The Foundations of Vipashyana

Four Applications of Mindfulness

To fundamentally heal stress and uproot afflictions of the mind, one needs insight into the nature of reality. In Sanskrit, this is called vipaśyanā. There are many forms of vipaśyanā or insight meditation. A classical one is the four foundations, or four applications of mindfulness (known as satipaṭṭhāna in the Pali language). It is to gradually become mindful of our body, our sensations, the workings of the mind, and phenomena at large.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with each one of these themes. Imagine Clarity practices are crafted in such a way that you should repeat them multiple times over time. They help you to enter into the more subtle experiences and objects to saturate the mind. As we advance, our experience becomes more refined and gradually leads to deeper insights.
This is the direct path, monks, for the purification of beings, for the overcoming of sorrow and lamentation, for overcoming pain and grief, for reaching the authentic path… namely, the four applications of mindfulness.
Satipaṭṭhānasutta

Mindfulness of the Body 1/4

As with other Imagine Clarity courses, this course on the establishment of mindfulness begins with the most accessible aspect of the practice, before progressing to subsequent aspects that build on this prerequisite.

Mindfulness of the body is the most fundamental and serves as an ideal starting point to anchor the practice of the establishment of mindfulness. By closely minding and exploring the body and breath, we relax and ground ourselves in physical presence. We observe the factors of emergence and dissolution of bodily experiences, rather than identifying with them.
Our recommendation is to integrate your practice of mindfulness of the body into your existing daily routine, or start afresh. These practices will serve as a preparation for our next theme: mindfulness of feelings.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
With good wishes,
The Imagine Clarity Team


Artwork: Yahne Le Toumelin, Ocean plus inouk, 1979
Continue

News

View all

The Foundations of Vipashyana

New contemplation on true happiness

New Course: A Taste of Inner Freedom

The Foundations of Vipashyana

New reflections in your toolbox

When our beliefs are challenged

Meditation and our emotional landscape

Explore Imagine Clarity by Topic

Creativity and Meditation

What is Your Vision?

The Union of Stillness and Motion

A Path of Insight Continues

Mindfulness of Phenomena: A Path of Insight: …

A Path of Insight: Mindfulness of the Mind (3/4)

Mindfulness of Sensations: A Path of Insight (2/4)

A Path of Insight: Mindfulness of the Body (1/4)

Starting where you are

New Awareness of Awareness Practices

Awareness, View, and Conduct

At the heart of hope

New advanced course: The Awareness of Awareness

Observing the Mind

What is a Spiritual Path?

What reality?

Clarity, Compassion and Genuine Happiness

Defining your goals

Walking mindfully

The spark of creativity

How can I train my mind?

Conative intelligence and flourishing

Essential qualities in leadership

New loving-kindness practices

Meditation Practice Foundations

Thoughts of the day

Heart to heart

Finding the Moment

Knowing yourself to know the world

This summer: Emergences

This summer: Mind & Life Europe

This summer in Arles

Creative Journey with Maria João Pires

Meditate with Imagine Clarity in Arles

Music and meditation evenings in the Théâtre …

50 years in the Himalayas, exhibition of …

Discover the redesigned Imagine Clarity app

Everyday meditations

Mindfulness of Phenomena

Join the Newsletter

In our complex world, refining our view from within is vital. Join the Imagine Clarity newsletter to receive inspiration and advice on meditation, personal growth, and the cultivation of wisdom and deeper insight.