Mindfulness Meditation

Naming & Terminology

The primary techniques that make up the practice called Mindfulness Meditation are also called Insight Meditation, Vipassana and Open Monitoring Meditation

As with all meditation and yoga practices, some teachers and lineages may intend or teach practices they call by particular names with their own subtle or personal differences. But in general, these are different names for the same practice.

Here we will refer to the practice as Mindfulness Meditation.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Mindfulness Meditation is a western, non-sectarian, research-based form of meditation derived from a 2,500 year old Buddhist practice called Vipassana or Insight Meditation. It is a form of meditation designed to develop the skill of paying attention to our inner and outer experiences with acceptance, patience, and compassion. – Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Central Pennsylvania, What is Mindfulness Meditation? 

VIPASSANA

Vipassana, or insight meditation, is the practice of continued close attention to sensation, through which one ultimately sees the true nature of existence. It is believed to be the form of meditation practice taught by the Buddha himself, and although the specific form of the practice may vary, it is the basis of all traditions of Buddhist meditation. – Sayadaw U Pandita 

OPEN MONITORING MEDITATION

In “open monitoring meditation” one begins to practice “awareness of thinking.” All we must do to practice this form of meditation is to be aware of our thoughts and feelings and observe them without attachment. – Kenji Crosland

Overview

Slight differentiation in approach is now the norm for every practice technique possible to describe. Although you might encounter variations, Mindvalley.org does a nice job here of describing the core elements of Mindfulness Meditation. Here’s their summary:

• Awareness Is Key
  All mindfulness meditations focus on developing awareness. Sometimes this awareness is of the body or breath, while other times it may focus on the outside world or internal thoughts.
• Non-Judgement Is Essential
  Mindfulness meditations all focus on experiencing awareness without judgement. In other words, mindfulness is about witnessing an experience or sensation without attachment or criticism.
• It Cultivates Peace
  Witnessing something without attaching meaning or value creates an important detachment that results in a calm and peaceful mind. Though your feelings are valuable and important, mindfulness teaches you how to find serenity despite them.