Vipassana is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. 2500 years ago it was re-discovered by the Gotama the Buddha and taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills. At first the technique flourished in India but gradually it became corrupted, lost its efficacy, and disappeared from the land of its origin. Fortunately the neighbouring country of Burma preserved the original form of Vipassana through the millennia. Since 1969 it has been re-introduced into India, where it is now striking deep roots.
Vipassana is a Pali word meaning insight, seeing things as they really are. It is not a blind faith or philosophy, and has nothing to do With sectarian religion. Instead Vipassana is a practical method that can be applied by anyone of average intelligence. Its goal is to purify the mind, to eliminate the tensions and negativities that make us miserable.
Vipassana meditation as taught by Shri Satya Narayan Goenka and his assistant teachers. Courses are held regularly in different parts of India and abroad. People come to these camps from every caste, community, and background. For ten days they live together in harmony, intent on acquiring this ancient spiritual treasure of India.
The Art of Living is the first book to appear in English that accurately describes at length, for the general reader, Vipassana meditation as taught by Shri S. N. Goenka.