Vipassana

insight intuitive vision, introspection, contemplation, insight development

This form of meditation is widely practiced in Theravada Buddhism. Its goal is the realization of the three marks of existence: suffering, impermanence, and "no-soul." It leads to the realization of the true character of Emptiness. Vipassana and Samadhi are considered prerequisites for attaining nirvana by Theravada Buddhism.

Pali; insight, clear seeing; intuitive cognition of the three marks of existence (trilakshana), namely, the impermanence (anitya), suffering (duhkha), and no-self (anatman) of all physical and mental phenomena. In Mahayana Buddhism, vipassana is seen as analytical examination of the nature of things that leads to insight into the true nature of the worldemptiness (shunyata). Such insight prevents the arising of new passions. Vipassana is one of the two factors essential for the attainment of enlightenment (bodhi); the other is shamatha (calming the mind).