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What Is Insight Meditation?

Insight meditation is a practice that helps to calm the mind through developing a level of sustained attention in order to bring about insight through the means of reflection.

More Info: Meditative practices center on creating a focused awareness. Depending on the aim of the specific meditation, one may seek to gain awareness of surroundings, thoughts, feelings, memories, or beliefs. The awareness may be attuned to extrinsic or intrinsic sources.

Insight meditation is a Buddhist practice in the tradition of Theravada Buddhism. The goal is to bring about clarity of mind in order to truly experience direct reality. It does not rely on the teachings or belief systems of outward sources. Rather, during insight meditation, one looks inwardly for guidance in order that the newfound wisdom might be put into practice.

To begin the practice of insight meditation, one must first be comfortable. A sitting position is usually recommended, though lying down, kneeling, standing, and even walking can work as long as no tension is held in the body. The individual then strives to bring out a growing awareness of his or her body and breathing patterns.

Insights and contemplations follow as the individual goes deeper into his or her mind, examining reality as well as lifestyle choices and behavioral practices. In line with Buddhist teaching, meditation should help to bring about a more peaceful and compassionate way of life.

Insight meditation does not purpose to impose a set of beliefs, rather is strives to attune the mind to reality.