Look within, where all the answers lie
Tanya visited me on Diwali with her husband, Gopi Reddy. Fresh from a Vipassana retreat of ten days, she radiated joy – face lit with a smile and gait poised in serenity. I am familiar with this form of meditation, but I asked her to narrate her experience, which she articulated brilliantly. For the first four days, she practised concentrating the mind on her breath, at the tip of the nose, pinning her awareness to two square centimeters of the body, feeling the air going in and coming out of the nostrils. This ever-changing flow of breath, as it enters and leaves the nostrils, is the natural reality of everybody.
The next four days, she used her mind, thus trained for pointed awareness, to scan her body for hidden sensations, during which, multitudes of hot spots, twisted muscles, palpitations, aches, and pains surfaced. During the last three days’ practice, she could see the energy-packets trapped inside her body, which started fizzling out, as bubbles do after the cork of a soda water bottle is opened.
As loops of electrical current induced within conductors, called eddy current, these ‘formations’ of life energy are called “सङ्खार” in Pali and “संस्कार” in Sanskrit. If not dispersed this energy turns in to various ailments and diseases. What is high blood pressure? How ulcers get formed? Inner layers of blood vessels get inflamed hindering flow of blood into heart, brain, and kidney.
It is believed in the Eastern Schools that there is immortal permanent essence exists inside-out the body. It enters physicality at the time of fertilization of the mother’s egg cell with the father’s sperm cell. It witnesses every moment of life and leaves at the time of death, rendering all cells fit to be disposed of. The ‘formations’ of energy residues even move along in the new body as fragrance with the wind, in the reincarnation cycle. I saw Tanya free of this internal formation and therefore, radiating bliss.
Vipassana is a Pali word (विपस्सना); in Sanskrit, it is known as विपश्यना. The prefix “vi-” means “special” and “passana” means “seeing.” It could be seeing “into” or seeing “through,” but essentially, seeing in a special way. And what is that special way? It is about direct perception – not intellectually derived from study, reasoning, or argument. The insight gained from Vipassana enables one to see, explore and discern “formations” trapped in the energy body.
Teachers at the retreat told Tanya that there are five types of “formations”: material images or impressions, mostly memories about people and places; feelings, received from these people and at these places; our understanding as perceptions; mental activity or formations; and the common ground to support them as consciousness. There are as many as 51 mental factors, like coins we keep carrying in our purses to buy our fortunes in vain.
Tanya explained with the enthusiasm of a teacher, “When I have a desire, when I plan, when I like or dislike something or somebody, I am hoarding consciousness in a “packet.” This hoarded consciousness lands in my body and grows. Just as a seed that germinates in the soil eventually becomes a tree, these “packets of consciousness” become my fate. With time, I experience sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress and despair, not even knowing why these are happening to me.”
My own experiences with Vipassana date back to the mid-1980s. I was working in the Missile programme, doing extremely challenging work without any prior experience and with the foolhardiness of a novice that brings unexpected success, but also makes one commit costly mistakes, which experienced people could have avoided. All this stress resulted in my developing migraine. There was not a single week when my vision did not blur for a few minutes, followed by intense pain in one half of my head, culminating in massive vomiting.
I consulted many doctors, took many medicines, including Ayurvedic nasal drops, but my suffering continued. And then, my friend, Ravi Kumar, who sat beside me on the bus, gave me a book by Fritz Perls on Gestalt Psychology, and I landed into the art of introspection from that route. A few weeks of practice, in short spells, cured me of the migraine headaches, and they never returned to trouble me since then. Later, in 2005, I went to Myanmar and met Prof Kyaw Myint, a Fellow of the three Royal Colleges of Physicians of Edinburgh, Glasgow, in Internal Medicine, and then Minister of Health of Myanmar. Besides being an eminent doctor, he is a practicing Buddhist. He initiated me into Vipassana, the science of introspection.
Dr. Kyaw Myint told me that the Vipassana meditator, after practice, becomes aware of how sense impressions arise from the contact between the senses and the physical and mental phenomena. The key is to know the impermanence of things, called “अनिच्च” in Pali, or “अनित्य” in Sanskrit, and the irrefutable law of dependent origination at work, both fundamental ideas in Buddhism
Everything in human life; all objects, as well as all beings, wherever or whoever they are, are always changing, inconstant, undergoing birth and death. Rupert Gethin (b. 1957) at the University of Bristol puts it brilliantly, “As long as there is attachment to things that are unstable, unreliable, changing, and impermanent, there will be suffering.” Nothing lasts! This worldly existence is in a constant state of flux and change.
