The Buddha's Path:

Foundational Buddhist Study Programme

Module 5

Foundations of Buddhist Meditation II: Vipashyana and the Four Applications of Mindfulness

About Module 5

Foundations of Buddhist Meditation II

This Module is part of The Buddha’s Path (our foundational study programme).

In this module, we will be introduced to the four close applications of mindfulness, which form the foundation of Buddhist insight (vipashyana/vipassana) practice. These include mindfulness of the body, feelings, mental states, and mental objects.

Vipashyana (Pali: vipassanā) means to ‘see things as they really are’. It is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation, taught by the Buddha 2,600 years ago. A central message of the Buddha’s teachings is that the mind can be permanently freed through the union of meditative quiescence (shamatha) and contemplative insight (vipashyana).
 
Vipashyana practice aims to cultivate deep understanding and realisation of the true nature of our reality. This includes examining the Three Marks of Existence: impermanence, suffering, and not-self. A central theme is the cultivation of discerning mindfulness, in which we distinguish between phenomena presented to our senses and the conceptual projections that we impose on reality.
 
Week 1: Mindfulness of the Body
Week 2: Mindfulness of Feelings
Week 3: Mindfulness of the Mind & Mental States
Week 4: Mindfulness of All Phenomena

Module 5:
Foundations of Buddhist Meditation II: Vipashyana and the Four Applications of Mindfulness

• The Practice of Vipashyana (Insight Meditation)
• The Four Applications of Mindfulness
• The Three Marks of Existence
• Deconstructing and seeing phenomena

Recordings & Resources

Meet the Host

Guiding your meditation experience

David Oromith

Buddhist Contemplative, Author & Meditation Guide

David is a Buddhist contemplative, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and author of the book A Practical Guide to Mindful Living: Five Ways to Restore Presence and Calm Amidst Challenge & Change. He has received non-monastic ordination in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and teaches workshops internationally, leads retreats across the UK and runs classes locally.

David is a follower of the rimé (non-sectarian) approach, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view, with teachers in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His primary teacher is Lama Alan Wallace, who is also rooted in a non-sectarian approach, with particular close affiliation with the Gelug and Nyingma schools and the Dudjom lineage.

David discovered meditation & Buddhism through his experience of depression and suicidal thoughts and is passionate about helping people take back control of their mental wellbeing, work with their thoughts and feelings, and discover genuine wellbeing and joy within. Read more.

Human Friendly Events

Samadhi is an inclusive organisation and we welcome people of all ages, genders (including gender identity), sexual orientation, abilities, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief.

As an LGBTQ-led Buddhist organisation, we strongly believe that no one should be discriminated against for any reason at all and subscribe to the ideals of non-harm and loving-kindness. You’re welcome no matter who you are and you’re free to express yourself authentically.

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