I recently attended a ten-day meditation course called Vipassana. In short, I have been inspired to spread word of this wonderful technique.
Vipassana was discovered by Gautama the Buddha as a method to eradicate all suffering by eliminating the two things that lead to suffering: craving and aversion.
When we crave something and it is not provided, inner peace is disturbed.
When we develop aversion towards something and it appears, inner peace is disturbed.
Vipassana works to maintain inner peace despite our external environment. It is radically simple, and only requires effort on the part of the meditator in order to reap benefit.
The technique begins by practicing annapana sati meditation (focus is directed on observing the natural breath, with no attempt to alter it) for the first three days. Focus is directed on the triangle consisting of the nostrils of the nose to the upper lip. It is in this stage where you learn how to become aware of sensation.
On day four, Vipassana is taught. You are instructed to sit for one hour (three times a day) and scan the body from head to toe, aware of any sensation felt. You become highly aware of any sensation - pain in knees from sitting, back aches, itches, heat, cold, blood flow... the list goes on and on. And the key is when you experience these sensations, you do not respond. You acknowledge the sensation, and come to terms with its emphermality - that its existence is temporary and the pain or unpleasant sensation will soon pass.
Over time, the practice of Vipassana becomes integrated into your life and you are more prepared to handle the oscillations of living.
The organization's main website can be found here ! You can locate the center nearest to you and sign up for a course if my writing has helped nudge you closer.