This change can be seen as a series of cause and effect. Everything and every person (as A or B) is linked through a causal process. Curd is made from milk; it is different from but dependent on milk. When there is no milk, there is no curd.
The realization of this principle of dependent origination, called “प्रतीत्यसमुत्पाद” in Sanskrit, indeed clears one’s confusion – “When this is, that is. With the arising of this, that arises. When this is not, that is not. With the cessation of this, that ceases.”
Putting it in simple terms, we store memories in our consciousness as names and forms. These memories can trigger feelings even after a lapse of many years. These feelings draw their energy from our likes and dislikes, like anodes and cathodes in a battery cell, through the electrolyser of our desires. So, with the practice of Vipassana, even if desires still exist, the attitude of equanimity prevents these desires from stirring up emotions.
So, from that perspective, for ten days in the Vipassana retreat, Tanya was alone – all by herself: no phone, no contacts, no talking with the other participants around, and no activity. No bodily fabrications, verbal fabrications and mental fabrications were possible. The sense bases of her eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind (intellect) were turned inward like a laser beam. Like algae covering a stone can be scrubbed off, the wind of insight dispersed away the dark clouds; the “packets” trapped in her body were released.
This cleansing, or emptying, helps one see things as they really are; it helps one to understand suffering as mind fabrications created by past impressions embedded in one’s body, and not created due to outside people, situations, and circumstances, as one would love to see them. Training and using one’s mind is a wonderful way to live. Even if pain is inevitable in life, suffering is optional.
One need not go to a retreat to disengage and can practice detaching from the world for brief spells while at home and work. Accepting life as it is, finding one’s way through it, rather than resisting and lamenting, is the secret to attain peace. As one rids one’s body from impressions of the past, one feels happy inside and a calm sense of tranquility envelops one, like a child experience in its mother’s loving arms. Indeed, one would be most unfortunate to ignore this simple tool available in life!
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By reading this very soothing narrative about Vipassana, it is clear that the practice of meditation is beneficial. Who would not like experiencing genuine joy and well-being? I can see the point that meditation practice develops the most fundamental axis of our being. ध्यान इंसान के लिए प्रार्थना से भी ज्यादा जरूरी हैं। प्रार्थना में हम भगवान से अपनी बात कहते हैं, और ध्यान में हमें भगवान की बात सुनाई देती है।
Sir, thank you for a beautiful blog. My take on meditation is that it teaches us that there is a difference between trying to analyze what I am feeling and simply observing it. Analyzing and acting on thoughts and feelings is what I am pretty much always doing; it is a very strong habit. Meditation is another way to approach mental events: we can let them go.
There are, however, certain feelings that accompany meditation. When meditating, you gradually loosen the restraints of self-centeredness. The mind shifts to a more subtle kind of awareness. You become less self-conscious. Physical pain and emotional stressors rises as if from the depths and vanish, leaving behind a profound and abiding feeling of peace.
An enlightening blog Prof Tiwariji !
Your simple tool of look within is a wonderful way of exploring peace and tranquility in life !!
Respected Arun Sir, Thank you very much for such an enlightening blog. On a topic & in way i.e. indispensable ingredients for sustainable & peaceful (Both inside & outside body mind) existence of humanity. If we consider whole planet as a body, Then each of us are Cell , as a basic unit of body. We all should evolve & imitate for better & of best character of cell. It should be innate characteristic of wise & learned human being through their wisdom to inoculate others for better immunity of any possible danger, Like you are doing through your lecture, book, blog & Facebook post.
Dear Sir , In last few days I went through your book “Transcendence” Co-authored with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Sir. Believe me reading about the journey was itself a meditation. This book is among the few books, to which I decided to re-read. This book made me to realize the benefit of slow reading & to read mindfully & Carefully, Most of the paragraph forced me to think before going to next paragraph & shape in words my natural reaction on note book . While in 1st part , I decided to mark, So i can directly read selected chapter again , But latter I realized, Energy that created whole book is same , So to understand it I have to go again & again with more conscious reading.
“Look within, where all the answers lie” BY ARUN TIWARI | NOV 15, 2021 is undoubtedly a wonderful blog. The discussed subject has been taught by Bharateeya Rishees long ago. The mystery and issues are that our eyes are placed front side, and we see others but hardly introspect within ourselves. VipaShyana teaches that. All the times in our life, we are indulged in looking at the wrongdoings of others and pose ourselves the flawless. The day we start looking within, we have the answers and need not go to the training centers. The funny side is that we get enlightened with VipaShyana like training, enjoy the life for moments but again……………………………………………… I salute Prof. Arun Tiwari jee enlightening us through his blogs in very simple ways. We have got such rare people with us. Pray, GOD keeps him mentally and physically fit, gives healthy life.
