The word “Vipassana” means to observe the reality as it is in its true nature, not just as it appears to be, not just as it seems to be, but as it is in its true nature. 

It is a technique to bring peace and tranquillity to the human mind. One has to keep on observing the truth that manifests itself and the Low of Nature starts revealing itself. While starting this exploration of truths within you have to abstain from every type of violence, sexual misconduct, speaking lies, and taking any type of intoxicants. If you are generating such defilement it becomes impossible to go to the deeper levels of mind. 

To practise this technique you sit with your eyes closed without any vocal or physical action. Now start experiencing the breath coming in and breath going out. The breath comes in the breath goes out naturally. Start observing it. This is the reality, a very gross reality, but reality pertaining to your own mind and matter which has started manifesting itself. It is not breathing exercise, you are not to control your breath. Controlling, disciplining and regulating the breath is other technique called ‘Pranayama’. But ‘Vipassana’ is quite different from ‘Pranayama’. In Vipassana you observe the breath as it is – natural and normal breath. The exercise is to experience the reality which manifests itself within the framework of the body, not a breathing exercise.