Self Awareness Through Meditation

Author(s): Ranjitsingh Kumat
Publisher: Ranjitsingh Kumat

Page 87

SELF AWARENESS THROUGH MEDITATION
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predetermined deep rooted reactions of which we are hardly aware of. They act like sleeping volcanoes and explode as blind reactions to sensations. The key lies in becoming fully ‘aware of sensations received by the body and regulating the reaction to them. This alone gives rise to the system of meditation known as Vipassana. This is the singular contribution of Lord Buddha to humanity. Vipassana makes us aware, gives us the path and the ‘pragya' or true wisdom that leads to liberation.97
Vipassana
What is Vipassana? Vipassana is made up of two syllables, namely, Vi' and ‘Passa”. Passa in Pali language means to see and 'Vi” means in a special manner. To observe anything intently, deeply, and from different angles is Vipassana. To see a thing as it exists and not as we want to see is Vipassana. This is done through experiencing bodily sensations because it is through these sensations that the totality of our nature manifests. The Visuddhimagga states,
"That which feels the objects is vedana (sensation), its characteristic is to experience, and its function is to realize the object"98.
It is through sensation that we experience all phenomena—that we can directly experience our true nature, of arising and passing away of sensations, and thus experience impermanence as a fact of life. There are pleasant sensations, unpleasant sensations and neutral sensations. When a meditator practicing ardently, does not neglect his faculty of thorough understanding, then such a wise person fully comprehends all sensations and does not allow craving to arise in response to the sensations, whether pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. Realizing the impermanence of the sensations, one has to understand thoroughly that all objects including our own body are impermanent and, therefore, one has to avoid all cravings and aversions. All sensations are to be observed with equanimity. Continuous clear comprehension and thorough understanding of the impermanent nature of the physical and mental structure of sensations felt on the body is called 'Sampajano' and that is the state one reaches when one has gone through Vipassana in a thorough manner.99 When a person has thoroughly comprehended all sensations, he becomes freed from all impurities. At his life's end such a person, being established in Dhamma and understanding sensations perfectly, attains the indescribable stage.