This is a wonderful article Sir and it resonates with me on so many leevls. As you mentioned having migraine headaches, I too had a similar kind of headaches, to the point I thought I had a major pathological illness.
Till I met my friend who taught me Sudarshan kriya-an an art of focusing on your breath and being aware of it and releasing all the negative energy. And it really worked. Turns out my headaches were related to all the environmental and emotional stress. And was not pathological.
It is of utmost importance to cleanse the mind once in a while in this hectic life, something which we easily forget. And your article just reminded me to do that.
Reading and reflecting on your blog is a great privilege Professor Tiwari.
Thank you for refreshing and providing new incites and motivation to my own experiences of Vipassana practice.
Dear Prof. Tiwari, I am not very spiritually inclined. Therefore, I am not familiar with the nitty gritty of various methods developed to achieve peace of mind and bliss by our spiritual masters.
I am able to attain my peace of mind by doing my job honestly and sincerely, helping others to the extent possible, and trying best not to harm and hurt anybody. Forgiving someone, who has hurt me, calms down my agitated mind. For me work is worship and humanity is my religion. I am not perfect and I am not unduly worried about it. It is important to live life each day and enjoy it, particularly after achieving the status of a senior citizen.
You are right that suffering is optional and the main reason of suffering is expectation/attachment. Detachment remains the key to happiness after certain age.
Wonderful read. Introspection along with consciousness of the world around us is the key to unlocking the self and breaking the shackles.
Thank you for another insightful and educational blog on how to unlock the mysteries of our inner souls and mind. In this fast-paced world where we are all too busy gallivanting towards earthly possessions and desires, your words are a reminder to asseverate to ourselves the inner turnings of our souls and the power that lies within.
I have not personally followed this routine or exercised the intricacies, but of course am aware that this holistic attitude that comes from our ancient culture would make life very wholesome and satisfying indeed.
Sir, thank you for pointing out what is being missed by people in the fast-paced life. Happiness is actually a lack of misery. And as you rightly pointed out through the example of Vipassana our blind reaction is one root cause of all our miseries – Our blind reaction of aversion to anything unwanted/negative; Our blind reaction of attachment to anything we like. We become miserable when anything unwanted happens in our life like someone abuses us or hurts our ego, and so on. This habit of blind reactions of aversion and attachment has become part of our subconscious mind and is deeply ingrained in the habit pattern of the mind. Misery is indeed the biggest public health issue of present times. The rich and affluent are only more miserable.
Dear Sir, As per my understanding, the whole idea of practicing Vipassana is to detach yourself from the bodily world for some time and concentrate your mind on something. I feel this can be done by practicing kinds of music, like learning or playing guitar. Playing music needs lots of concentration and helps the mind to focus on, you find yourself in a different inner world, and a sense of peace and smoothness of soul.
When I started learning guitar, I found it very useful in improving my concentration of mind. It really helps to connect with the universe and your soul. It’s like doing Dhyan in yoga. However, I also wish to visit the Vipassana center sometime to get the experience. I remember, when I visited Rajkuar Goenka, the owner of Kejariwal Hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, he invited me to join him Vipassna in Delhi. He had mentioned many benefits of Vipassna practice. Let’s see, when I get some time to visit any centre to get this expereince,
Disconnecting or disengaging oneself from a routine in every day’s life is in my opinion a must. We have always been initiated into techniques, may be Vipasaana, meditation, or yoga to achieve this. However, what we do have to realize is that this has to become a part of life for us to seek a higher self than as an activity. I wonder sometimes if we make all these techniques as activities to achieve something, rather than understanding the real essence.
Last week I was away in Chennai and the heavy rains there got life to a standstill. However, to me it was an opportunity to just sit in the balcony of my friend’s apartment on the 9th floor and be a mute observer of things happening around. There was lot of turbulence around as far as weather was concerned but my mind was still and clear. Knowing how little you matter is very important for your mental health and happiness. I just saw the power of disconnecting yourself with outside world. I did not keep things away from myself like the mobile or laptop but never had the urge to use them as on a typical day. In short, I feel we need to assign sometime for ourselves everyday “doing nothing” and “just observing”, of course “without judging”. Thank you Sir for this very nice article.
