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Vipassana, meaning "to see things as they really are," is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was popularised by Gautama Buddha more than 2500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills — an Art Of Living. There are many different techniques taught today under this term, however, and it is impossible to know which, if any, accurately reflect the Buddha's teaching. Vipassana is often associated with annapurna meditation.
The technique aims for the eradication of "mental impurities" and the resultant highest happiness of full liberation. Its claimed purpose is healing — not merely the curing of diseases, but the essential healing of human suffering.
Vipassana claims to be a way of self-transformation through self-observation. One focuses on the connection between mind and body, e.g. by disciplined attention to one's physical sensations, with an awareness of impermanence (anicca) and equanimity. This observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body is claimed to dissolve mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion.
Vipassana claims that through direct experience, the rules that operate one's thoughts, feelings, judgements and sensations will become clear; that the nature of how one grows or regresses, how one produces suffering or frees oneself from suffering will be understood and life will become characterised by increased awareness, non-delusion, self-control and peace.