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Vipassana Meditation Technique by Satya Narayan Goenka at Dhamma Java Bogor

Eko Susiono, I Wayan Suka Yasa, Ida Ayu Komang Arniati

Advances In Social Humanities Research March 4, 2026 DOI: 10.46799/adv.v4i2.543 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Topics Buddhism Meditation Mysticism
Keywords Absolute philosophy Emptiness Meaning existential Harmony color Mental health Aesthetics Exploratory research Prayer
Key findings Physical and mental causes are not obstacles but means to realize bodily sensations, not absolute causes, in S.N. Goenka's Vipassana meditation technique.

Abstract

In the modern era, many individuals experience spiritual emptiness and mental health disorders due to the pressures of life and loss of meaning in life. S.N. Goenka's technique of Vipassana meditation is present as an alternative to spiritual practice that emphasizes the observation of bodily sensations without ritual and is non-sectarian, thus attracting the interest of lay practitioners from various backgrounds.This research examines one of the rapidly growing practices in Indonesia today: the vipassana meditation technique used by S.N. Goenka. This technique is unique and interesting to study in depth because it uses direct observation of bodily sensations, without rituals, without note-taking, and without jhana requirements, thus attracting modern lay practitioners. This study integrates the reasons why vipassana meditation has not been beneficial for physical and mental health. Based on holistic theory, yoga sutra theory, and Buddhist meditation, it compares, aligns, and analyzes SN Goenka's Vipassana Meditation technique. This study uses data collection techniques including participant observation, direct interviews, and document studies. Data analysis is carried out through data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. Based on data analysis, the following findings were obtained: Holistically, physical and mental causes are not obstacles but rather means to realize bodily sensations, not absolute causes. In sutra yoga theory, sila is in harmony with yama and niyama, emphasizing internal self-discipline. In conclusion, S.N. Goenka's Vipassana meditation technique is a spiritual path to self-transformation that is relevant to physical and mental health today.

Comparable studies

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Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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Buddhism Meditation Mysticism