble Silence is observed throughout the retreat.

The skills of mindfulness that are the subject of an insight meditation retreat can help us to become more aware of our thoughts and behaviors in everyday life, understand some of the causes of suffering in ourselves and others, increase the compassion, clarity and calmness of our thoughts, and reinforce our commitment to a daily meditation practice.

lovingkindness meditation

Lovingkindness, or metta, meditation focuses on generating loving and positive thoughts toward all beings. It is often used in conjunction with Vipassana meditation. By lessening anger and other negative feelings, lovingkindness meditation helps to alleviate suffering.