The Purpose and Basic Principles of Meditation
An interactive exploration of the foundational principles of Vipassanā, based on the teachings of Dr. Soe Lwin (Mandalay).
The Ultimate Goal
The journey of meditation begins with a clear destination. The primary purpose is liberation from the cycle of suffering (*saṃsāra*) by realizing the Four Noble Truths for oneself. Click on each truth to learn more.
1. The Truth of Suffering
Dukkha Sacca
Recognizing that life inherently contains suffering, dissatisfaction, and stress.
2. The Truth of the Cause
Samudaya Sacca
Understanding that suffering arises from craving.
3. The Truth of Cessation
Nirodha Sacca
Realizing that suffering can cease by eliminating its causes. This cessation is Nibbāna.
4. The Truth of the Path
Magga Sacca
Following the Noble Eightfold Path to achieve the cessation of suffering.
The Path to Liberation
The Noble Eightfold Path is the practical roadmap to liberation. It is not a linear sequence, but a set of eight interconnected factors that are developed together, grouped into three essential trainings. Click a factor to see its description.
Wisdom (Paññā)
Ethical Conduct (Sīla)
Mental Discipline (Samādhi)
Select a path factor above to learn more.
Progressive Levels of Truth
The practice of meditation is a journey of refining perception, moving from the surface level of reality to its deepest nature. Select a level to understand its meaning.
Conventional Truth (Samuti Sacca)
This is the world of concepts, names, and labels we use for communication (e.g., “ man,” “ woman,” “ chair” ). It is truth based on social agreement and is essential for daily life. It corresponds to the training in Morality (Sīla).
The Support and The Essential
A crucial principle in practice is distinguishing between the object of meditation and the mental qualities we are cultivating. Confusing the two can hinder progress.
The Support (Ārammaṇa)
These are the meditation objects we use to anchor the mind. They are the means, not the end goal.
- The sensation of the in-and-out breath
- Rising and falling of the abdomen
- Bodily sensations (touch, pain, pressure)
- Sounds, sights, or thoughts
Analogy: The support is like a pole vaulter’s pole—a necessary tool to clear the bar, but not the objective itself.
The Essential (Maggaṅga)
These are the wholesome mental qualities we are truly cultivating. This is the heart of the practice.
- Mindfulness (sati): The quality of being aware.
- Effort (viriya): The energy to sustain awareness.
- Concentration (samādhi): The stability of the mind.
- Wisdom (paññā): The insight into reality.
Analogy: The essential is the vaulter’s skill, strength, and technique used to clear the bar.
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