The origin and spread of vipassana centers in India can be traced to His Holiness U BA KHIN of Burma (present day Myanmar). This great Yogi was born in Rangoon in the year 1899. He lived a long life of 72 years which was full of action of a Karma Yogi. His childhood was full of miseries and suffering due to poverty and want. Despite this U BA KHIN reached that stage in life which was full of happiness and satisfaction due to richness of realization of ultimate Truth. Right from his early age he learnt and mastered the Buddhist technique of Vipassana.
He was fully dedicated to righteous action, truth, and compassion. After retiring from the service he desired to tour foreign countries and spread the message of Vipassana, but he was denied the passport as per prevailing laws. This caused a lot of disappointment in his mind. He never visited India, but U BA KHIN had great love for this country. He used say, "I have to visit India. In spiritual matters Burma is greatly indebted to India; I want to repay that loan."
U BA KHIN overcame the despondency by finding a way out. He adopted Sri Satyanarayan Goenka as his spiritual son and taught him everything about the theory and practice of Vipassana. He conferred on Sri Goenka the deserved honour of Acharya.
Sri Satyanarayan Goenka was born in very wealthy family of an industrialist in the year 1924 in Mandale, Burma. He was soon recognized as a successful industrialist of his time. In the year 1955 Sri Goenka tried the technique of vipassana for the cure of his illness which took him to his Teacher U BA KHIN. In fact, Sri Goenka was benefited as regards his physical ailment. This led him to go deep and deeper in the theory, art and scientific practice of Vipassana. He was surprised to note the beneficial effect of vipassana not only on the but also its great purifying effect over the mind. He realized that the tranquility, concentration, and purity of mind leads the person to obtain that state which is beyond the purchasing power of any amount of gold or money. Therefore, renouncing all his wealth and leaving behind all the industries Sri Goenka came to India in the year 1969.
What is Vipassana
Vipassana is one of India's most ancient meditation techniques. It was discovered by Guatama the Buddha 2500 years ago. It means to see the things as they really are by the process of self observation and introspection. With sharpened awareness one proceeds to observe changing nature of and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering, and egolessness. Where sorrow and sadness have no place, but whole life is full of Joy that state is the state of religion. Vipassana is the technique to reach this stage.
Vipassana is no magic, nor it is hypnotism or mesmerism. It is not a blind ritual or devotion, nor is it mad emotionalism brought about by singing and dancing. It is not blind faith in occult powers to reach outward trance, nor is it special orthodoxy of japam and counting beads. It is not related with intellectual debate nor study of scriptures for discussion. Vipassana is not escapism nor turning away from the realities of life.
Vipassana is the tested and proved method of developing self-confidence, self-independence, and self-reliance. It is a blessed 'way of life' for the welfare of all that leads to atma-vikasa, and sarva-vikasa through purification of the mind. As a branch of Buddhist method of spiritual discipline, Vipassana is meant to establish the sadhaka in 'Sheela, Samadhi, and Prajna'.
Vipassana Retreats (Camps)
A typical ten day Retreat or camp starts with simple instructions to the inmates not to speak unnecessarily. The sadhaka is supposed to speak only with designated instructor regarding his difficulty and doubts, both mundane and regarding Vipassana. The food is very simple and actually may appear inadequate to beginners. But both these restriction help the participant to concentrate better. It also adds a desired element of austerity.
The sadhaka is required to meditate for pretty long period of time. Getting up at four in the morning, the person meditates for two hours before he gets some lemon juice or milk at 7 a. m. Then again he concentrates his mind till 11 a. m. when break is announced for meals and refreshment. Same is the case in the afternoon. At 8 p. m. there is a discourse given by the teacher about the importance and nature of vipassana.
Actual vipassana technique appears very simple. It is just to be aware of our breathing. Observe as we breathe in and as we breathe out. There is no mantra, no japa, no ishta, and no measures like pranayama. The aim of this sadhana is to empty the mind-stuff -chitta - of all impurities; to make mind pure. This breath observation is a simple and effective way to achieve concentration of mind. Its modifications, wavering and restlessness come under control.
Vipassana meditation aims at the highest spiritual goal of total liberation and full enlightenment. Its purpose is never simply to cure physical diseases, but as a by-product of mental purification, many psychosomatic diseases get eradicated. Actually, it is an art of living which eliminates the three causes of all unhappiness: craving, aversion, and ignorance.