Thank you for this useful blog. As I make out, Vipassana is a clear awareness of exactly what is happening as it happens. The aim is not “concentration” or “tranquility.” As you very aptly brought out, it is a gradual process of ever-increasing awareness into the inner workings of our body, which is indeed reality itself. We may learn to smell acutely, to touch fully, and to really pay attention to the changes taking place in all these experiences. We learn to listen to our own thoughts without being caught up in them. But for the “event” when the meditator chisels through that wall and tumbles into the presence of light, may never happen to the most. But then it is good, it is undoubtedly beneficial, and therefore must be done by one and all.
Very nice thought provoking write up. Peace is one things everyone wants to achieve but it’s a difficult task. To keep yourself calm, as you mentioned we have to detach from the world spells, which we call Moh-Maya. its kind of unattainable for me, as a researcher, a mother and wife so many things keep ongoing in my mind. Detaching myself from the world or finding time for myself is kind of miracle to me.
I could connect more with you sir where you mentioned about migraine due to stress. I am also in the same phase nowadays. But your blog has shown some path for me to reach inner peace and highlighting its importance, will try to implement it in my daily life. Thanks always for such good piece of blogs.
Sir, first and foremost I must share a profound sense of peace that I felt after reading your blog on Vipassana. Based on the firsthand experience of Mrs. Tanya Reddy and your own insights you have given a lucid description of the entire process, which you apty called introspection.
But I must also point out that Vipassana is not something unique and use of Mindfulness and Awareness have been taught in Sanatan Dharma as the basic steps in Dhayana, which indeed connects the partitioner to the Cosmic Intelligence. In fact, I had practiced for a while yoga nidra, antar mouna, soham ajapa japa etc. and those were highly beneficial.
There is almost unbearable din and clutter and I suggest you write more such articles to help us connect with the Infinite Inside us to the Infinite Outside, which to me is the basic problem statement of any spiritual endeavor.
Great Title to the blog Arunji. Personally I haven’t done Vipassana course, but have heard about similar life-changing experiences from close friends who have done this. Just earlier this year, one of our colleagues went through the course and decided to pursue the path deeper taking break from many so-called essentials of modern life including smartphone, social media, corporate culture, reasonably high paying job etc.
It was also nice to see you bringing out scientific angle to this ancient wisdom and explaining terminologies in pali and sanskrit for common terms. Finally, loved the mantra you gave with this statement – “Accepting life as it is, finding one’s way through it, rather than resisting and lamenting, is the secret to attain peace.” Such a simple and beautiful concept to attain peace!
Prof Tiwari, I first heard the word Vipassana from Prof VS Raju then director of IIT, Delhi He is a big proponent of practice of Vipassana. I now understand the background of this practice from your blog well written and can be easily understandable by most. Best wishes.
I like your heading…”Look within, where all the answers lie” and as a hard working and practicing farmer I always wonder why do people pay big money to learn what they have and know already???
Sir, thank you for the very useful information on Vipassana. I must add here the idea of Shodasha Samskaras or Rites of Passage, practiced in Sanatan Dharma. Through these ceremonies, the prior load of Samskaras is washed out. I feel not following this tradition is the primary reason for the ‘energy pockets’ you have mentioned. Like an aircraft experiencing turbulence, when it hits an air pocket, we also experience instability inside in the same manner.
There are somany things in oneself who he himself is not aware. Truly I was thinking meditation as part of yoga but your blog has enlightened me on the scientific and spiritual lines the difference. Sir thanks for sharing this.
Indeed Prof Tiwari, ‘Even if pain is inevitable in life, suffering is optional’
Thanks for educating us about Vipassana, I must confess I thought this is same as Yoga, till I went through your blog. I realised this is perhaps an ancient practice not present in other systems of beliefs. There seems to be a science behind this and I wonder why we are not teaching this as a form of healing. It is high time we popularise our old cultural heritage.
Every one is victim of situations due to sets in mind. Clinging on to old memories and anticipating in eternity for things that may be realized or may not be. But continuity of attachment always force every one the cycle of changinging dimensions of life..”Chkravat parivartante Dukkhani cha Sukhani cha…”
To be happy, seeing things as they are and accepting life as it is.. is the requirement and Vipasana in essence can be practiced every moment we live..if and only if we practice accepting realities of life… work on them to excel in all spheres.
Dear Sir, Thanks for sharing this and bringing back my memories of attending Vipassana in 2010. I never thought I could stay quiet for 10 days, without checking emails. phone calls and at that time it was blackberry messages (Whatsapp wasn’t launched).
The entire process is very well laid out, experience and feeling is very different after 10 days.
I personally believe this is should be added as a practice right from school as a part of the system, so that the practice of looking external for all solutions is stopped. It can also be a big booster for concentration to the mind from a very early age.