Monitoring emotion through body sensation: a review of awareness in Goenka's Vipassana.
Xianglong Zeng, Tian P S Oei, Xiangping Liu
Journal of Religion and Health December 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-013-9754-6 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAwareness of subtle bodily sensations is a core ability cultivated in Goenka's Vipassana meditation, yet this sensitivity and its role in monitoring emotion receive little attention in modern mindfulness-based psychotherapies. Evidence indicates that Vipassana meditation enhances sensitivity to bodily sensations, but more research is needed to determine whether it improves awareness of psychological processes. The value of monitoring mental processing is widely accepted in psychology, though enhanced sensitivity may also carry potential risks to mental health. The article discusses implications for practice and future studies.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Vipassana meditation enhances sensitivity to bodily sensations, but further study is required to assess its effect on awareness of psychological processes. |
Abstract
Awareness is one of the two most important abilities cultivated in Goenka's Vipassana meditation, which refers to sensitivity to subtle bodily sensations and the associated psychological processes. This sensitivity and its derived function of monitoring emotion are not of notable concern in modern mindfulness-based psychotherapies. Evidence supports that Vipassana meditation truly enhances sensitivity to bodily sensations, but further study is required to assess the awareness of psychological processes. The value of monitoring mental processing has been widely accepted in psychology, as has enhanced sensitivity along with the potential dangers to mental health. Implications for practice and future studies are discussed.