Vipashyana: Exploring the Nature of Mind - Zoom

In the Kagyu tradition, we practice in the Mahamudra tradition where the main practices are shamatha and vipashyana. On these retreats we will explore the vipashyana techniques where we systematically investigate the nature of mind and its contents. Through these meditations, we confront our assumptions about mind, thoughts, and perceptions, and in time, with committed practice, we experience insight into the nature of our being and experiences.

In general, before beginning vipashyana practice, a good foundation of shamatha or resting meditation is important. Through shamatha meditation, we gain some space from the onslaught of thoughts and other mental phenomena that continually stir up our minds, and we begin to experience some settling of mental busyness and an enhancement of meditative awareness.  This practice is wonderful and critical, but shamatha cannot lead to liberation. For that we must practice vipashyana where we look into the nature of mind and its contents.

A skillful way to approach vipashyana practice is to alternate between shamatha and the investigations of vipashyana, and this is the approach that we will take in this retreat. Vipashyana can be a challenging practice so having spent at least a year with regular shamatha practice would be an important foundation. If you are not sure if it is right for you, contact Lama Eric.

This retreat will be a hybrid offering—you can participate in-person at our retreat center near Goldendale, WA, or you can participate via Zoom. In either case, you must commit to attending the retreat from beginning to the end.