Is Anapanasati Meditation a Form of Vipassana?

It is often asked whether Anapanasati meditation is a form of Vipassana meditation, and if so, what the reasons for this classification are. Anapanasati, a key technique in the 10-day Vipassana course as taught by S. N. Goenkaji, can be seen as the initial step towards Vipassana. This article explores how Anapanasati serves as the foundational practice that leads to the development of Vipassana, the profound insight into the nature of reality.

Understanding Anapanasati and Vipassana

Regular sitting meditation practices are commonly categorized into two main types: shamatha and vipassana. In Pali, the language of the Pali Cannon, used by the Theravada school of Buddhism, shamatha refers to “peacefully abiding” or “tranquil awareness.” This practice involves stilling the mind and focusing it on a single point, often the breath in the case of Anapanasati. Vipassana means “profound sight” or “special insight,” involving taking the single-pointed focus of shamatha and directing it inward to understand the nature of the self and of dharmas.

Shamatha and Vipassana Together

The Buddha taught both shamatha and vipassana, combining these practices to lead to the realization of non-self and enlightenment. The Anapanasati Sutta, or the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing, provides a step-by-step guide from basic mindfulness of the breath to the deepest form of Buddhist meditation. Practicing the 16 steps in the Anapanasati and then the 7 steps in the Seven Limbs of Awakening, one learns the full course of practice that leads to the deep silent meditation of shamata/vipassana, a process that brings profound insight (vipassana) and the awakening of one's Buddha Nature.

Anapanasati as a Foundation

Anapanasati is the first form of meditation taught in the Vipassana course. It serves as a foundation that prepares the mind by calming the chattering mind. After three and a half days of focusing on breathing, one is then ready to engage in the more profound practice of Vipassana. The technique of Anapanasati trains the mind to become subtle enough to observe the arising and passing away of sensations, developing an understanding of impermanence and non-self.

Comparing Anapanasati and Vipassana

The practice of Anapanasati is different from Zen meditation, which often starts with a more immediate focus on achieving deep states of meditation without the explicit contemplation of impermanence and non-self. Zen practice can be likened to jumping into the deep end of the pool, while the Theravada approach begins with the shallow end, providing a more gradual and structured introduction to meditation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anapanasati meditation is indeed a form of Vipassana, playing a crucial role in preparing the mind for deeper insights. By focusing on the breath, one cultivates tranquility and develops the mental clarity needed for vipassana. Whether practicing Anapanasati or Vipassana, the goal remains the same: to awaken to the true nature of reality and achieve enlightenment.